California Wines & Wineries

Best Wines Tasted in 2019 and My Personal Reccomendations

Posted on December 12, 2019 Updated on January 13, 2020

In 2019 I was fortunate enough to taste and appreciate over 1600+ wines. I have listed the top 6% of those wines. I have broken it out by price point, those $50 and under and those $51 and up—-something for everyone! I believe whole heartily and stand by these picks, as I not only tasted each, but all of these wines are in my cellar.
No matter which category, each wine listed will enhance your tasting experience.
Only 29 wines are listed in the $51 and Above Group. And 21 wines made the $50 and Less Group. These wines represent some of best quality for California wines. Again most can be purchased at the winery only and are based upon availability.

 

Again this year based upon feedback are the Best Imported Wines. These wines are markedly above average, unique in specific characteristics and should be tried. Additionally most of these would only be sold at your local high end retail store. I have also provided the links to  The Wine Steward (a great importer) and Topochines Wines (focused on Croatian wines) and they would be happy to procure these for you.

 

On many of the higher end wines, I listed the pricing for their current release. as I had procured them years ago. Additionally, all pricing was checked via the winery website, phone calls to the winery or an average price on a web search.

 

During the years I have kept meticulous notes on each wine tasted and hope you enjoy these selections in the coming year. Wishing you a wonderful New Year and that 2020 be prosperous, meaningful and find you in good health.

 

Slainte,
Michael Kelly

Best California Wines $50 and less (Links in purple are stories on the wine or winery)

3 Steves 2014 Cabernet Franc, Cienega Valley $45

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2020/01/08/3-steves-winery-winners-once-again/

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/08/cabernet-franc-wine-competition-2019-complete-listing-of-winners-per-category/
3 Steves 2016 Carmenere, $35

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/01/30/3-steves-winery-the-livermore-valley-california-cachapoal-valley-chili-wine-connection/
Acquiesce 2018 Ingenue $32

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/11/09/2018-acquiesce-ingenue-the-copper-grille-at-copper-valley/
Acquiesce 2018 Picpoul $28
Allegorie 2015 Tempranillo, $32

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/11/25/2016-allegorie-tempranillo/
Alyris 2015 Chardonnay Audition, $45
Black Sheep 2014 Censaut, $24

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/11/12/2014-black-sheep-cinsaut-a-beautiful-wine/
Chatom 2014 Malbec, $28

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/02/14/both-liquid-and-actual-gold-in-the-sierra-nevada-foothills-calaveras-county/

Crocker & Starr 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, $38

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/08/30/2016-crocker-starr-sauvignon-blanc/

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/11/18/2017-crocker-starr-sauvignon-blanc/
Dracaena Wines 2016 Cabernet Franc Reserve, $45

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/08/cabernet-franc-wine-competition-2019-complete-listing-of-winners-per-category/
Gossamer Cellars 2014 Negroamaro, $28

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/09/19/gossamer-cellars-2014-negroamaros/

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/02/14/both-liquid-and-actual-gold-in-the-sierra-nevada-foothills-calaveras-county/

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/01/18/gossamer-cellars-a-unique-find/

Hanna 2016 Chardonnay, Russian River $29
Hoopes Vineyard 2015 Chardonnay, Genny’s Vineyard $50

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/09/18/hoopes-vineyard-2015-chardonnay-gennys-vineyard-carneros/
Jazz Cellars 2014 Lone Oak Pinot Noir, $44

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/09/16/2012-jazz-cellars-pinot-noir-lone-oak-vineyard/
Jazz Cellars 2017 Rhapsody (Marsanne/Roussanne) $26

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/08/28/2012-jazz-cellars-rhapsody-50-50-blend-of-roussanne-marsanne/
Jeff Renquist 2017 Charbono $27
Jeff Renquist 2018 Cabernet Franc $26
Jessie’s Grove Winery 2013 Ancient Vine Zinfandel $45

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/08/20/jessies-grove-2013-royal-tee-ancient-vine-zinfandel/
Jessie’s Grove Winery 2015 Carignane $32
Kenefick Ranch 2016 Cabernet Franc, Caitlin’s Select $50
Ketcham Vineyards 2017 Pinot Noir, $48

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/10/17/2016-ketcham-estate-pinot-noir/
LangeTwins 2015 Midnight Reserve, blend, $40
LangeTwins 2016 Cabernet Franc $32

