In 1976, during the Judgment of Paris, American red wine stepped into the world of fine wines. After tasting a particularly excellent wine from Napa Valley, a judge exclaimed, “Ah, back to France!” thereby forever shattering the notion that good wine could only come from Europe. Today, there are no more boundaries, and the United States—especially California—offers a wealth of exceptional red wines. The only challenge lies in deciding where to begin. Many of the finest bottles from the United States are available at the 8wines online shop. In this article, we will highlight the regions and names to watch for in the upcoming year.
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The Wine Regions of the USA
The United States has long been revered as a land of unlimited opportunities, with grapes cultivated in nearly every corner of the original “New World.” However, not all wine regions are created equal, and there are specific parts of the USA that have proven particularly fruitful for red wine production.
Virginia, located on the East Coast of the United States, is considered the birthplace of the American wine tradition. The first colonists began winemaking here in the 17th century, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that viticulture truly took off. Today, Virginia boasts over 300 wineries and 4,000 acres of vineyards, where varieties such as Viognier, Cabernet Franc, and Norton—the oldest red grape in the country—are cultivated. Similar to the early settlers, winemaking gradually spread westward, reaching the Midwest and Southwest before finding a true home in the “Wild West.”
On the West Coast, Washington State is the first stop for any discerning wine consumer. This region has slowly gained recognition and quality in recent years, making Washington Pinot Noir a serious competitor to Burgundy. Much like the famed French province, Washington features a fascinating blend of “old guard” wineries, like Chateau Ste. Michelle, and younger wineries with a more DIY attitude, such as the dynamic Charles Smith. You can learn more about Washington in our article here. Neighboring Oregon is also on the rise, benefiting from many of the same environmental factors as Washington.
However, the true stronghold for US red wine is California, where 85% of the country’s wine is produced.
A Guide to California’s Wine Regions
When thinking of California, also known as the Golden State, images of thirsty, sun-soaked fields and a vast blue ocean come to mind. In reality, it is a long strip of land stretching over ten degrees of latitude, showcasing an enormous diversity of terroirs. While AVAs like Sonoma and Alexander Valley exhibit a typical California climate, regions like Napa Valley and Mendocino County can be surprisingly cool and shrouded in Pacific fog. California wines are diverse, utilizing grapes from both cool and hot climates.
Which Wine is Most Famous in California?
Cabernet Sauvignon is undoubtedly the most widely grown grape variety in the Golden State. California Cabs are known as rich, full-bodied fruit bombs with pronounced herbal notes of mint, bell pepper, and eucalyptus leaves. Other key California red grape varieties worth trying include Zinfandel, which (similar to the rugged mountain men of the frontier in earlier times) has a reputation for being rough and high in alcohol. Pinot Noir and Merlot are also important varieties in the West, along with the fruity Syrah, which often sits halfway between a classically sleek French Syrah and a ripe Australian Shiraz.
The Top 5 California Wineries You Should Visit
- Duckhorn Duckhorn Vineyards is located in St. Helena, north of San Francisco, and is one of the most reliable producers of red wine from Napa Valley. Founded in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, the winery has always focused on Bordeaux varieties, producing an excellent range of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines, now complemented by some lighter Pinot Noir options. Even if you can’t visit the winery in person, the wines have the ability to delight your senses. The Three Palms is a concentrated Cabernet from a single vineyard, heavily influenced by volcanic soils that give the wine a fascinating mineral edge. With its rich, bold character and vibrant red color, it is an excellent starting point for your journey through Napa Valley.
If you’re looking to broaden your horizons, Duckhorn also produces a stunning Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that comes exclusively from the winery’s own vineyards. With a splash of Merlot, this is a robust Bordeaux-style red wine that is perfect for aging. - DAOU DAOU Vineyards was founded in the late 1990s by Lebanese brothers Daniel and Georges, offering a truly unique interpretation of California red wines. After leaving Lebanon during the civil war in 1975, the brothers found a new home and purpose in the sun-drenched Paso Robles. This corner of the Central Coast provides a perfect blend of Napa-like terroir and limestone soils, akin to those found two oceans away in Bordeaux, which serve as a vital inspiration for the winery. The Pessimist is a rich, tannic blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Tannat. These four California staples harmonize beautifully to create a hedonistic, berry-rich wine with deep, spicy notes of dark cocoa, smoke, and roasted coffee beans. It is undeniably bold and caters to lovers of deep, dreamlike red wines.
