Continuing with wine regions around the world, I will finish the US with California, the 800 lbs. gorilla of America’s wine industry. According to The World Atlas of Wine (WAoW) and my notes from the National Wine School (NWS), over 80% of North American wine is grown in California: more that any other country outside of Europe. When 2 California wines (1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay & 1973 Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon), won the 1976 “Judgement of Paris” wine competition, the world began to pay attention to this state (and the US). By the 1980’s, Napa Valley was consistently producing some of the BEST wines in the world, which they still do today. In addition to this area, I will first talk about parts of Sonoma & Pasa Robles, two other regions of note.
The Pasa Robles wine area is in San Luis Obispo County, south of Monterey. It is here, in the hills just off of US 101 that the French Rhone Rangers brought cuttings to grow grapes. Originally known for potent Zinfandels, a somewhat unique California varietal, Pasa Robles has earned a reputation for its affordable array of red blends (like J Lohr) and Rhone-ish whites. Many wine outlets, like Clinton Wine & Spirits, will have excellent and affordable Pasa Robles wines in their Zinfandel, red blend, or Syrah sections. Most can be bought in Billy’s price range. But, better ones will be found at the low end of Steve’s price range. Sonoma County, where California grape growing started in 1857, is famous for its outstanding Pinot Noirs. You can also get very affordable Chardonnays and Zinfandels here. There are 18 different growing areas (known as sub AVA’s, American Vinicultural Areas). But, the two for the best Pinot Noirs & Zinfandels are the Green Valley of the Russian River Valley and the Sonoma Coast area. Here you will find Aubert, Martinelli, Rivers-Marie, & Domaine de la Cote making some of the best Pinots in Steve’s price range.
In my opinion, there is nothing that compares to a Napa Cab! It is what everyone comes to Napa Valley to buy. Even though only 4% of the state’s grapes are grown here, more than 20% of California’s wine sales revenue comes from this one area. It is truly the HEART of the California wine industry. Started by German growers like the Krug & Beringer families in the 1860’s to 1870’s, Napa Valley became America’s wine “Rock Star” thanks to growers like Robert Mondavi in the 1980’s. Contained within these 16 mountain and valley floor sub AVA’s, are the best wines America has to offer. Personally, I think they give Burgundy & Bordeaux (widely recognized as the best wines in the world) a run for their money. Unfortunately, you will pay for the privilege! It is very difficult to find any descent Napa Cabs below Reggie III’s price range, although a few can be had at the top of Steve’s price range. 2019 & 2018 were GREAT years, avoid 2020. Otherwise, the best Napa Cabs that are reasonably priced (below $200.00) can be found at Mayacamus, Beaulieu Vineyard (BV), Stag’s Leap, Beringer, Caymus, and Dominus Estate.
That should do it for Blog Post #10, next week I will reveal the Wine of the Month for November. Here’s a hint: it’s a Napa Cab. Cheers!