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/08/cabernet-franc-wine-competition-2019-complete-listing-of-winners-per-category/
LangeTwins 2017 Petite Sirah $32

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/10/07/2017-langetwins-petit-sirah-one-hundred-vineyard-jahant-ava/
Las Positas 2015 Tempranillo, $48
Lavender Ridge 2017 Grenache, $28

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/06/01/lavender-ridge-vineyard-you-get-to-pick-the-title-of-this-article/
Lavender Ridge 2017 Roussanne, $28

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/06/01/lavender-ridge-vineyard-you-get-to-pick-the-title-of-this-article/
Ledson 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, $34
McKahn Family Cellars 2016 Syrah $49
McKahn Family Cellars 2017 Grenache $36

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/08/21/mckahn-family-cellars-2013-grenache/
Monticello Vineyards 2016 Cabernet Franc, $34
Paoletti Estate 2012 Nero d’ Avola, (current release $42)

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/09/15/paoletti-estates-winery-2012-nero-davola-calistoga-napa-valley/
Rapp Ranch 2016 Chardonnay, $40

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/09/2016-rapp-ranch-chardonnay/
Saddleback Cellars 2017 Pinot Blanc, $30

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/08/27/pinot-blanc-on-the-vine-and-bottle-at-saddleback-cellars/

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/06/09/a-tale-of-two-grapes-pinot-blanc-from-france-and-california/

Shale Canyon 2014 Cabernet Franc, $30

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/08/cabernet-franc-wine-competition-2019-complete-listing-of-winners-per-category/
Stevenot 2016 Barbera Gran Reserva, $34

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/02/2016-stevenot-barbera-gran-reserva-a-wine-for-everyone/

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/02/2016-stevenot-barbera-gran-reserva-a-wine-for-everyone/

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/02/14/both-liquid-and-actual-gold-in-the-sierra-nevada-foothills-calaveras-county/

Tate Wines 2013 Merlot, $50

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/01/2015-tate-wine-merlot-spring-street/

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/01/2015-tate-wine-merlot-spring-street/
Terminim 2017 “Cepages d’ Or” (Marsanne/Roussanne), $40
Wood Family Vineyards 2017 “Against the Grain”, $45
Wood Family Vineyards 2017 Cabernet Franc, $34

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/08/cabernet-franc-wine-competition-2019-complete-listing-of-winners-per-category/
Wood Family Vineyards 2017 Chardonnay, $30

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/03/29/wood-family-vineyards-saddle-creek-resort-team-up-for-an-exquisite-dinner/

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/08/07/wood-family-chardonnay-swordfish/
Zuidema 2016 Grenache, $42

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/11/18/2015-zuidema-grenache-cherry-cola-rhubarb-and-fig-newton/

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/09/23/rudy-zuidema-a-look-at-the-extraordinary-winemaker-golfer-husband-father/

Best California Wines $51 and up (Links in purple are stories on the wine or winery)

Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, $250

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/08/27/alejandro-bulgheroni-estate/
Alyris 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, $85
Arkenstone 2015 Cabernet Sauvginon Coliseum Block $175
Arkenstone 2016 Cabernet Sauvginon NVD, $90
Brecon 2016 Cabernet Franc, $62

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/08/cabernet-franc-wine-competition-2019-complete-listing-of-winners-per-category/
Caymus 2008 Special Selection (current release $190)
Crocker & Starr 2010 & 2014 Cabernet Franc (current release $150)

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/08/cabernet-franc-wine-competition-2019-complete-listing-of-winners-per-category/
Crocker & Starr 2016 Casili 7, Malbec blend, (current release $95)Detert 2016 Cabernet Franc East Block ($175)

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/08/cabernet-franc-wine-competition-2019-complete-listing-of-winners-per-category/
2010 Gemstone Cabernet Sauvignon (current release $155)

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/11/17/2010-gemstone-vineyards-a-solid-pedigree/
Graciano 2014 Pinot Noir Estate, $6
Hanna 2016 Bismark Cabernet Sauvignon, $70
Hoopes 2016 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, $75
J. Davis 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (current release $120)

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/09/21/2010-j-davies-cabernet-sauvignon-diamond-mountain-district/
Kelly Family Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (no relationship), $85

