Fifty years ago, the Judgement of Paris played a major role in solidifying the prestige of Cabernet Sauvignon made in the United States. Soon after, a number of factors led American winemakers and consumers to develop a palate for big, jammy, teeth-kicking Cabs — a taste preference that eventually overwhelmed the market. But when sampling hundreds of bottles for this year’s list of the 30 Best…
In their heyday, Napa Cabs were nothing like today’s stereotypical version. The flower-power vibe of the 1970s was apparent in the rough-around-the-edges, lively, vegetal, and experimental Cabs of that period. Then came the critic Robert Parker and the development of winemaking technology — two forces that influenced winemakers and consumers alike to acquire a taste for bold, high-alcohol, jammy…
Avid Napa Cab consumers are likely to know Orin Swift for its labels alone. One is a discolored picture of a man pointing a gun at the consumer. Another features an unnerving photo of broken, worn-down mannequins. However, the marketing expertise of Orin Swift goes well beyond the label design. That’s largely due to the boots-to-the-ground advertising efforts of founder Dave Phinney. Dave…
As America’s first American Viticultural Area (AVA), Napa Valley has been celebrated around the world for its wine for generations. This beloved region first made it big on the world stage after its wineries swept up numerous awards at the Judgement of Paris wine tasting of 1976 and has drawn in wine lovers from around the world ever since. While bold Cabernet Sauvignon and crisp Chardonnay are…
Born in Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon became a household name in the United States after arriving in California, gaining significant traction by the 1930s. However, it was the 1970s that truly changed everything. During that era, winemakers famously put California Cabernet up against the best of France, proving to skeptics just how world-class American wine had become. The critics were stunned,…
This episode of Wine 101 is brought to you by Meiomi. Meiomi Pinot Noir is one of the best-selling wines in America for a reason. It’s smooth, rich, and incredibly easy to enjoy, whether you’re celebrating with friends or enjoying a glass at the end of the day. Made in California, Meiomi is both deeply flavorful and expertly created — making it the perfect finish for big moments and everyday…
As the United States’ premier wine region, Napa Valley produces a number of highly sought-after wines, none of which are more coveted than its Cabernet Sauvignons. Napa Cabernets are known for their robust, juicy qualities, strong tannins, and prominent notes of red and black fruits. While the American Viticultural Area’s (AVA’s) Cabs might be accurately generalized as such, Napa Valley is home…
Some grape and region combinations work so well that, together, the two become an unofficial title. California Chardonnay is one such case. But how did Chardonnay from the New World state become so revered? Rombauer Vineyards is largely to thank. Koerner and Joan Rombauer — two native Californians — established Rombauer Vineyards in 1980. The married couple’s first foray into the Napa wine…