Well-cut gems from Cali
Four wines from California that everyone should recognize on a shelf.
The year 1976. Paris, France 🇫🇷.
A group of French sommeliers blind taste Californian and French (Bordeaux) wines. They want to prove that French wines are still the best in the world. The event will later be named the Judgment of Paris.
The tasting results surprised all the judges, contestants, and viewers. Californian wines won in all categories.
In the red wine category, Californian Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars outcompeted Bordeaux’s titans Château Mouton-Rothschild and Château Haut-Brion.
In the white wine category, Californian chardonnay from Chateau Montenela took first place, leaving wines from Burgundy far behind.
For true wine lovers, I highly recommend the film “Bottle Shock” (2008), which shows the whole story of the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976.
Back in 1976, Californian wine got its recognition all over the world. As a result, today, we have the abound of wines from the West Coast. So, let’s discover some of Cali's most recognizable labels 🇺🇸.
Stag’s Leap
The 1976 Judgment of Paris winner.
Stag’s Leap is known for its high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Nevertheless, Stag’s whites also deserve a bit of a spotlight. For example, Stag’s Leap "Karia" Chardonnay is a spectacular, fresh, and elegant wine.
“S.L.V,” “Fay,” “Cask 23”, “Karia,” or “Artemis” - these are the names of the vineyards the grapes come from.
“Cask 23” is Stag’s flagship wine. Since 1974, “Cask 23” has been made only in years viewed by the winemaking team as producing excellent quality fruit.
Paul Lato
Paul Lato was born and raised in Poland 🇵🇱. He studied in Cracow and then immigrated to Spain and Canada. He was working as a sommelier, but in 2002 decided to develop his wine brand in the States 🇺🇸.
Paul’s first vintages have wowed critics, including Robert Parker, who generally gives them ratings between 94 and 98 points.
Some wine connoisseurs compare Paul Lato Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to the best ones from the legendary Burgundy 🇫🇷.
The wine is so good that you may find Paul’s wines in the best restaurants worldwide, including 13 honored with three Michelin stars.
Orin Swift
When David Swift Phinney went to Florence in 1995, he was introduced to wine for the first time. Four years later, he founded Orin Swift Cellars and began to grow the brand.
Orin Swift is best known for its spectacular red Cabernet Sauvignon. You should definitely give it a try, and don’t let the labels distract you.
Two of the most celebrated Orin’s bottles are the “Mercury Head” (last bottle on the right) and “Papillon” (third bottle on the left).
Friendly Warning: most of the Orin Swift wines have high alcohol content. From 15% up to even 15,7%.
Ridge Vineyards
Ridge Vineyards is one of California's oldest vineyards that was founded in 1885.
Ridge Vineyards consist of 19 vineyards. Cabernet and Zinfandel account for most of the production. However, since 1962 Ridge has also made limited amounts of Chardonnay.
Ridge’s Zinfandel should be your No.1 try of the Ridge Vineyards.