
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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Gia by Gia Coppola Red Blend (1 Liter Bottle) 2019Other Red Blends from California
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Leviathan 2019Other Red Blends from California
- JS
- JD
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The Prisoner Wine Company The Prisoner Red Blend (375ML half-bottle) 2019Other Red Blends from California
- WW
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Sean Minor Nicole Marie Red Blend 2019Other Red Blends from North Coast, California
- TP
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Ridge Lytton Springs 2019Other Red Blends from Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
- WW
- JD
- CG
- WE
- WS
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Meiomi Red BlendOther Red Blends from California
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The Crane Assembly Disciples 2018Other Red Blends from California
- WW
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Ridge Three Valleys Red 2019Other Red Blends from Sonoma County, California
- WS
- JD
- CG
- WE
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L'Aventure Optimus 2018Other Red Blends from Willow Creek District, Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- JD
- JS
- D
- RP
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Dueling Pistols Dry Creek Red Blend 2016Other Red Blends from Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
- TP
- JS
- WW
- JD
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Big Max Red Blend 2017Other Red Blends from California
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Dark Horse Double Down Red BlendOther Red Blends from California
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Parducci True Grit Reserve Red Blend 2019Other Red Blends from Mendocino, California
- WE
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Hourglass HG III Proprietary Red Blend 2019Other Red Blends from Napa Valley, California
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Ancient Peaks Paso Robles Renegade 2019Other Red Blends from Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- TP
- WE
- WW
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Fess Parker Frontier Red BlendOther Red Blends from California
- WW
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Roth Estate Heritage Red 2018Other Red Blends from Sonoma County, California
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Dark Horse Big Red BlendOther Red Blends from California
- TP
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Buena Vista Chateau Buena Vista Proprietary Red 2018Other Red Blends from North Coast, California
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Menage a Trois Red Blend 2020Other Red Blends from California
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Robert Mondavi Private Selection Rye Barrel Aged Red Blend 2018Other Red Blends from Monterey, Central Coast, California
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Menage a Trois Silk Soft Red Blend 2020Other Red Blends from California
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Orin Swift Cellars Machete 2019Other Red Blends from California
- JS
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19 Crimes Snoop Cali Red 2020Other Red Blends from California
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Troublemaker Red BlendOther Red Blends from Central Coast, California
- WE