Best Wines in Napa and Sonoma

The Best Wines in Napa and Sonoma 2017

With yet another year on the books and the California wine country’s five-year drought finally at an end, what better way to savor the past while looking forward to what’s ahead than enjoying some of the best wines in Napa and Sonoma that were to be had in 2017?

Read on to discover some of the finest California wines I tasted last year, which included everything from robust Cabernets to zesty Chardonnays.

My List of the Best Wines in Napa and Sonoma in 2017

Wines in Napa and Sonoma 20172014 Morlet “Force de la Nature” Cabernet Franc (Morlet Family Vineyards) – Handcrafted by esteemed winemaker Luc Morlet, this wine offers a blackberry- and blueberry-scented nose with a sweet and subtle toast. Aged in 100% Darnajou oak, it’s light on the palate but remarkably rich and full-bodied.

2013 VGS Chateau Potelle Cabernet Sauvignon (VGS Chateau Potelle) – This exceptional wine has aromas of black and red fruit with a slight hint of baking spices and vanilla. Blackberry enhanced by black cherry leads on the palate, with vanilla, baking spices and licorice emerging on the mid-palate.

2013 Tusk Cabernet Sauvignon (Tusk Estates) – Delightful, robust hints of black raspberry, black licorice, dark earth and bitter chocolate lead to a zesty core fruit, which heightens this wine’s intensity, especially on the finish.

2014 Palmaz Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Palmaz Vineyards) – This delightful vintage has refreshing aromas of currant and red plum invigorated by notes of cocoa and praline. Very intricately structured, it glides delicately across the palate with an elegant, straightforward finish.

2014 Tor Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Tor Napa Valley) – Tor’s 2014 Napa Valley Cabernet creates a potent impact with a cornucopia of aromas starting with incense, blackberry liqueur, blueberries and forest floor before transitioning to bitter chocolate, espresso and licorice.

2014 PlumpJack (Syrah Napa Valley) – This wine is flawlessly structured, with distinct blackberry and smoky meat aromas and rich, layered flavors of espresso and licorice, which linger toward big yet firm tannins.

2015 Pali Wine Co. (Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Riviera) – Boasting a rich, balanced core of raspberry and plum flavors, this wine is highlighted by floral scents that masterfully accentuate both the aroma and fruity notes.

2014 Revana (Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley) – This one is vibrant from start to finish, from its vanilla bean aroma to the deep, rich core consisting of currant, blackberry and black licorice flavors. Cedar and espresso notes are neatly folded in the persistent, lingering finish.

2015 Alexander Valley Estate Chardonnay (Alexander Valley Vineyards) – Delicious and straightforward, this Chardonnay offers rich pear and apple aromas and flavors, subtle oak notes and a juicy, lingering finish.

2015 Pahlmeyer (Chardonnay Napa Valley) – Get set to savor a generous mouthful of buttery Chardonnay bursting with pineapple, pear, melon and exotic tropical fruit flavors. This one offers an impressive balance between silkiness and opulence — a highly delightful combination.

2014 Duckhorn (Merlot Napa Valley Three Palms Vineyard) – This potent red has the flavors of cherry, red plum and boysenberry, wonderfully layered with generous amounts of mineral accents and rich spices. Nice touches of cardamom and slate combine for an intricate finish.

2016 Dry Creek Valley Fume Blanc (Dry Creek Vineyard) – Known for its age-worthiness, this wine features mouthwatering lemongrass, green melon and citrus aromas and flavors. Even Dry Creek Vineyard Fume Blancs produced in the late 70s taste refreshing and lively.

Best Sonoma and Napa Wines 20172014 Meyer (Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley) – Enjoy this surprisingly detailed, complex Cab, with its harmony of currant, anise, licorice, blackberry and crushed rock flavors. It steadily gains depth while retaining persistence and focus.

2015 Oberon (Merlot Napa Valley) – This robust wine features inky notes to the fig, dark currant and dried sage flavors that glide across the palate. It has a sanguine finish that’s richly spiced.

2015 Kendall-Jackson (Chardonnay California Vintner’s Reserve) – This delightful Chardonnay generously packs richness to accentuate the well-rounded flavors of baked pear, beeswax and lemon tart. It has a fresh, zesty finish that’s highlighted with pastry notes.

2015 Three Sisters Fort Ross-Seaview Chardonnay (Benovia Winery) – From renowned winemaker Mike Sullivan, this wonderfully textured, complex wine features flavors of golden apple and Meyer lemon curd and has a delicate floral character.

2015 Hartford Family (Zinfandel Russian River Valley Old Vine) – Enjoy this flawless representation of Russian River Zinfandel. It’s dynamic, rich and intricately layered with complex fruit and notes of stony mineral, black raspberry, licorice and herbes de Provence and has a long and persistent finish.

Napa and Sonoma Truly Have the Best Wine and Real Estate

If you want to know more about the best wines in Napa and Sonoma and if you’re interested in Napa Valley real estate or are actively looking for Napa homes for sale, it’s time to get in touch. I have a wealth of experience in vineyard and winery acquisitions and sales and would be delighted to help you find your dream vineyard property. Contact me at 707-738-4820 or via email at [email protected].

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