Cheers to love! Check out these fabulous California wines, perfect for a toast (or two) this Valentine’s Day.
2020 Longevity Vintner Select GSM “Genuine Soul Mate”
The name! The lovely name! Now, of course GSM in wine stands for a mix of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre and all of the vanilla, spice and blackberry that comes with those varietals. Here, there is a double meaning as every blended bit is designed to further connect those already deep in a forever kind of love. $38
Flowers 2021 Camp Meeting Ridge Pinot Noir
Who celebrates Valentine’s Day without Flowers? A blooming bottle if there ever was one, this fragrant varietal is a triumph of ripe red cherry, raspberry and tingly spices that will awaken and then seduce all the senses. $100
The Vice Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, “99 Vices”
How does the song go? I’ve got 99 vices but this wine ain’t one? Kidding. We know the lyrics. However, this slightly naughty take on an Oakville Cabernet may have a cheeky name, but it has a luxurious mouthfeel and richness that will pair perfectly with a big night out, and even better with a big night in. $99
TOR Melanson Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Poetry in a bottle, those in the know need no introduction to vineyards like this on Pritchard Hill. No, it is not an AVA, but it is among the most prestigious regions for Cabernet on the planet. This is a perfect expression of why. Indulge in every single magnificent note with someone special. It is a vivid tapestry of flavors, with black fruits and dense earth coming together in perfect harmony in every sip. $250
2021 Skipstone Sofia’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
An awe-inspiring Alexander Valley offering, there are equal parts berry, spice and earth here, particularly raspberry, graphite, plum and even a hint of cedar. A showstopper if there ever was one that is worthy of a truly magnificent celebration of true love. $400
Syrah’s dark and brooding notes make it the sneaky perfect pick for a big night out…or in. On the nose, enjoy white pepper and a touch of leather. On the palate, this California wine gets surprisingly delicate with balanced pops of blueberry. $52
All of Trefethen’s wines are from small lots and in ultra-limited quantities, making this big, brooding Petit Verdot all the more coveted. Black as night to the eye, it comes alive on the palate with dark fruits, black pepper and all sorts of aromatics, especially violets. $75
2022 Rodney Strong Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir
Magic in a bottle, tropical fruits and strawberry come together absolute harmony here, exploding on the nose before tickling all of the taste buds. This one is perfect for the date who is in the mood for romance, but not quite ready for a big winter red. $30
Jackson Estate Trace Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Who likes their wine like they like their partner…voluptuous and delightfully intense? This is the perfect choice for lovers of all things bold when it comes to blackberry, black cherry, espresso beans and cigar box. $80
2019 Davis Estates Classic Chase
Classic for a reason, this ruby red wonder with Cabernet Franc and Merlot will steal the show during any Valentine’s dinner with its luscious combination of red fruits, leather, cream and tobacco leaf. $100
2021 Davis Bynum Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
This enchanting Pinot Noir truly showcases the flavors and aromatics for which the Russian River Valley is known. Think smooth strawberry and cheery cherry notes but also a touch of spice that makes it ever-so-nice. $45
2019 Waypoint Vineyards Bell Road Vineyard Zinfandel
This deep, dreamy California wine literally glows when poured into a glass. It is the perfect Zin for those who love it full-bodied with ripe black cherry, chocolate, and plum tempered with a hint of wood and spice. $40
2021 J. Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon
What a beyond-fab cab. This Paso pleaser teases with hints of black tea before opening to offer kisses of dark berry and even herbes de Provence. It will pair perfectly with a cozy night in, ideally cuddled up with the one you love. $35
La Crema 2021 Sealift Vineyard Pinot Noir
The pinnacle of Pinot Noir, La Crema has mastered the art of cultivating the varietal to a work of bottled art. Every sip of this California wine offers black fruit, yet it is tempered with ever-so-slight notes of pine, and its beautiful perfume fills the room, leaving a lovely, lasting impression. $65
2020 Halter Ranch Libelle Sparkling Picpoul Blanc
Why not try something new together this Valentine’s Day? This is a stunning option, whose name is inspired by a gift that the owner’s mother once gave to his father. It pops on the palate with entrancing effervesce, tickling the nose and tongue but with a smooth finish. $85
Ram’s Gate 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Berler Vineyard
Ram’s Gate has an impressive array of single-vineyard wines, with this being one of the best. Elegant and expressive, this particular vintage is as seductive as they come with red fruit flavors seamlessly coming together with forest floor and gorgeous tannins. $115
Tall, dark and handsome….hello! Given the winery itself was founded by a long-time couple (both doctors by trade!), it is no surprise that this silky, subtle Syrah oozes romance. There is a burst of red and dark fruits in every sip, and the flavor sticks with you long after the sip is done, just like the best partners in life. $75
Clif Family 2019 OKD Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
This particular variety is beloved as the vineyard from which it is sourced gets cool marine influences that kiss the soils and bless them with extra-vibrant red fruit flavors. The acid is certainly there as well, but balanced in such a way that feels quite sexy on the palate. $100