Viticultural Areas
North Coast (Best wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot)
Napa County: AVAs - Atlas Creek, Diamond Mountain, Howell Mountain, Los Carneros, Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll, Oakville, Rutherford, Spring Mountain, Stags District, Wild Horse Valley
Sonoma County: AVAs - Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Knights Valley, Los Caneros, Northern Sonoma, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County Green Valley, Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma Valley
Mendocino County: AVAs - Alexander Valley, Cole Ranch, McDowell Valley, Mendocino Ridge, Potter Valley, Redwood Valley, Yorkville Highlands
Lake County: Districts - Benmore Valley, Clear Lake, Guenoc Valley | | North Central Coast: (Best wines: Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, Marsanne, Roussane) - Monterey County, Santa Clara County, Livermore County | | South Central Coast: (Best wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir) - San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County | San Joaquin Valley: known for jug wines.
| Grapes (white) | Chardonnay: The most important white wine grape in California. Always dry. Ages better than other American white wines. | | Sauvignon Blanc: Sometimes labeled Fume Blanc. Sometimes blended with Semillon grape. | | Chenin Blanc: yields soft, light-bodied wine, usually dry or semi-sweet. Simple and fruity | | Viognier: distinct fragrant bouquet. Lighter body than Chardonnay. Not as light as Sauvignon Blanc. | | Johannisberg Riesling: Aroma is always lively, fragrant, fruity and flowery. Produced in many styles, from bone dry to very sweet | Production
Napa and Sonoma combined (12%); San Joaquin Valley (54%)
|
$15 and under  Greg Norman Estates Cabernet-Merlot Limestone Coast 2003 (Wine Spectator 91) $35 and under Rosenblum Syrah Sonoma County Hillside Vineyards 2004 (Wine Spectator 89) Over $35 |
$15 and under Schug Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County 2005 (Wine Spectator 90). Aromas of pink grapefruit, lychee and melon; a crisp and lively finish. An aperitif that also matches well with simple seafood dishes such as cracked crab, oysters on the half shell or fresh shrimp. $35 and under The Hess Collection Chardonnay Napa Valley 2004 ("Intense, concentrated, creamy feel . Great length and persistance." (Wine Spectator 93 rating) Domaine Chandon Brut California Classic NV (sparkling wine.) Composition: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc ("Rich and intense. Complex pear, ginger and spicy apple scents. Rich and fruity on the palate." Wine Spectator 88 rating) Over $35 |