Curious Case November 2022 - Reveal

The Curious Case is a 'mystery' case that changes every month whereby you find out what is in it when you receive it! Could be red, white, rosé, orange or sparkling from a classic region or a boutique producer in some remote far-flung region using indigenous rare varieties.

We've called this month's case 'American Beauties' because, for some time now, we've been meaning to feature some of our favourites from this part of the world. 'California Dreaming' would work almost as well as a title given that over 90% of all the wine produced in the USA comes from California. But since we managed to shoehorn in a wine from Washington state, further north up the west coast, we reckon we picked the best fitting name. If you think of Californian wines as big, blockbuster reds and oaky, buttery whites, well, you're not wrong, but there's an awful lot more to them than that. The cooling influence of the Pacific breezes means that wines with elegance and sophistication are also very much part of the scene. Our selection is aimed to show this range to the full from a bold Zinfandel to a graceful Pinot Noir and from a rich and full Chardonnay to a fresh and lively white blend. It's fair to say a lot of wine comes out of California, much of it from well-known brands made to a good standard, but, dare we say, sometimes lacking a bit in character. Well, our American Beauties case is aimed to show some of the excellent wines to be had beyond the big brands, but that still don't break the bank.

As always with our Curious Cases this is just a snapshot aimed to showcase some good quality, well-priced wines on the theme in question. We certainly hope it piques your interest because there's plenty more to explore in this vein.

Wine #1 - A rich and sumptuous old vine Zinfandel with ripe sweet fruit and soft spices.

Wine #2 - Structured and complex Cabernet Sauvignon which is a great partner to beef or a cheese board.

Wine #3 - Polished, silky and elegant, this is a superb Central Coast Pinot Noir at a remarkably modest price.

Wine #4 - Classic Californian Chardonnay. Subtly oaked, but with tropical fruit to the fore.

Wine #5 - A delicious Rhône style white blend from one of California's iconic wineries.

Wine #6 - Chenin Blanc is not seen so much in California, but this ripe and fruity take deserves more exposure.

De Loach Heritage Reserve Chardonnay 2019

In a nutshell:
Classy and restrained Californian Chardonnay

The lowdown:
For their Heritage Reserve collection De Loach choose fruit from cool, fog-influenced vineyards sustainably farmed along the California Coast. Most of the blend is fermented in stainless steel to highlight the fruit character to which is added a small amount of barrel fermented wine to add an extra complexity and richness. Their Heritage Reserve Chardonnay offers aromas of pear, melon and pineapple and is bright and refreshing with good, but not overpowering, weight. Apple and mixed spice mingle in to add interest, and the finish has clean acidity to balance the full body.

When to drink:
With an ample but not overbearing body this is great with meaty fish like halibut, or simply prepared poultry.

Bonny Doon 'Le Cigare Blanc', Central Coast 2020

In a nutshell:
Fresh, lively, dry Southern Rhône-style white from the iconic Californian Winery Bonny Doon.

The lowdown:
Bonny Doon and its founder, the renowned winemaker Randall Grahm, are synonymous with showcasing the best of the French Rhône Valley in California; they are true pioneers of using these varieties in the Central Coast region. Respect of the soils and the environment is paramount and Bonny Doon work with biodynamics and a hands-off approach to produce the best possible fruit typical of the vineyard and vintage. Le Cigare Blanc is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Vermentino and Clairette that all work together harmoniously resulting in a fresh and vibrant wine with a rounded mouthfeel and medium weight. The Vermentino really shines through with notes of citrussy lime and tropical mango and pineapple with fresh pine and minerally wet stone touches. The Grenache Blanc brings weight and the roundness while the Clairette helps balance everything out adds a lovely length.

When to drink:
A perfect seafood accompaniment, particularly weight fish, asparagus or other grilled vegetables.

Suitable for Vegans, Biodynamic

Bogle Vineyards Chenin Blanc 2020

In a nutshell:
A honeyed and fruity Californian take on Chenin Blanc.

The lowdown:
You don't see much Chenin Blanc in California, but the Clarksburg area south of Sacramento where Bogle are based produces some outstanding examples. This is 100% stainless steel fermented which retains the maximum freshness and crispness to balance the honeyed, ripe, stone fruit flavours. The aromas of pineapple, spice and apples lead onto a soft palate with ripe fruits and hints of ginger. A very welcoming wine with a lovely ripe finish.

When to drink:
An ideal aperitif and also good with Asian and mildy spicy dishes.

Suitable for Vegans

Lockwood Vineyard Central Coast Pinot Noir 2018

In a nutshell:
A polished and silky, unoaked Californian Pinot Noir

The lowdown:
Lockwood's vineyards are mainly to be found in the Monterey area of California's Central Coast sub-region. The lagre variations in day-night temperatures around here create good conditions for concentrating the flavours found in the berries. To highlight the purity of the fruit no oak is used and all vinification and ageing is done in stainless steel. The result is a wine with bright red aromas of strawberry and red cherry. A hint of violets rise from the glass and are joined by flavours of raspberry, cardamom and a touch of oak spice. It's very well structured with a nicely taut body and deliciously long finish..

When to drink:
An interestingly complex wine. Serve with things like chargrilled chicken, duck or a succulent joint of roast beef.

Suitable for Vegetarians

Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

In a nutshell:
A big and approachable American Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington's oldest winery.

The lowdown:
The Columbia Valley in the eastern part of Washington state has a dry climate and conditions are well adapted for varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chateau Ste Michelle are good at getting the best out of it. Aged in oak, a third of which is new, for fourteen months it's rich and concentrated on the nose. The palate goes on to delivers complexity and structure, with robust blackcurrant and plum flavours, and soft, silky tannins that lingers very moreishly at the finish.

When to drink:
Complex and well structured, it's a wine that can cope with robust, spicy flavours. Beef is a natural partner, but blue cheeses and dark chocolate also go well with it.

Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel 2018

In a nutshell:
Rich and sumptuous Californian old vine Zinfandel.

The lowdown:
The Lodi area is the centre of Californian Zinfandel grape growing with over 40% of the state's production of the variety. The vines used here are over 45 years old and there's a lots of a wine for the money here. Intense sweet fruits of plum, damson, prune, raisin and plenty of vanilla, clove and sweet spice with touches of almond and mocha.

When to drink:
It's a very versatile wine when food matching with pork, beef or game making particularly good pairings.