Winemaker Notes
Jet black in the glass, pair this full-bodied wine with equally bold dishes: charbroiled bacon cheeseburgers, spicy sausage gumbo or pork baby back ribs slathered in barbecue sauce.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
The year 1924 may have been full of flappers with short skirts, but it was also a time when J. Edgar Hoover led the FBI during the bleak period of Prohibition in the U.S. However, it was also the same year that Delicato planted its first vineyards in California. Back then their wines were probably imbibed at a speakeasy or two, but today this particular liquid tribute to that era is a “drink easy.” Rich, concentrated and intense, rhubarb, cinnamon and melted dark chocolate charleston across the tongue; tannins are round and firm, and that 15% alcohol is quite restrained. Notes of wheat bread, black tea and dried cherries lead to a savory finish. Before you know it, thanks to its fine food pairing abilities, the wine is all gone—23 skidoo!
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!