Every wine growing country strives to distinguish itself through legendary vintages and flagship wineries, building up a story and history of excellence and quality.
So, what story does America have to tell us? Its California wineries are already a popular luxury travel destination. From the mountains of Oregon to the swampy South West, these are America’s best wines.
1. Domaine Chandon Étoile Tête De Cuveé, 2003
California’s Napa Valley is one of America’s finest wine producing regions. It is the origin of our first chosen wine, which combines this coveted appellation with some classic French flair to produce an exceptional sparkling wine.
This wine is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. ‘Tête de Cuveé’ refers to the wine coming from the head of the vat of the grapes’ first press; typically understood to be higher in quality. Chandon’s Étoile Tête de Cuveé is heavy with marzipan, spice and citrus.
If you have reason to celebrate in the States, be sure to seek out this stunning, though increasingly vanishing, sparkling wine.
2. Cayuse, 2009 Edith Rosé
Hailing from the Walla Walla Valley in Washington, Cayuse have several vineyards in this region, one of America’s best viticulture areas outside of California. Their Edith Granache Rosé has been in production since 2007, but came to its pinnacle in 2009.
Identifiable from its exceptionally pale colour, this fine rosé could easily be mistaken for a white in a dark restaurant. Composed completely of Grenache grape, this rosé is deceptive in that, though light in appearance, it packs some powerful flavours, including beautiful notes of strawberry with exceptional length.
3. Ponzi 2012 Aurora Vineyard Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a grape that requires precise conditions to thrive to its fullest potential. Ponzi certainly mastered those conditions in 2012. In the northern mouth of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, these eponymous grapes were grown on the basalt-rich slopes of the Chehalem Mountains.
A low yielding crop in 2012 ensured an intensified flavour, featuring chocolate, blueberry and lavender. Only released in 2014, this vintage Oregon wine is already renowned and sells for around $100.
4. Joseph Phelps 2005 Insignia
We now return to the Napa Valley for our second red of the list. Lazily resting between medium and full-bodied, the 2005 Insignia is in the middle of its best, so it is a great time to experience this fine red.
With black cherry chocolate aromas, this Bordeaux grape blend is famed for its well-structured body and admirable tannin levels. Cabernet notes dominate the balanced blend, which also includes Merlot and Petit Verdot.
5. 2010 Rockbridge V D’Or
Where else to finish but with a desert? Couple your sweet treat with this unlikely find from Virginia’s Rockbridge winery in the Shenandoah Valley. Championed by Forbes’ Nick Passmore, he describes this excellent pudding wine glowingly.
“Deep copper colour, warm honey on the front palate, lots of tropical fruit mingled with candied lemons and oranges, a rich, luxurious mid-palate leading to a bracing, tangy finish reminiscent of English tawny marmalade.”
This sweet wine is a mix of Rielsing, Vidal Blanc and Vignoles grape, and sells for $20 per half-size bottle.
There is more to American wine than California, just like there’s more to America than these beautiful wines. For more American luxury travel experiences, or to book a wine tour around any of these regions speak to one of our LondonLuxury Travel Managers today on 0203 535 9290 or by emailing us at info@simplexitytravel.com.