As the sun-drenched days of summer beckon, it’s time to indulge in the pleasures of life, and what better way to do so than with a glass of exquisite wine? California, renowned for its picturesque vineyards and exceptional winemaking tradition, offers a plethora of luxurious wines that perfectly capture the essence of the season. In this blog post, we invite you on a journey through the bountiful vineyards of California as we explore the finest summer wines that will elevate your warm-weather experiences to new heights of elegance and delight.
Nestled in the heart of California, Napa Valley is a haven for wine lovers seeking a taste of opulence. With its warm Mediterranean climate and diverse terroir, Napa Valley produces some of the world’s most sought-after wines. Indulge in a glass of Chardonnay, with its vibrant notes of tropical fruits and a creamy finish. For red wine enthusiasts, try a Cabernet Sauvignon that entices with rich flavors of dark berries and velvety tannins, ensuring an unforgettable sensory experience.
Adjacent to Napa Valley, Sonoma County is another California gem known for its exceptional wineries. When it comes to summer wines, Sonoma offers a myriad of options. Explore the cool-climate region of Russian River Valley and revel in the crispness of a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, brimming with citrus and tropical fruit aromas. Or venture into the world of Pinot Noir, boasting delicate notes of cherry, raspberry, and spice that will enchant your taste buds.
Embracing the beauty of California’s central coast, Santa Barbara County is celebrated for its stunning vineyards that benefit from the region’s cool ocean breezes. Elevate your summer soirées with a bottle of Pinot Noir, hailing from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. This exceptional wine captivates with its layers of ripe berries, earthy undertones, and silky texture—a true representation of the region’s coastal elegance.
For those seeking bold and robust flavors, Paso Robles, situated in California’s Central Coast, delivers in abundance. The region’s warm climate gives rise to magnificent red wines, an embodiment of intensity and complexity, offering flavors that linger on the palate. Pair it with grilled meats or roasted vegetables, and let the flavors meld together in an unforgettable symphony of taste.
Nestled in California’s Central Valley, the Lodi wine region often remains an undiscovered gem for many wine enthusiasts. Lodi is known for its Mediterranean climate, old-vine Zinfandel, and diverse grape varieties. Experience the region’s charm with a glass of bold and luscious Zinfandel that showcases flavors of blackberry, cherry, and spice. Alternatively, explore the elegant varietals from Lodi, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, or Chardonnay, which exhibit the region’s unique terroir and winemaking expertise.
This summer, immerse yourself in the lap of luxury with California’s exceptional wines. Whether you find yourself captivated by the renowned vineyards of Napa Valley, enchanted by the flavors of Sonoma County, embraced by the coastal elegance of Santa Barbara, savoring the boldness of Paso Robles, or discovering the hidden treasures of Lodi, California’s wine regions have something for every discerning palate. Let these exquisite wines become the centerpiece of your summer gatherings, as they effortlessly elevate your experiences, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Cheers to a summer of pure indulgence!
June 2023 Wine Features
2020 Comartin Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Arroyo Seco Monterey California
Why We Love This Wine:
Arroyo Seco translates to “dry riverbed”, and in the heart of this appellation lies Zabala Vineyard. Here, the rows of vines stand in endless ancient river stones with very little soil, offering the wine a unique mineral quality.
Sommelier Tasting Notes:
Vibrant aromas of fig, stone fruit, wet stone and racing acidity. 91 Points Wine Enthusiast
2017 Housely Century Oaks Judy’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi California
Why We Love This Wine:
This family is fun, and you’ll quickly see why we want to support them. Amazing craftmanship, dedication to the vineyards, and elegant style from vineyards across California. This single vineyard vintage is grown, picked, aged and bottled entirely on site and has become our signature wine.
Sommelier Tasting Notes:
On the nose you’ll get deep, dark berries and spice, which pairs nicely with the wine on the palate. This 2017 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has silky tannins, with hints of dark plum, pepper, wild cherry and a mixture of berries. It has a fantastic finish that won’t overpower food and is balanced nicely with wood.
2020 Spicy Vines ‘Zin Master’ Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley Sonoma
Why We Love This Wine:
This is a California old vine Zinfandel that comes from Burnett Vineyards in the heart of the Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County. Cool nights and warm days allow this dry farmed, 101-year old vineyard to yield complex fruit and dense flavors.
Sommelier Tasting Notes:
This juicy and complex old vine Zinfandel features rich flavors of boysenberry and blackberry, buttered brown sugar and exotic spices. Excellent pairing for your grilled dishes, BBQ, meaty pastas and pizza as well as a perfectly delightful wine on its own.
2014 Varozza Petite Sirah, St Helena, Napa Valley California
Why We Love This Wine:
100 years and FIVE generations, this family knows what they’re doing in their vineyards. Arriving back in the 1870s, experience shines in wines.
Sommelier Tasting Notes:
The 70+ year old vines we use to craft this wine are intense, rugged and have stood the test of time at their home in St. Helena. They create a wine with an inky black hue and notes of blackberry jam, exotic Moroccan spices and roasted espresso. The tannins are broad and firm with a creamy, sustantial mouthfeel. The wine pairs well with short ribs, steaks and many types of bold spices.
2018 Pestoni Family ‘1892’ Field Blend, Napa Valley
Why We Love This Wine:
The first wines that their family produced in the Napa Valley were known as field blends. Field blends were traditionally single-vineyard wines with multiple varieties of grapes grown, harvested, and fermented together. The1892 Field Blend pays homage to this early California winemaking tradition.
Sommelier Tasting Notes:
Aromatic ripe black cherry, pomegranate, and black tea aromas emanate from the glass. Juicy raspberry, and black fruit accentuate the presence of Zinfandel fruit which is predominant in this field blend. Cabernet Sauvignon lends its richness to the palate, while the addition of Petite Sirah balances the blend with its lush density and silky texture.
2019 Ty Caton Estate Winemaker’s Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Why We Love This Wine:
Their committed to producing the finest wines made from the highest quality grapes and winemaking dedication at its best. Their limited production allows them to handcraft wines with varietal intensity and balance.
Sommelier Tasting Notes:
The 2016 Estate Winemaker’s Cuvee meets the palate with rich and full-bodied flavors of black currant, red plums, and cassis, followed by oak notes of cedar and vanilla. These dark flavors produce a lush and velvety textured mouth feel that combine with supple tannins, and leads to a long silky finish.
Be sure to visit our wine shop to discover these wines and many more like them. If you’re interested in learning, venture over to our “regional focus” tab and learn more about the wine regions these great wines come from.