Our producers from the Golden State
In some ways, it seems strange to think of California as ‘new’ world; the Judgement of Paris (famous tasting that pitted French against American wines and put California’s vineyards solidly on the map) took place almost half a century ago and even the cult film ‘Sideways’, set around the wine country of Santa Barbara, will celebrate its twentieth anniversary next year.
However, it is true that Californian wine country is far from being saturated with family dynasties, set in their winemaking ways. Instead, a spirit of innovation flows through the state and new wineries do have a habit of popping up, seemingly overnight.
In amongst this wealth of options, our buyers have scoured the state and found a handful of new producers who are making wines with a skill and confidence that many, more-established wineries aspire to - with delicious results.
The below producers might not be household names at the moment, but watch this space, as they all undoubtedly have bright futures ahead of them. Now might be the time to stock your cellar before the secret gets out.
2018 GRENACHE Santa Barbara Highlands Tribute to Grace
Santa Barbara Highlands California USA 14.5% Red
Grenache. Magnums
Angela Osborne's light hand brings forth the high-desert intrigue of this vineyard in the Cuyama Valley. Very light in color, the wine carries aromas of iron and hardpan into waves of subtle cherry, rose and chaparral. T...(read more)
The Wine Enthusiast www.winemag.com
2021 PINOT NOIR Mariah Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Darling Wines
Mendocino California USA 12.3% Red
Pinot Noir.
Grown nine miles from the Pacific at 2,400 ft on Josephine and Hugo loam. A dry-farmed, no-till, regeneratively farmed vineyard. Hand-farmed by Dan, Vicki and Nicole Dooling, Mihael Frey and crew (bravo for mentioning th...(read more)
Jancis Robinson OBE MW
2021 PINOT NOIR Sonoma Coast Darling Wines
Sonoma California USA 13% Red
Pinot Noir.
Good red-fruit purity on the nose, alongside a dash of spicy pepper and juniper. Lithe and fresh on the palate. Lots of crunchy cherries and a touch of that stalky juniper note, too. Lightly grippy tannins and fresh, sta...(read more)
Oliver Coleman, www.JancisRobinson.com
2021 SYRAH Zayante Vineyard Darling Wines
Santa Cruz Mountains California USA 13.2% Red
Syrah.
From a vineyard at 1,200 ft facing the Pacific 11 miles away. Vines are ungrafted, dry-farmed and 35 years old and planted on fractured sandstone surrounded by redwoods. Three barrels produced. Pale purple with a pale ri...(read more)
Jancis Robinson OBE MW
2021 SYRAH North Coast Darling Wines
Sonoma California USA 12.5% Red
Syrah.
This is a truly exciting new addition to the range from Darling Wines. Syrah is Tom Darling's soft spot, and his passion and love for the grape is palpable in this wine. Incredibly pretty and aromatic on the nose, with v...(read more)
L&S
2018 ZINFANDEL Cemetery Vineyard m2 Wines
Lodi California USA 14.7% Red
Zinfandel.
Aged in American oak (15% new).
Deep crimson. Heady nose of plush, super-ripe (but not jammy) red fruit, sweet spice and tobacco. Great depth. Power and opulence married to surprisingly good refreshment. All the f...(read more)
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