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/09/30/2014-kelly-family-vineyards-cabernet-sauvignon/
Kistler 2015 Chardonnay Les Noisetiers , (web $71)
Lail Blueprint 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, (current release $80)
Larkmead 2007 Cabernet Sauvingon, The Lark (current release $360)
Larkmead 2008 Solari, (current release $240)
Larkmead 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, LMV Salon (current release $180)
Larkmead 2010 Firebelle (current release $150)
Ledson 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, $94
Ledson 2017 Russian River Pinot Noir Reserve, $66
Lindstrom 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (current release $130)
Lineage 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (current release $160)

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/08/25/2008-lineage-wine-a-culmination-of-heritage-and-personal-drive/

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2020/01/04/2016-lineage-wine-a-great-wine-and-unusual-food-pairing/
Maritana 2017 Dutton-Hansen Hill, Chardonnay, $90
Maritana 2017 Russian River “Rive La Riviere”, $55
Merriam 2013 Cabernet Franc, $68

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/08/cabernet-franc-wine-competition-2019-complete-listing-of-winners-per-category/
Mira 2013 Cabernet Franc, $150

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/08/cabernet-franc-wine-competition-2019-complete-listing-of-winners-per-category/
Nickel & Nickel 2010 Chardonnay, Stiling Vineyards (current $55)

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/28/2015-nickel-nickel-stiling-vineyard-chardonnay-2/
Oakville East 2016 Cabernet Franc ($90)
O’Shaughnessy 2007 & 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt Veeder (current release $140)

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/10/21/2007-oshaughnessy-mount-veeder-cabernet-sauvignon-and-2014-crocker-starr-cabernet-franc/
O’Shaughnessy 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mtn (current release $100)
Outpost 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (current release $95)
Outpost 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon True (current release $150)
Outpost 2014 Grenache (current release $55)
Peter Michael 2010 Ma Belle-Fille Chardonnay (current release $100)
Rapp Ranch 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, $60

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/09/2016-rapp-ranch-chardonnay/
Robert Mondavi 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (current release $175)

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/08/05/robert-mondavi-reserve-cabernet-sauvignon/
Rubicon 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (current release $210)

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/10/30/2007-rubicon-cabernet-sauvignon-not-your-typical-spaghetti-wine/
Secret Door 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (current release $170)
Shadybrook Estate 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (current release $125)
Steven Kent 2007 & 2009 Premier Cabernet Sauvignon (current release $100)

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/11/steven-kent-winery-2010-premier-cabernet-sauvignon/
Tate Wines 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt Veeder, (current release $75)
Tate Wines 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack’s Vineyard Howell Mtn, $125
Trespass 2011 Cabernet Franc (current release $110)

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/09/26/2011-trespass-vineyard-cabernet-franc/
Vinoce 2015 Cabernet Franc, $75

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/08/cabernet-franc-wine-competition-2019-complete-listing-of-winners-per-category/
William Harrison 2013 Cabernet Franc, $65
YoungInglewood 2013 & 2016 Cabernet Franc (current release $110)

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/11/10/2013-young-inglewood-cabernet-franc-simple-elegance/

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/12/08/cabernet-franc-wine-competition-2019-complete-listing-of-winners-per-category/

Best Imported Wines of 2019 (prices not shown due to pending tariffs)
Alaya Tierra – Grenacha Tintorera, 2014
Arzuaga Reserva by Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro, 2012

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/09/13/2012-arzuaga-reserva-by-bodegas-arzuaga-navarro/
Arzuaga Ribero del Duero Tempranillo, 2015
Casa Silva Carmenenere Los Lingues, 2011

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/10/12/2011-casa-silva-micro-terroir-carmenere-los-lingues-vineyard-colchagua-valley-chile/
Castillo di Bossi Berardo, Chianti Classico Riserva, 2013

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/09/25/2013-castello-di-bossi-berardo-chianti-classico-riserva/
Chene Bleu Abelard, 2008

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/09/28/2009-chene-bleu-abelard/
Flower Assyrtiko, 2017
La Quercia Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo, 2009

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/11/24/2010-la-quercia-montepulciano-d-abruzzo-colline-teramane-docg-riserva/
Lucien Albrecht Pinot Blanc , 2015
Matua Sauvignon Blanc, 2017
Mendel Finca Remota Malbec, 2014
Pilltteri Estates Cabernet Franc Riserva Familia, 2012

https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/08/16/pillitteri-estates-winery-cabernet-franc/
Stina “For Inspiration” Plavac Mali, 2015 (Croatian)
Tomic Plavac Mali, 2011 (Croatian)