
California Red Wine
Learn about California red wine, common tasting notes, where the region is and more ...
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!
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Radio-Coteau Savoy Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley, Mendocino, California
- JD
- W&S
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Robert Foley Vineyards Claret 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Alexander Valley Vineyards Cyrus 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Mt. Brave Malbec 2016Malbec from Napa Valley, California
- JD
- RP
- JS
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Rhys Vineyards Bearwallow Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley, Mendocino, California
- JD
- RP
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Kerr Cellars Curvature Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Knights Bridge Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
- WE
- RP
- CG
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Acre Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- WS
- JS
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Stanton Vineyards Saint Helena Petite Sirah 2016Petite Sirah from St. Helena, Napa Valley, California
- CG
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ADAMVS Quintvs 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California
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Hestan Vineyards Meyer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- JS
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Ziata Mia Madre Red Blend 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Long Meadow Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- WW
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Hendry Red Wine 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Notary Public Happy Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Happy Canyon, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
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Robert Foley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- JD
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Crown Point Estate Selection 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Happy Canyon, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
- WE
- JD
- RP
- WW
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Paul Hobbs Nathan Coombs Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Coombsville, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- JS
- WS
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Capiaux Cellars Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016Pinot Noir from Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey, Central Coast, California
- V
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Schug Heritage Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Vinum Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- JS
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Hestan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- JS
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Lang & Reed Two-Fourteen Cabernet Franc 2016Cabernet Franc from Napa Valley, California
- JD
- WW
- RP
- WS
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Futo Helianthus 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- JS
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Blackbird Vineyards Paramour Napa Valley Proprietary Red 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
- SJ
- WW
- RP
- W&S