The kids are back in school, and there is a kiss of chill in the air, which means it must be fall. In honor of the approaching of Sept. 22 – the first day of the new season – check out 12 fabulous California wines for autumn imbibing.
2020 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon (featured image)
Beloved for its rich notes of black cherry intermingled with blue fruits and cedar on the nose and symphony of red and blue fruits – notable boysenberry, blueberry, cherry, and redcurrant – balanced by clove on the palate, this is a true signature wine of the season. $60
2021 Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon
A classic Napa Cabernet, this estate-grown stunner is made from grapes that have been handpicked from 22 coveted blocks. Together, they are a dizzying delight of red cherry, blueberries, milk chocolate, and red cherry, complete with a silky finish. $60
Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Lot 74
This varietal’s color – deep and oh-so red – is a hint at what is to come. Matching the richness of the hue, this Zinfandel is an explosion of plum, black tea, spice, and dark berries sure to warm the palate along with the soul. $19.99
The Paring was born from legendary winemaker Matt Dees’ desire to experiment with grapes from renowned vineyards in Santa Barbara. The Cabernet dominant blend is aged in both French and new oak for 22 months creating an elegantly refined California wine that balances sweet notes of ripe red cherry and savory notes of green bell pepper and tobacco. $25
Stags’ Leap Winery’s 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
There are certain flavors synonymous with fall – yes, beyond pumpkin. Think cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and even caramel. A celebration of the season, there are clear notes of each of these stunning ingredients in this bottle, complemented by layers of blackberry and dark plum, to boot. $70
Far Mountain Fission Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
This 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma Valley pours a deep red color. Black fruits rule the nose here, tempered by earthy undertones and dried herbs. It tastes much like the aromatics, but with deeper dark fruits and a hint of juicy red fruit that stand up well to more rustic fall dishes. $77.99
Rombauer Vineyards 2023 Carneros Chardonnay
Guess what? The Chardonnay icon just released a new vintage just in time for fall! Yes, it is new, but have no fear: the intense fruit character combined with the subtle spice and all the silky creaminess is as good as ever. $49
2022 Charles Krug Napa Valley Merlot
Refined but not stuffy, this is yummy elegance in a glass. Enjoy every layer of flavor here from the ripe black cherry and dark chocolate to the toasty oak and all the epic plum, not to mention the sensually velvety mouthfeel. $42
2020 Eleven Eleven XI Cabernet Sauvignon
Seeking to sip on a perfect example of the depth of Napa Valley’s vineyards? Ding! Ding! This is the perfect autumnal match thanks to the bold black currant, cassis, cedar, and mocha, not to mention just the right amount of oaky goodness. $90
LangeTwins 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, Thirty Eight Vineyard
It may have 38 in the name, but this will be a No. 1 hit with red lovers all season long, especially those who like a savory quality in their wine, not to mention plum, black licorice, and the beloved mission fig. $38
La Crema, Pinot Noir 2022 Sonoma Coast
Upon opening this bottle, a swirl of raspberry and cranberry with a hint of black licorice envelop the air. And to the taste? Think exotic tea paired with red cherry, boysenberry, chocolate-covered coffee beans, and a touch of plum. $28
2023 Villa San Juliette Rosé of Grenache
Who needs a transitional wine that captures both the end of summer and the start of fall? This will get the job done with its mélange of both strawberry and kiwi that opens to reveal deeper notes, especially of meringue and honeycomb. $36