logo
hero-image

Top 11 California Wines You Must Try

Culture & Lifestyle | North America | By Annik Boulva

California WinesIt’s hard to believe that just a few decades ago, no one spoke about the “legendary” or “iconic” wines of California. That’s not to say that there weren’t any. It’s just that, beyond the in-the-know wine fanatics, few people really knew what was going on in California.

That was before the rise of the so-called “cult” wines, coveted bottles from wineries like Heitz, Grace Family Vineyards, Screaming Eagle and Harlan and (just to name a few), that sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars. If—and that’s a huge ‘if’— you can even get on the list to buy direct from the wineries, for these are not the kinds of wines you find at the average local boutique.

Today, the wines of California are known around the globe for their quality and diversity and the state accounts for 90 percent of the wine made in the United States. If California were a country, it would rank fourth in the world for wine production, behind France, Spain and Italy.

Top California Wines

Top California WinesOf course, when we think of California wine, the first thing that comes to mind is Napa, its most famous wine region. Neighbouring Sonoma runs a close second. No surprise, this is the land of the “cult” wines. It’s these wines that solidified Cabernet Sauvignon as the signature grape of California—and of Napa and Sonoma specifically. Here, winemakers defined a style—rich, opulent, silky, fruit-forward, oaky and powerful — that went against the Bordeaux model. The wines were made to drink young, pretty much as soon as they were released. Not so in Bordeaux, where wines from top producers needed to age 10 or 20 years before reaching their peak.

While “soft and easy” stands today as the classic style, California is still evolving. Those massive “fruit-bomb” wines of Napa and Sonoma have been joined by, shall we say, more finessed styles. We have Pinot Noir to thank for that, along with a current vogue for so-called “cool climate” wine styles. These are less flashy and more reverent to the grapes and the terroir in which they are reared. Contemporary wines from Napa and Sonoma offer something for every wine lover’s palate. Here are some of the stars worth searching out.

Top California Wines

Napa

Colgin IX Estate Proprietary Red 2014

An intense and pure wine. Approachable young but certainly age-worthy. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Robert Parker gave this wine 98 points.

Top California WinesOpus One 2013

The brainchild of Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, conceived after the two met in 1970. Elegantly balanced and expressive of black fruit and dark chocolate, this wine received 100 points from James Suckling.

Shafer Napa Valley Merlot 2014

This Merlot put Shafer on the map in the early 1980s. The wine has 14% Malbec and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon contributing to a juicy powerhouse of fresh berries, plum and herbs. Sumptuous texture.

Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2015

The wine that bested a line-up of Burgundies and Californians at the historic Judgment at Paris wine tasting in the 1970s, thus solidifying Napa’s reputation for premium Chardonnay.

Cliff Lede Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

From a leader in sustainable winemaking in the Napa region, this Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic Bordeaux blend with 9% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec and 2% Merlot. Powerful yet elegant, designed for drinking now but worthy of cellaring for 10 to 15 years.

Top California Wines

SonomaTop California Wines

Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2016

A stellar vintage brought pristine fruit sourced from several vineyards on the Sonoma Coast, which experiences maritime influences from the Pacific Ocean. Savoury and spice notes meld with plum, currants and chocolate.

Williams Selyem Olivet Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016

From one of the oldest Pinot Noir vineyards in the Russian River Valley, planted in 1975. This was an excellent vintage. Expect a perfumed and floral Pinot with black cherry and herbal notes. A complex, voluptuous wine.

Top California Wines

La Crema Nine Barrel Pinot Noir 2015

This 100% Pinot Noir is made from nine barrels selected by the winemaker for their exceptional quality. A complex, multi-layered Pinot packed with cherry, black licorice and chocolate.

Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

A blend of fruit from Sonoma and Napa, this is Pride’s flagship Cabernet Sauvignon. It delivers the winery’s classic style: unctuous, powerful and fruit-forward, with layers of spice, herbs and nuts contributing to its intensity.

Arrowood Réserve Spéciale Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Arrowood has focused on Bordeaux varieties since 1986. The flagship Réserve Spéciale is designed for ageing for 20 or more years. Robert Parker rated this wine 94+ points.

Kistler Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay 2015

Kistler is a specialist in Chardonnay, though they also do wonderful Pinot Noir. This wine is made with fruit sourced from vineyard parcels in the Sonoma Mountains.

Top California Wines