Trump’s threat on increasing European wine tariffs to 200% hasn’t been implemented, yet, but wine lovers across the nation are already stocking up on their favorite Champagnes and European wines.
The impending tariffs have me nervous for European wine producers who rely on Americans to keep afloat. What if those tariffs do happen? It’s time to get prepared and explore the vast landscape of California wines. Let’s dive into some top picks of mine, as certified wine expert, that offer exceptional quality and value, ensuring your wine glass is always full.
1. Morgan Winery Double L Riesling
If you’re worried about your favorite Rheingau Riesling being priced out, try Morgan Winery’s Double L Riesling instead. Located in the Santa Lucia Highlands, Morgan Winery benefits from cool ocean breezes and results in the perfect climate for Riesling.
They make their Riesling through foot-stomping, overnight maceration, and cold fermentation, presents an elegant bouquet of stone fruit and Meyer lemon, leading to a palate of nectarine and green apple, with a subtly sweet start and crisp, dry finish.
If you’re the kind of person, like I am, who loves older Riselings with hints of petrol notes, their 2010 Double L Riesling is going to be your new favorite. Otherwise, look for their younger Rieslings, ie 2023.
2. Bokdin Wines Bubbly Sauvignon Blanc
If you’re already mourning Champagne, I insist you try Bodkin’s Bubbly Sauvignon Blanc. Don’t knock it until you tried it. Their bottling process delivers the same vibrant departure from typical sparkling wines, boasting overtones of pineapple guava and lemon-lime, maintaining its signature Sauvignon Blanc character.
The palate mirrors the aromatic profile, a testament to the blend of two Lake County vineyards: 72% Sandy Bend and 28% HRSV, both sustainably farmed and family-operated with a Black winemaker.
3. M2 Zinfandel “old vine”
I was recently in Lodi for their annual Wine and Chocolate festival and had a chance to stop by M2 winery and was floored by their Old Vine Zins.
Lodi is a Bay Area wine region with rich heritage as the self-proclaimed Zinfandel Capital of the World, and it’s easy to throw a stone and fine a good bottle of Zin. But here, amidst the fertile soils and warm Mediterranean climate, M2 crafts Zinfandels that showcase the varietal’s quintessential characteristics: bold fruit flavors, spice-driven complexity, and a velvety texture.
Lodi’s unique terroir, coupled with M2’s meticulous winemaking, results in Zinfandels that stand as a testament to the region’s legacy, offering wine enthusiasts a taste of the world’s finest expressions of this iconic grape.
4. Bokisch Sparkling Albariño
Another Lodi wine I can’t stop thinking about is Bokisch Sparkling Albariño. After spending the summer in Portugal last year, I’ve become a little too addicted to Albariño and any Vinho Verde wine.
This unique twist on the grape to make it a sparkling wine is what makes it noteworthy. The crisp acidity and bright fruit profile render it the quintessential aperitif, while its versatility extends to pairings with delicate seafood, crisp light salads, and subtly spiced cuisine.
5. VML Earth Pinot Noir
The first time I stopped by VML’s tasting room I fell in love with their unique approach to wine, and firm understanding of the fickle Pinot Noir grape. VML’s 2023 Earth Pinot Noir, part of their Celestial Series, embodies the rugged elegance of the Sonoma Coast.
The palate delivers a full-bodied experience, showcasing nuanced layers of baked French bread, licorice, and tar, culminating in a finish marked by gentle acidity and a lingering sweetness of red and black fruits.
6. Locke Giant Sequoia
Locke Vineyards is tucked up in Calaveras County, an under-the-radar wine region known for producing Spanish, Italian and California varietals. Their Giant Sequoia wine is a commanding proprietary blend where family tradition meets bold winemaking.
Aged in both American and French oak, presents deep, inky hues and an aromatic profile of ripe blackberry, dark plum, and mocha. The palate reveals layers of dark fruit, black pepper, and toasty oak, structured by firm tannins and culminating in a velvety, lingering finish.
This one is best left decanted for an hour before drinking.
7. Banshee Sonoma County Rosé
Hands down one of my favorite Rosé wines out of California is from Banshee. On a hot summer day, their watermelon-forward Rosé pairs perfectly with sunshine.
Crafted through whole cluster pressing and cool stainless steel fermentation, with a touch of neutral oak aging, this dry rosé balances racy acidity and elegance with an aromatic bouquet of floral notes, tutti-frutti bubblegum, and fresh watermelon.
8. Korbel Rouge
Korbel Rouge, a unique sparkling red wine is a testament to Korbel’s legacy as California Champagne, a title earned through a legal loophole and pioneering sparkling winemaking in Sonoma County.
This wine boasts a distinctive deep red hue and intense aromas of black cherry, strawberry, and plum. The palate harmonizes rich berry flavors with bright tannins and earthy herbal nuances, delivering a unique and celebratory sparkling experience. Whenever we swing by Guerneville I always pop into the Korbel wine shop to pick up a bottle or two of Rouge to keep on hand. If you’re worried about missing proper Champagne, explore Korbel and its many affordable bottles.
9. PEJU Province
A friend once gifted me a bottle of PEJU Province and it lived so rent-free in my head that I needed to drive up to Napa Valley and visit the winery in person just to learn more about it.
This wine is a distinctive red-and-white blend which sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it does. Using stainless steel-fermented white varietals with barrel-aged reds, Peju created a refreshing experience best enjoyed chilled to highlight the vibrant bouquet of tart strawberry rhubarb pie, hibiscus, and fresh raspberry.
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