United States

The 1976 Judgment of Paris is where most people start the American wine story. Napa Cabernet and Chardonnay beating French wine in a blind tasting. It's a good story but fifty years on it's also a bit beside the point. The wines have long since proven themselves. The conversation has moved on to which producers are doing the most interesting work, and where.

The Reserve Cellar's fine American wine selection includes Williams Selyem, Kistler, Hirsch Vineyards, Opus One and Ridge. Bottles worth knowing.

What is the most famous wine region in the USA?

Napa Valley. It's relatively small, heavily planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, and has spent decades building a track record that's hard to ignore. Warm days, cool nights, well-drained soils. The conditions suit the variety and the producers have made the most of it. Sonoma, Oregon's Willamette Valley and California's Santa Rita Hills all deserve attention too, but Napa is where most people find their footing with American wine.

What wine is Napa Valley known for?

Cabernet Sauvignon first. The valley produces versions with more body and generosity than most places manage with the grape. Sub-appellations like Rutherford and Oakville have built reputations of their own within that. Napa Chardonnay is worth knowing too, and Merlot from the right producers holds up better than its general reputation suggests.

What is the difference between Napa and Sonoma wine?

Napa runs warmer and focuses heavily on Cabernet. The wines tend to be structured and generous, built for the cellar. Sonoma is a bigger, more varied region with a cooler climate in places, particularly along the coast. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley are among the best California wine produces. Different ambitions, different styles and both worth exploring.

Securing fine American wine used to take effort, but The Reserve Cellar makes it effortless. Start your next discovery here.