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Ultimate California Wines Making once-in-a-lifetime, California wine dreams come true Ask me what are the top 10 wines from California – ones you just have to taste at least once in a lifetime – and I’d suggest the wines listed below. Just my opinion, of course; others’ views will vary. Regardless, don’t be put off by the prices. These, fellow enthusiasts, are not your everyday wines, so on special occasions go ahead and spoil yourself. Home of American Wines First, some background. California, after France, Italy and Spain, is the fourth largest wine-producing region. Considered the home of American wines, the Golden State features venturesome winemakers prone to try just about anything. And they do, planting different varieties in different regions and experimenting with numerous blends. As such, California wines have won recognition for being among the best new ones produced today. What’s more, California gave birth to the trend of making the grapes themselves, not just their producers, the stars of the wine. Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay – all were in the background and subordinate but not anymore. California wineries enthusiastically endorsed and put these names on the tips of wine-lovers’ lips the world over. Napa and Beyond Napa, one of the smallest, most expensive and best-known wine producing regions in the world, is the birthplace of California wine. Although less than 5 percent of California’s grapes are grown in Napa, some three hundred wineries call it home and almost all produce a Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot. Catching up to and perhaps equaling Napa in reputation is Sonoma County. It is known for the same grape varieties as Napa, but its more varied climate also allows Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc to flourish. Winemakers in still other California regions – the Central Coast, Sierra foothills, South Coast and Central Valley – work with the same and additional grape varieties to produce scores of same and different wines, while also continually experimenting in creating various blends. Their outputs, to mention a few, include Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Italian-inspired Pinot Grigio. Given such quality, California wineries increasingly sell and ship directly to consumers throughout the U.S., with some wineries heralding waiting lists of more than three years. The Ultimate 10 Mount Eden Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountains – Chardonnay 1996 or 1998 -- $80-$150 depending on how lucky you are in finding a local or online source. Harlan Estate Napa Valley – Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 -- $200-$275. Opus One Winery, Oakville, Napa Valley – Cabernet Sauvignon with 4% Malbec and 1% petit verdot 1997. My all-time favorite! $175-$225. Araujo Estate, Eisele Vineyard, Napa Valley – Cabernet Sauvignon 1993. Ready to be opened now and tastes amazing. $400-$500. BV “Georges de Latour” Private Reserve, Napa – Cabernet Sauvignon 1997. $175-$235. Andrew Will “Ciel du Cheval,” Columbia Valley – Merlot 1999. $90-$135. Adrian Fog, Two Sisteres Vineyard, Russian River Valley – Pinot Noir 2001. $85-$135. Ojai Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyards, Santa Barbara County – Syrah 2001. $85-$125. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23, Napa Valley – Cabernet Sauvignon 1997. $300-$400 and worth every penny. Caymus Special Selection, Napa Valley – Cabernet Sauvignon 1994. $285-$350. |
