California wines are popular worldwide.
California wines account for more than 90 percent of this country's total wine production, and have been winning international wine competitions for many years. The state has almost 3,000 vineyards, most in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
Cabernet Sauvignon
California cabernets are a favorite of many collectors and connoisseurs. Some of the top producers are Opus One, Robert Mondavi Special Reserve, Chateau Montelena, Shafer, Stag's Leap Cask 23, Caymus, Joseph Phelps and Cakebread Cellars. Depending on vintage and availability, prices range from around $60 for Caymus, to a high of $200 for a bottle of Joseph Phelps Insignia cabernet.
Merlot
Softer and not as full-bodied as cabernet, merlot is the most popular red wine in the country. The top vineyards are Duckhorn Vineyards Estate, Matanzas Creek, Newton, Groth, Chateau St. Jean Reserve, Sterling Reserve and St. Francis Reserve. Top merlots can range from around $30 for St. Francis, to about $80 for Duckhorn, depending on the vintage.
Pinot Noir
The most fragile and most difficult grape to grow, pinot noir is noted for its ruby color and cherry flavors. Some of California's best are Calera Reed, Gary Farrell, Pahlmeyer Sonoma Coast, Williams Selyem Sonoma Coast and Adrian Fog Savoy Vineyard. Top California pinot noirs can cost around $30 for a bottle of Gary Farell, to over $100 a bottle for Williams Selyem.
Red Zinfandel
An often overlooked and unappreciated wine except to collectors and connoisseurs, the best California red zinfandels are often big, brawny, inky wines high in alcohol content and viscosity. Ridge Napa Valley Zinfandel, Rombauer's Napa Valley Zinfandel, Ravenswood and Rosenblum Appellation Series San Francisco Bay are some of the best. Depending on the vintage, prices range from around $15 for Ravenswood,to about $35 for Ridge.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the most popular and largest selling wine in the United States. Typically buttery and oaky and brimming with fruit, the best California producers are Chateau Montelena, Grgich Hills, Acacia, Cakebread Cellars, Chalk Hill and Sonoma-Cutrer Les Pierres. They range in price from the low $30s for Chateau Montelena, to almost $70 for a bottle of Chalk Hill.
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