California's Rhône-style wines thrive throughout the state, whether it's hearty reds made from Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre or floral whites from Viognier and Grenache Blanc. This diversity of locales and grape varieties is what keeps the wines interesting and keeps consumers and winemakers coming back for more. That said, specific regions stand out in different vintages, and the 2019 harvest belongs to California's Central Coast, particularly Paso Robles and Santa Barbara.
That's my takeaway after reviewing more than 200 Rhône-style reds in blind tastings at our Napa office since my previous report ("Open Range," May 31, 2021), in addition to nearly 75 Rhône-style whites reviewed by me or senior editor MaryAnn Worobiec. For Paso Robles and Santa Barbara, I give the 2019 reds a classic rating of 95 points on Wine Spectator's 100-point scale, while Napa and Sonoma receive an overall rating of 92 points. These scores are nearly identical to the final ratings I gave the 2018 wines, with the Central Coast regions faring just slightly better in 2019.
Justin Smith of Saxum rises to the top for this report with a knockout lineup of Rhône-style releases. Leading the pack are the James Berry Vineyard Paso Robles Willow Creek District 2019 (98 points, $98), a Grenache-based blend that’s a real powerhouse, deeply structured and a bit decadent but not weighty, and the Broken Stones Paso Robles Willow Creek District 2019 (97, $98), a spirited Syrah-based blend that offers supple blackberry, smoky meat and stony mineral flavors.
Esta historia es de la edición October 15, 2022 de Wine Spectator.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 15, 2022 de Wine Spectator.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Shipwrecked Champagne Hoard Discovered Near Sweden
It sometimes feels like wine has a habit of falling into the briny deep. On July 23, Polish wreck diver and underwater photographer Tomasz Stachura announced that he and his Baltictech team had discovered the wreck of a 19th-century sailing ship near Öland, an island off the coast of Sweden—and it was crammed with bottles of Champagne and mineral water.
Openings: The Latest in Napa Tasting
Several new tasting options have opened in Napa Valley, particularly in downtown Napa where wineries are launching satellite tasting rooms. Standing out from the crowd means trying new approaches. Here are some highlights:
War in Middle East Affects Vintners
The 2024 harvest at Israel’s Dalton Winery was punctuated by nonstop rocket and drone attacks launched from just across the border in Hezbollah-controlled southern Lebanon.
Wineries Sue Napa County in Federal Court
Three Napa wineries filed a joint lawsuit in federal court in September alleging that Napa County officials violated their constitutional rights.
Savoring Persimmon Season
For many, persimmons are an enigma ingredient. Chef David Nayfeld of Award of Excellence-winning Che Fico in San Francisco and its Best of Award of Excellence sibling dangling persimmons off the tree with a stick at a childhood friend's house before realizing what they were. \"I remember his parents saying, 'Hey, don't hit the persimmons, those are food!\"\"
Tasting Plate: A German Six-Pack
Though it boasts Western Europe’s largest population and biggest economy, Germany is nowhere near the cheese juggernaut its neighbors Switzerland and France are. That said, the Germans love their fine cheeses, and they do turn out some excellent ones, fortunately including more than a handful that are currently available here in the U.S.
Gigondas Blanc Est Arrivé!
Ask winemakers in the Southern Rhône to name the most exciting white grape in their region and you will hear a growing number of them say \"Clairette.\"
Kistler's DARKER SIDE
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ups the ante at the house that Chardonnay built
THE SPLENDOR OF CHAMPAGNE
THE REGION'S LEADING PRODUCERS DELIVER HIGH QUALITY AMID A DIVERSE RANGE OF STYLES
MICHAEL BATTERBERRY: 1932-2010 Gourmet, Journalist, Gentleman
Before Food Network, Top Chef or Yelp ... before the term “foodie\" ... before tomatoes were heirloom and sushi was fast food... back when fancy restaurants were always French... Michael Batterberry and his wife, Ariane, were working to celebrate and elevate the status of American chefs and international cuisine. Julie Mautner, Food Arts' former executive editor, looks at the life and legacy of her late mentor, affectionately known as The Bat.
