
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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Stags' Leap Winery Petite Sirah 2018Petite Sirah from Napa Valley, California
- JS
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Caymus Suisun Grand Durif 2019Petite Sirah from Suisun Valley, North Coast, California
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J. Lohr Tower Road Petite Sirah 2018Petite Sirah from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- TP
- W&S
- WE
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Trentadue La Storia Petite Sirah 2019Petite Sirah from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
- WW
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Parducci True Grit Reserve Petite Sirah 2020Petite Sirah from Mendocino, California
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OVIS Petite Sirah 2016Petite Sirah from High Valley, Lake County, North Coast, California
- WE
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Parducci Small Lot Petite Sirah 2019Petite Sirah from Mendocino, California
- WE
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Criss Cross Petite Sirah 2017Petite Sirah from Clarksburg, Yolo County, California
- WE
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Bogle Petite Sirah 2019Petite Sirah from California
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Guenoc California Petite Sirah 2019Petite Sirah from California
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The Crusher Petite Sirah 2017Petite Sirah from California
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Stanton Vineyards Saint Helena Petite Sirah 2016Petite Sirah from St. Helena, Napa Valley, California
- CG
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Terra d'Oro Petite Sirah 2019Petite Sirah from Amador, Sierra Foothills, California
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Stanton Vineyards Saint Helena Petite Sirah 2018Petite Sirah from St. Helena, Napa Valley, California
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Three Wine Company Petite Sirah 2017Petite Sirah from San Francisco Bay, Central Coast, California
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Parducci Small Lot Petite Sirah 2020Petite Sirah from Mendocino, California
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Gehricke Petite Sirah 2018Petite Sirah from Sonoma County, California
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Fiftyrow Vineyards Silver Dollar Petite Sirah 2018Petite Sirah from Napa Valley, California
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Vinum Cellars PETS Petite Sirah 2020Petite Sirah from Clarksburg, Yolo County, California
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Cline Contra Costa Petite Sirah 2019Petite Sirah from California
- TP
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TOR Palisades Vineyard Petite Sirah 2018Petite Sirah from Napa Valley, California
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Lava Cap Petite Sirah 2018Petite Sirah from El Dorado, Sierra Foothills, California
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Mettler Family Vineyards Petite Sirah 2018Petite Sirah from Lodi, California
- WW
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TOR Palisades Vineyard Petite Sirah 2017Petite Sirah from Napa Valley, California
- JD
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Foppiano Estate Petite Sirah 2019Petite Sirah from Russian River, Sonoma County, California
- WE