California Wine: Pushing the Envelope—K&L's Monthly Newsletter

Top values, epic collectibles, smart buys, and the best of California... Monday Sep 16th, 2019 [View in Browser]( [KL-emailheader.gif]( remarkable to think how far the California wine scene has come since its revival in the 1960s. What started a fledgling enterprise with a handful of intrepid producers has flourished into a $40 billion industry with California becoming the world’s fourth-largest wine producer in the process. The state’s natural diversity and grape friendly climate are elemental to its success, but ultimately, it’s the people behind the wines that have propelled this impressive growth. It’s through their vision and unwavering commitment that California has become the benchmark that it is. Collectors the world over are seeking out California wines, and, in some instances, paying top dollar for the experience. Perhaps most thrilling, however, is that the wines are better than ever. Producers have not only honed their skills, crafting some of the world’s best Cabernet, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc, but they have also branched out, exploring new winemaking practices and grape varieties—ever pushing the limits of their craft. The result is an embarrassment of riches. Never before have we been witness to such a bounty of superb wines, done up in a dizzying array of styles and varieties. In [this month’s edition of Wine News]( our Domestic Wine Buyer, Ryan Woodhouse, surveys the California wine scene. First, he introduces us to an up-and-coming estate in the Santa Cruz Mountains: Madson Wines. Next, he offers us an analysis of the current state of California Chardonnay (spoiler: it’s never been better). From there, he explains why we should be drinking more Zinfandel and, lastly, proves that affordable Napa Cabernet is not a myth. Along the way, you’ll find some excellent recommendations from terrific house pours to top collectibles. Below are some of our top picks from this truly inspiring region. Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2016 Paul Dolan Mendocino County Cabernet Sauvignon 94 $19.95 [View]( 2015 Rodney Strong "Reserve" Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 97 $39.95 [View]( 2014 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 92 $119.95 [View]( 2013 Inglenook "Rubicon" Rutherford Bordeaux Blend (Elsewhere $180) 97 Price: Hidden [View]( 2016 Dominus Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend 100 $299.00 [View]( Chardonnay Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2015 Matias Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay (Elsewhere $30) 93 Price: Hidden [View]( 2015 Dierberg "Dierberg Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay 93 Price: Hidden [View]( 2015 Peake Ranch Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay (Previously $40) 94 Price: Hidden [View]( 2016 Failla Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 92 $34.99 [View]( 2017 Wayfarer "Wayfarer Vineyard" Fort Ross-Seaview Chardonnay 97 $79.95 [View]( Zinfandel Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2017 Bedrock Wine Company "Old Vine" California Zinfandel 93 $23.95 [View]( 2015 Hendry "Block 7 & 22" Napa Valley Zinfandel 94 $29.95 [View]( 2012 Ridge Vineyards "Buchignani Ranch" Sonoma County Zinfandel $34.99 [View]( 2017 Robert Biale "Black Chicken" Napa Valley Zinfandel $44.95 [View]( 2016 Outpost Howell Mountain Zinfandel 96 $49.99 [View]( Pinot Noir Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2017 B.R. Cohn North Coast Pinot Noir 92 $16.95 [View]( 2014 Carmel Road "South Crest Panorama Vineyard" Monterey Pinot Noir (Previously $55) 91 $19.99 [View]( 2017 Siduri Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 93 Price: Hidden [View]( 2017 Hartford Court Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 95 $29.95 [View]( 2018 Kalinda Anderson Valley Pinot Noir $29.99 [View]( Sauvignon Blanc and Other Whites Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2018 Pine Ridge Napa Valley Chenin Blanc-Viognier $11.95 [View]( 2018 Trefethen "Estate" Napa Valley Dry Riesling $19.95 [View]( 2018 Turnbull Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc $19.95 [View]( 2017 Quivira "Alder Grove" Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc 93 $19.99 [View]( 2018 Peter Michael "L'Apres-Midi" Knights Valley Sauvignon Blanc $64.99 [View]( Other Reds Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2017 Sans Liege "The Offering" Santa Barbara County Rhône Blend $27.99 [View]( 2015 Samsara Santa Barbara County Syrah 94 $29.95 [View]( 2017 Pax "Sonoma-Hillsides" Sonoma County Syrah (Previously $48) 94 Price: Hidden [View]( 2016 Tablas Creek "Esprit de Tablas" Paso Robles Rhône Blend 95 $59.95 [View]( 2015 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Merlot 96 $79.95 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [New Feed]( [Auction]( [Local]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [On the Trail (K&L Blog)]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [BORDEAUX]( | [NAPA]( | [BURGUNDY]( | [CHAMPAGNE]( | [ITALY]( | [RHÔNE]( | [SPIRITS]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [My Account]( | [Wine Clubs]( | [Events]( |[Gift Cards]( | [Accessories]( | [Delivery]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Missed an offer? 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