Browse by Country - USA
The ‘New World’ may be the home to many so-called wine bargains, but Northern America has shifted its position so that in comparison to a great many other New World countries its wines, whilst often being of very high quality, are comparatively poor value.
The world's fourth biggest producer began making quality wine in the 18th century. Although wine was made from the native Vitis Labrusca and Vitis Rotundifolia (and still is in some places) the wine is not generally regarded as particularly good quality and isn't drunk in significant quantities outside the country. It wasn’t until Vitis Vinifera vines were imported from Europe in the 17th century that good wine could be produced, but native pests and diseases made life for the vines very difficult. It took over 200 years for these problems to be addressed and confronted in any successful manner – just about everyone who knew anything about wine (almost solely from Europe) played a role in trying to find a solution, and hybrid vines sorted part of the problem. These varieties – Norton, Isabella and Delaware - are unfamiliar to many of us today but they proved to be successful for winemaking. Around this time the dreaded Phylloxera struck and many vineyards were wiped out. This pest managed to get across the Atlantic with truly devastating results and the majority of vineyards in Europe suffered the same fate as their American equivalent.
It was the Spanish settlers in areas such as Texas who planted the European Vitis Vinifera vine and made wine from the grapes. These ideas were successful and spread northwards during the Gold Rush and the Mexican War in the mid 19th century into The United States and the north American wine industry was born. California became the centre of production, and after experimentation several grape varieties were established including the variety we know as Zinfandel. Despite California’s domination vines were grown in many other states across the country before prohibition provided a temporary setback. After the law was repealed the wine industry took a few years to sort itself out and the great depression didn’t help matters. It was the Second World War which forced the winemakers to improve standards and processes as no wine was available from Europe, but even then the greed of many companies who cashed in on the distilleries they bought caused the market to crash once the war was over. The wine industry was once again in a state of chaos, and it was not until about 1970 that things began to improve. Genuinely skillful winemakers took over the reins of American wine production and the current boom is a result of this. More and more wineries were set up which planted classic grape varieties and with large scale foreign investment they flourished. All this made wine somewhat fashionable and an endless series of groups and societies were formed, a trend that has spiraled to the present day. Wine consumption over the next two decades or so grew at an extraordinary rate and smaller boutique wineries sprang up around California, and indeed other areas such as New York and Ohio. Despite the increase in the amount of wine the Americans consume they are still comparatively small drinkers, with countries such as France and England leading the way…
Wine law can complicate matters in the USA. Whereas wine can be moved from state to state in Australia, in America there are various restrictions and taxes that prevent ease of movement; some states won't allow any wine to be brought in at all. Health warnings on bottles often read as rather alarmist but in the last few years the positive aspects of moderate wine drinking have been pointed out to the Americans thereby increasing consumption further. It is this health trend that has been partly responsible for the massive growth in the amount of Merlot planted and drunk in America.
Wine is made all over the country, but it is obviously California that leads the way in both quantity and quality. New York isn't far behind in terms of production but much of this is wine made from America's own Concord grape for the domestic market. Concord is part of the Vinis Labrusca vine species, with its classic 'foxy' character, and not a great deal finds its way to Europe. Californian wine needs no introduction; the state produces America's finest wine and is home to E & J Gallo, the world's largest winery. Although the wine produced in California has an average price of less than £5 per bottle it is generally considered that these wines are very limited in character and quality, with little or no value to be found. Once the price tag reaches £10 wine of an acceptable quality is available, although of questionable value compared to countries such as Australia, South Africa and even France. At the higher end of the quality scale there are some truly outstanding wines but prices are usually over £20 and can reach levels where even premium Claret prices are dwarfed. Wines such as Colgin and Caymus are well over £100, and should you decide to purchase a bottle of Screaming Eagle you'll pay around £500 a bottle. There is little doubting the quality of these wines, but when it comes to value… well, even First Growth Claret is a bargain in comparison! Key wine growing sites include the famous Napa Valley, Russian River and Sonoma Valley.
The market share for California is very healthy, with the UK being its main export destination with around £100m worth of wine arriving in the UK alone in 2000.
