WASHINGTON — Drinking delicious wines from a famous region for a reasonable price? Pinch me, I must be dreaming — California dreaming.
A couple of weeks ago, I was at a dinner party when the guest I was seated next to confessed that she was in love with California wines. Well, no sin there. As a fifth-generation Californian, I must admit that I have a soft spot for the wines of my native land.
But then she threw me a curve ball: She wanted to know if I could recommend any “fantastic wines from California for under $25.” Well, that is a highly subjective question, since everyone has his own unique interpretation of what “fantastic” means.
However, California does have a plethora of quality appellations located throughout the state, including Santa Barbara, Sonoma, Napa, Paso Robles and Amador County, to name a few. Furthermore, it is the nation’s largest producer of wine, so in addition to notable superstars and cult classics, the Golden State actually does have a silver lining.
There is a wide variety of “fantastic” wines that shine at or under the $25 mark. You just have to know where to pan for gold. Here are a few of my favorite value wines from California that are available in the Washington region:
Based in Lompoc, but founded by two Pacific Palisades natives (hence the name), the 2013 Pali “Charm Acres” Chardonnay is made with 100 percent Sonoma Coast fruit. The wine was aged for 10 months in 25 percent new-oak barrels, which provide balance to the fresh, juicy flavors of lemon-lime zest, green apple, ripe pear and creamy lemon pie. A touch of toasty oak, tropical fruit and bracing acidity contribute to the delicious, crisp finish. $25
The Santa Maria Valley in the Central Coast region of California is a hotbed of value-oriented, delicious wines. A wonderful example of this is the 2014 Nielson Pinot Noir by Byron. This is a rich, forward-style pinot noir with beautiful scents of dark plum and black raspberry on the impressive nose. Concentrated flavors of black cherry, ripe strawberry, cinnamon and cocoa blend seamlessly over the entire palate, while notes of licorice accent the luscious finish. I would recommend pairing this with seared tuna. $24
Cabernet sauvignon has long been considered the king of California wines, particularly in the Napa Valley region, so finding a big cab for under $20 is a real find. Noted wine critic, Robert Parker, called the 2013 Edge Cabernet Sauvignon a “major sleeper” and I agree. With small additions of Cabernet Franc and merlot, this wine is full of dark, brooding fruit. It exudes aromas of black plum, cherry, cassis and Asian spices on the fragrant nose. Well-structured and bold, this cabernet provides plush flavors of blackberries, plums and violets with hints of vanilla and toasty oak on the soft finish. Sure to be winner with grilled flank steak. $22
Of course, no discussion about California wine would be complete without including “California’s Grape,” zinfandel. The 2013 Michael David Winery Earthquake Zinfandel from Lodi, California, is an impressive example, offering up spicy notes of blueberry, red cherry and kirschwasser flavors. The symmetry between the fruit, peppery highlights, and dusty tannins offers a well-balanced, full-bodied zinfandel that would stand up to a hot chili on a cold night. $23
