California is legendary for providing premium local wines, which have gained popularity due to their exquisite flavor.
They tend to have very intense fruity flavors and aromas, as a lot of care is taken to ensure high quality results.
We will explore the best California red wines the Golden State offers.
Californians can take pride in their home state by browsing this collection of the top California red wines we will enjoy in 2023.
Best California Red Wines 2023
1. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars “Artemis” Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2018 ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon delivers expressive aromas of ripe raspberry, dark cherry, and blackberry, along with hints of cedar and spice.
The mid-palate is pleasant and round with flavors of dark chocolate, plum, dried fruit, and toasted oak. The finish of this red wine is rich and lingering.
2. Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2017 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is ruby in color with a magenta rim. It has an enticing nose of cassis, blackberry, vanilla, sage, and spearmint.
Upon entry, this wine builds from potpourri and bramble to a bright pop of raspberry on the mid-palate. A juicy finish with chewy tannins and a medium length.
3. Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel 2018
We must not forget to add our favorite bold Zin with a 91 Wine & Spirits rating. Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel holds a rich bouquet of cedar, spice, and sun-ripened blackberries. Its blueberries, plum, and currants are both passionate and pure.
Cradling a light dusting of tannins for structure and a long finish, this wine gently floats a refreshingly juicy acidity, making a lovely pairing with red sauces, pizza, and barbeque.
4. Justin Cabernet Sauvignon
Enjoy rich notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and earth, with aromas like strawberry, raspberry, and blackcurrant.
This dark red wine has a soft body with balanced tannins and bright acidity.
5. Tooth and Nail Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Dense aromas of black cherry, black currant, roasted wood, dark mint, and fennel show on the nose of this blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 10% Petite Sirah and 6% Syrah.
The palate is thick in texture, with full and rounded flavors of black cherry, cassis, and dried herbs.
6. Honig Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Honig Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 opens with bright blackberry, red plum, and raspberry fruit with notes of cranberry, black tea, spice, and coriander seed.
Luscious and balanced, with toasty oak and a long finish.
7. Brewer Clifton Ex Post Facto Syrah
Syrah from a cold climate fascinates as it maintains lifted and perfumed aromatics that subsequently usher in tremendous fruit intensity.
Fermentation is carried out as whole clusters to elevate further those high tones of blue flowers and white peppers and to corset the fruit by resultant savory tannins.
Those tannins provide a tea-like architecture offering tremendous length and a savory herb character to harmonize virtually any dish.
8. Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in the Napa Valley region of California. It is known for its full-bodied character, rich flavors, and elegant structure.
This wine often exhibits notes of dark fruits, such as blackberry and plum, along with hints of spice and oak from barrel aging. It is surely one of the best red wine from California.
9. Oak Farm Vineyards Barbera Lodi
This Barbera on the nose presents notes of raspberries and dark fruit such as dark cherry and plum.
It’s bright and lively, with aromas of anise and tart cherry. It has a medium body with light tannins and a soft finish.
10. Austin Hope Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
Stemming from Paso Robles, the classic ruby color gloriously represents this robust Austin Hope Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. Rated an impressive score of 95 by Wine & Spirits, this wine is full bodied and smooth.
It is fruit forward with undertones of an enjoyable rich smoke. Savor the tobacco, dark chocolate, and fresh black currant notes with a fillet to complement your meal.
11. Chateau Buena Vista Napa Valley
Chateau Buena Vista Napa Valley is a prestigious winery located in the renowned Napa Valley region of California. Known for its exceptional quality, the wines produced by Chateau Buena Vista are typically premium and showcase the unique characteristics of the region's terroir.
With a focus on traditional winemaking techniques, Chateau Buena Vista Napa Valley offers a range of elegant, well-crafted wines that often include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and other varietals.
12. Frei Brothers Merlot
If you plan on having beef, lamb, or veal, be sure to think of Frei Brothers Merlot for your ideal pairing.
Hailing from Healdsburg, this Dry Creek Valley Merlot reminds us of red licorice and blackberry. Undertones of smoky oak and caffè mocha are sure to melt your palate. Frei Brothers Merlot is one of the best California red wines!
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