Search Results
USA :: California :: Lodi
Zinfandel/Primitivo
Ready to drink
Strawberry ice cream on the nose supported by a bright, fruit packed strawberry jam palate. Selected from old vine vineyards in the Lodi region of central California.
75.0CL
In Stock
USA :: California :: Lodi
Petite Sirah, Zinfandel/Primitivo
Body: d - Medium to Full
Ready to drink
The fruit for Scotto's Old Vine Zinfandel originates from one of the oldest and most distinctive Zinfandel growing regions in California.
75.0CL
In Stock
USA :: California :: Lodi
Cabernet Sauvignon
Body: e - Full
Drink now, but will keep
Dark garnet in colour with a bouquet that is full of dark berry fruit, such as Blueberry, Blackberry and Black Cherry. Oak aging has contributed just a hint of smoke to the nose. The round, creamy wine delivers an abundance of the fruit flavours promised by the olfactory. The fruit and oak are well integrated and the complexity of the wine plays on the tongue long after the wine has been ingested.
75.0CL
In Stock
USA :: California
Petite Sirah
Body: d - Medium to Full
Ready to drink
Vivid purple in colour, with aromas of full toned Blackberry and Boysenberry. Caramel and Toffee are evident in the bouquet, as well as a Chocolate oak profile. The wine is substantial, yet has a rich soft cream texture of mocha. Very elegant and full of ripe black fruit flavors of Blackberry and Blueberry. These fruit flavors are savored in the lingering mouthwatering finish.
75.0CL
Only 5 left
USA :: California
Chardonnay
Sweetness: 3 - Soft Dry
Ready to drink
Luscious with great fruit and balanced oak!
75.0CL
Only 4 left
USA :: California
Viognier
Sweetness: 3 - Soft Dry
Ready to drink
Light straw in colour, the Viognier from McManis Family Vineyards is a rich, velvety white wine with peach, pear and apricot aromas. Similar stone fruits and vanilla notes grace the palate along with a touch of minerality, leading to a smooth and decadent finish.
75.0CL
In Stock
USA :: California
Zinfandel/Primitivo
Body: d - Medium to Full
Ready to drink
McManis Family Vineyards Zinfandel is a dark purple wine, loaded with notes of ripe red currant, strawberry, caramelized sugar, and toasty oak. The savory red fruit on the palate leads to soft, supple tannins and a smooth finish.
75.0CL
In Stock
USA :: California :: Livermore Valley
Chardonnay
Sweetness: 3 - Soft Dry
Ready to drink
This Morning Fog Chardonnay bursts with aromatics from citrus, lemon curd, pear and toasty oak. This wine is balanced by hints of vanilla and citrus on the palate, finishing with a nice acidity.
75.0CL
In Stock
USA :: California :: Napa
Cabernet Sauvignon
Body: d - Medium to Full
Drink now, but will keep
Very balanced and refined Cabernet with blackberry, blackcurrant and floral character. Medium to full bodied, subtle and complex.
75.0CL
Out of stock
USA :: California :: Livermore Valley
Zinfandel/Primitivo
Body: e - Full
Drink now, but will keep
Sourced from three estate vineyards in the Livermore valley which are planted on sloping benchs to produce luscious wines with deep richness. Each vineyard is picked ripe to accentuate the deep jammy fruit flavours, yet the alcohol remains balanced. Aromas and flavors of raspberry, blackberry, spice and black pepper. With a firm tannic backbone and ripe chewy finish.
75.0CL
Out of stock
75.0CL
In Stock
75.0CL
In Stock
USA :: California :: Santa Barbara
Chardonnay
Sweetness: 3 - Soft Dry
Drink now, but will keep
Golden straw in colour, an attractive nose reveals notes of citrus, ripe stone fruit, toast and a hint of smoke. Rich and creamy in texture, the palate is concentrated and generous with an abundance of layered ripe fruit and harmoniously integrated oak. Crisp and focused on the finish, this is an excellent Californian chardonnay that offers immense drink-ability.
75.0CL
Out of stock
USA :: New York State
Riesling
Sweetness: 2 - Dry
Ready to drink
The fruit for this cuvée is sourced from three vineyards on Seneca Lake. The vines range from 20-40 years old in age. Naturally fermented in a combination of neutral French oak and stainless steel. The wines are then aged on the gross lees until bottling the following summer.
