Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
What to Drink in San Francisco
California is now one of the world's largest and most exciting
wine-producing areas, and the best vintages come from the
wine country north of San Francisco, especially the Napa and
Sonoma Valleys. Most California wines are made from the
classic European grape varieties but, unlike European wines,
are identified by grape rather than by wine-growing district.
Locally brewed beers and mineral waters are also popular,
and the usual range of beverages are available.
Northern Sonoma vineyards, the ideal local
climate for growing the fussy Pinot Noir grape
Red Wine
Vines thrive in the mild climate of Northern California where
cooling fogs help the grapes reach perfection. The main red
wine varieties grown in the region are Cabernet Sauvignon,
Pinot Noir, Merlot and Zinfandel. Cabernet Sauvignon is still the
prime grape type, with excellent vintages produced in all
major growing regions. Pinot Noir, used in the legendary
French Burgundy wines, has become increasingly popular as
wineries have mastered its temperamental nature, and the
moist Anderson Valley in Sonoma and the Carneros in Napa
Valley have emerged as prime growing regions. Merlot, used in
many Bordeaux clarets, and Zinfandel, a bold and full-bodied
grape popular in California, are grown all over the state.
Merlot
, often used to
provide more fruit in a
blend, produces rich,
soft wines on its own.
Pinot Noir
Cabernet
Sauvignon
Red Zinfandel
wines can be
light and fruity, but at their
best are rich, dark and hearty.
Cabernet Sauvignon
wines
taste of blackcurrants with an
acidic edge softened by oak.
Pinot Noir
, at its best, has a floral
elegance and a delicate strawberry flavor.
Wine Type
Good Vintages
Good Producers
Red Wine
Cabernet Sauvignon
07, 04, 03, 02, 97, 96, 94, 93, 91, 90
Caymus Vineyards, Chateau Montelana,
Jordan, Kistler Vineyards, Ridge, Robert
Mondavi, Stags Leap, Swanson
Pinot Noir
06, 04, 03, 02, 01, 99, 97, 96,
Au Bon Climat, Byron, Calera, Cuvaison,
95, 93, 92, 91
De Loach, Etude, Sanford, Saintsbury
Merlot
05, 04, 02, 01, 99, 96, 95, 91, 90
Chateau St Jean, Duckhorn Vineyards,
Newton, Pine Ridge, Robert Sinskey,
Whitehall Lane Reserve
Zinfandel
08, 03, 01, 96, 95, 91, 90
Clos du Val, Farrell, Fetzer, Frog's Leap,
Kunde, Rabbit Ridge, Ravenswood,
Ridge, Turley
White Wine
Chardonnay
07, 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 97, 96,
Au Bon Climat, Beringer, Forman, De,
95, 94, 91, 90
Loach, Far Niente Kent Rasmussen,
Kitzler, Peter Michael, Robert Sinskey,
Sterling Vineyards
Semillon
06, 05, 03, 02, 96, 95, 94, 91, 90
Alban, Calera, Cline Cellars, Joseph
Phelps, Niebaum-Coppola, Wild Horse
Sauvignon Blanc
06, 05, 03, 02,99, 97, 96, 95,
Cakebread, De Loach, Frogs Leap, Joseph
94, 91, 90
Phelps, Robert Mondavi Winery,
Spottswoode
