American Red Wines
A trip to Pinot Camp in Oregon in 2008 (yes, three days of intensive Pinot Noir study, tough work, especially the gala dinners) have converted me (Simon Taylor) into a total Oregon Pinot-phile.
This is the one place in the world which can engender Pinots to rival Burgundy in terms of finesse and longevity. This should not be surprising: after all the northern Willamette Valley, source of 82% of the state’s wine, is the same latitude as Burgundy, and has a very similar climate, albeit being drier in summer (which might necessitate drip irrigation but does keep the vines healthier), and mildly cooler - 68 degrees F being the July average. Harvests are usually at the end of September. Ever since 2008 we have been the sole importer of the splendid Brooks Pinots.
Here at SVS we find California tricky. Wine produced in the Sunshine State seems to fall into two camps - the huge sea of cheap, nastily sweetened fruit-juice purveyed by Gallo et al; and the highly superior wines of boutique wineries with prices to match.
The unique feature of California is of course, the grape variety Zinfandel. Related to the Italian Primitivo, this was introduced to the States around 1830. If cropped low it makes terrific wine, either fresh and fruity for immediate consumption or denser and more black-fruited for keeping. It’s a great accompaniment to a good big steak. We try always to have some of the great Ridge Zins in stock.
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Sebastiani, Pinot Noir, Central Coast, 2018
Medium bodied
Sebastiani has benefited from new ownership and new investment. 60% of the grapes come from...
OriginCalifornia
RegionCentral Coast
ColourRed
ABV14.2%
Bottle75cl
CodeSEB118
GrapePinot Noir
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Carneros, Avant Garde Pinot Noir, 2019
Light to Medium Bodied
Carneros was co-founded by Taittinger in 1987 as a sparkling wine estate, but the quality of...
OriginUSA
RegionNapa
ColourRed
ABV14%
Bottle75cl
CodeCAR119
GrapePinot Noir
72% Zinfandel, 18% Petite Syrah, 8% Carignan and 2% Mataro from numerous parcels, based on very...
OriginUSA
RegionCalifornia
ColourRed
ABV14.8%
Bottle75cl
CodeRID218
GrapeZinfandel blend
Ridge, Geyserville, Alexander Valley, 2018
Full bodied
68% Zinfandel, 20% Carignan, 10% Petite Syrah and 2% Alicante Bouschet. From one superbly sited...
OriginUSA
RegionCalifornia
ColourRed
ABV14.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeRID118
GrapeZinfandel blend
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Deep and opaque. Scent of black fruit and oak notes. Blackcurranty attack, very ripe but fresh...
OriginUSA
RegionLodi
ColourRed
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeMCM218
GrapeCabernet Sauvignon