Lime zest with pure stone fruit notes and a rounded, creamy finish.
75.0CL
In Stock
USA :: California :: Sonoma
Carignan (Mazuelo) (Samso), Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel/Primitivo
Body: e - Full
Drink now, but will keep
NOTE: THIS IS A HALF BOTTLE (37.5cl)
Complex aromas of vanilla, raspberry and black pepper. Full bodied with firm acidity, focused blackberry fruit and an elegant lingering finish
37.5CL
Only 2 left
USA :: California
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Body: e - Full
Drink now, but will keep
Established more than 30 years ago by legendary vintners Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, the roots run deep at Decoy. Since 1978, Duckhorn Vineyards has been exploring the character and complexity of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Drawing on the winemaking team’s expertise working with this varietal, Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon offers a rich and appealing expression of the varietal crafted to be ready upon release.
From its aromas of vibrant red and blue fruit to its silky tannins and balanced acidity, this is a lush and alluring Cabernet Sauvignon. On the palate, rich flavors of raspberry, ripe plum and blueberry carry the wine to a long, luxurious finish, with nuanced hints of oak and sweet baking spices.
75.0CL
In Stock
USA :: California :: Napa
Riesling
Sweetness: 2 - Dry
Drink now, but will keep
This Dry Riesling is fresh and fragrant with gorgeous jasmine, honeyed white peach and grapefruit aromas. Dry, but succulent, the palate is powered by bright, mouthwatering acidity and a refreshing minerality that animates the wine’s long and lively finish.
75.0CL
Only 11 left
USA :: California :: Napa
Malbec
Body: e - Full
Drink now, but will keep
This wine opens with notes of plum and boysenberry. The bright palate is supported by well-integrated tannins and a natural tartness resulting from their estate vineyard’s location in the relatively cool Oak Knoll District of the Napa Valley.
75.0CL
Out of stock
USA :: California :: Napa
Chardonnay
Sweetness: 3 - Soft Dry
Drink now, but will keep
The nose opens with bursts of green apple, toasted brioche, honeysuckle and lemon cream pie. The palate is full yet bright, offering a pleasant viscosity and subtle notes of clove and tropical fruit. The clean finish adds an exclamation point with elegance.
75.0CL
In Stock
USA
Cabernet Franc
Drink now, but will keep
full and round with some ripe leather on the nose and a wonderfully fresh blackberry and apple pie body. This is so far removed from other Napa wines which can go wel over the top or the overbearing mint humbug style of Australian Coonawara. A really classy wine
75.0CL
In Stock
USA :: California :: Santa Barbara
Pinot Noir
Body: c - Medium
Drink now, but will keep
This forward drinking Pinot shows dried cranberry/berry fruit with earth and tobacco notes. The body is medium weight yet carries immense waves of flavours, including sarsaparilla, pomegranate and smoke. A well-integrated wine that is superb now. A wonderful accompaniment to thick, oak-grilled pork chops, wild game, or coq au vin.
75.0CL
Out of stock
USA :: California :: Napa
Merlot
Body: d - Medium to Full
Drink now, but will keep
This Merlot sets the standard for elegance with a perfume of red fruits and earthy notes and flavors of raspberry, plum and black pepper. On the palate, the wine is silky yet bright, a classic Trefethen.
75.0CL
Only 7 left
USA :: California :: Dry Creek Valley
Petite Sirah
Body: e - Full
Drink now, but will keep
Opaque purple in colour, smoky and minerally on the nose. Well coated tannins integrate on the palate with black currant and plum fruit. Finishes with notes of eucalyptus and mint.
75.0CL
In Stock
USA :: California :: Sonoma
Alicante Bouschet, Carignan (Mazuelo) (Samso), Petite Sirah, Zinfandel/Primitivo
Body: e - Full
Drink now, but will keep
Saturated ruby in colour. Plum and black cherry fruit aromas, mint, and gravelly earth. Ripe bramble fruit on entry, balanced acidity, and elegant tannins. Long finish
75.0CL
Only 3 left