CLEVELAND, Ohio – This month we sipped six California wines – three whites, three reds.
A lot of wines cross our desk, but we figured we’d start the year with a six-pack of sorts from California.
Note: Our monthly reviews focus on wines $25 and under. All should be available on local store shelves. We list flavors we detect, then offer our favorite at the end.
This month’s prices range from $10 to $25:
Dry CreekMarc Bona, cleveland.comDry Creek
Dry Creek Vineyard, Sonoma County, Fumé Blanc / Sauvignon Blanc
We sipped a pair of Dry Creek wines from successive vintages (Fume Blanc is Sauvignon Blanc aged in oak):
2021: Lime and notes of orange peel. Decent acidity, $16.
2022: Little more acidity and subtle notes of cucumber – the latter according to the winery, $20.
Conclusion: Two thumbs up for the ’21 over the ’22. Personally, neither knocked my socks off, but the winery is stellar and consistently makes solid red and white wines.
Menage a TroisMarc Bona, cleveland.comMénage à Trois Light
Folie à Deux, Helena and Lodi, Sauvignon Blanc, 2024, $10
Lime, pear and floral notes with a little acidic tinge. Light-bodied, as expected; the wine is billed as having 90 calories and 8 percent alcohol. Nothing crazy but no off notes, making the price a great value.
Z. Alexander BrownMarc Bona, cleveland.comUncaged Pinot Noir
Z. Alexander Brown, Manteca, Pinot Noir, 2024, $16.99
Blueberry, menthol, cherry and plum all swirl together on every sip, intertwined with baked cherry and some subtle baking spices. Pastry tart-like notes emerge. We often lower expectations for a Pinot Noir worth less than $20, but this was an intriguing sipper, great value. Note: Uncaged Cabernet Sauvignon and red blend made last month’s review: December wines: 6 great value sippers for the holidays
M Cabernet SauvignonMarc Bona, cleveland.comM Cabernet Sauvignon
Mac & Billy Cellars / McPrice Myers Wines, Paso Robles, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022, $25
Intriguing wine. Olive and slightly briny flavors come through as well as menthol, cherry and red licorice. Smokiness with strong tomato notes, tangy mouthfeel and nominal tannins.
High on the HogMarc Bona, cleveland.comHigh on the Hog
McPrice Myers Wines, Paso Robles, red blend, 2023, $20
Definite dark-fruits wine. Blueberry, plum, blackberry with cedar all mesh here. It’s 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Grenache, 12% Petite Sirah, 10% Syrah and 6% Mourvèdre. Drinkable, party pleaser. Leans fruit-forward, so don’t expect a bone-dry wine.
This month
Favorite: M Cabernet Sauvignon
Pleasant surprise / value: Uncaged Pinot Noir
Dining and Cooking