Soul of a Lion takes the quality even further. This is a predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon cuvée with a splash of peppery Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It is a wine of high collector value that deserves a place in the cellar of any serious wine lover—you can age it for over a decade or pair it with an equally decadent meal. - Caymus Caymus Vineyards is one of the more recognizable names on this list, famous for its top-tier, bold red wines. Founded in 1972 by Chuck Wagner, the winery remains in the hands of the Wagner family, who continue to operate it to this day. The historic winery is located in Rutherford, Napa Valley, and is a fantastic place to visit if you have the opportunity. We begin with the recommendation for the Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon, an opulent bottle of wine with high collector value and virtually unlimited aging potential. It is a full-bodied flavor experience with deep, dark fruit layers carrying the signature notes of ripeness characteristic of Caymus. The winemakers like to leave their grapes hanging on the vines a bit longer than usual to develop riper tannins and a complex flavor harmony.
You may have never heard of a wine with a production cycle like Der Red Schooner. This is a 100% Malbec wine whose grapes were shipped during harvest season from Mendoza, Argentina, between February and April. This allows Caymus to maximize the potential of its wine cellar and produce a delicious wine while other wineries in the Northern Hemisphere are resting. The Red Schooner is a far-traveled red wine as deep black as the hold of a ship and yet brimming with fragrant fruit aromas and strong notes of cherry, chocolate, and vanilla extracts.
For fans of lighter red wines, Caymus also offers a bottle of Pinot Noir. Sea Sun is the passion project of Charlie Wagner, the founder Chuck’s son. His grapes come from the breezy coastal regions of California, like Santa Barbara and Monterey. It is a generous red wine with a light body, enriched with subtle spices, ripe red fruits, and dark berries. It pairs perfectly with juicy meats or is suitable for multi-year aging in the cellar. - Rombauer Rombauer Vineyards has been a California institution since 1980. Founded by Koerner and Joan Rombauer, the winery boasts some of the finest wine production facilities in the country and a selection of incredible vineyards from Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and the Sierra Foothills. Our sole recommendation is Rombauer’s highly rated Merlot. It comes from a blend of vineyards and producers and is a sea-influenced red wine with a soft, decadent character. It is the perfect choice if you can’t handle the brash character of Cabernet Sauvignon, offering a silky, easy-drinking taste of the Californian coast.
- Orin Swift All the wineries we have discussed so far present an elegant image of the old-world winemaking tradition. Orin Swift is a winery that breaks the mold and dedicates itself to the artistic side of winemaking—at least when it comes to packaging. It was founded in 1998 by David Phinney after he worked as a seasonal harvest intern at Robert Mondavi Winery for a time. Machete is a good example of Phinney’s unique approach to winemaking. Each bottle bears one of 12 different images taken by photographer Caitlin Mitchell. The wine itself is a careful blend of Petite Sirah and Rhône varieties Grenache and Syrah, resulting in a robust, fruity red wine. Buy it for the collector’s label—drink it for the delicious notes of plum, Black Forest cake, dried herbs, and tobacco smoke.
If you explore the Orin Swift Cellar in St. Helena, we also recommend a bottle of Papillon. On paper, it is a classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. However, in the mouth, it undeniably carries the character of the New World. The fruity power of Cabernet Sauvignon is the conductor, while the other grape varieties complete the orchestra.
In conclusion, the landscape of US red wines is vibrant and continually evolving, with exciting new producers and varietals emerging every year. The dedication to quality and innovation is evident in the wineries and wines we’ve highlighted. As you prepare for 2024, exploring these exceptional wines will surely enhance your palate and wine experience. Whether you prefer the bold, fruit-forward profiles of California reds or the emerging gems from other states, there’s a wealth of flavors and styles waiting to be discovered. Embrace the journey and enjoy every sip!
