Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Here is a testament to good-quality, California-appellated wines. This red blend opens with immediate aromas of fresh violets, plump black cherry, black currant, chocolate, tarragon, fennel and toasted wood. The palate mirrors those aromatics, but they jump with vivacity from the solid dose of acidity and generous alcohol. Firm tannic texture adds structural integrity, leading toward a fairly lengthy finish.
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James Suckling
A juicy red with blackberry, chocolate and walnut character. Some hazelnut, too. Full-bodied. Layered and flavorful. Big, but not heavy.
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Wine Spectator
Ripe and gutsy, with a dense core of tannins framed by blackberry and currant flavors. Reveals espresso, cracked pepper and grilled anise accents that finish with tannic grip. Hands off for now. Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Syrah, Sangiovese, Viognier, Grenache and Malbec. Best from 2025 through 2031.
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!