Tag Archives: California’s
The Best Years for Napa Valley Merlot: A Vintage Guide Napa Valley Merlot has long been a cornerstone of California’s wine identity, offering a plush, approachable counterpart to its more tannic cousin, Cabernet Sauvignon
While often celebrated for its consistent drinkability, Merlot also produces profound, age-worthy wines in exceptional vintages. Identifying the “best” years requires looking at growing conditions that balanced ripe fruit with structure and acidity. Here is a guide to the standout
Nestled in the heart of California’s Central Valley, the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA) has long been the source of some of the state’s most robust and fruit-forward wines. While it cultivates a diverse portfolio of varieties, one grape stands apart as the region’s undisputed king: Zinfandel. And in an era where conscious consumption is paramount, the rise of organically farmed Lodi Zinfandel offers a compelling story of flavor, place, and purpose. Lodi’s Terroir: The Perfect Stage for Zinfandel
Lodi’s claim to Zinfandel fame is no accident. The region benefits from a unique “Mediterranean” climate, characterized by warm, sunny days cooled by breezes from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. This diurnal temperature shift is crucial, allowing grapes to develop