QRW’s Top 18 California Wines

Nine varietals from our
23rd Best of The Best Blind Tastings in 2007

Cabernet Sauvignon

Best of Show: 2004 Caymus Special Selection, Napa Valley, $136

Best Value: 2003 Rutherford Ranch Reserve, Napa Valley, $30

Red Blend/Meritage

Best of Show: 2003 Prevail Back Forty (Ferrari-Carano), Alexander Valley, $80

Best Value: 2004 Steltzner Claret, Napa Valley, $20

Merlot

Best of Show: 2003 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard, Napa Valley, $80

Best Value: 2004 Whitehall Lane, Napa Valley, $28

Pinot Noir

Best of Show: 2005 Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, $50

Best Value: 2004 TAZ Fiddlestix Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills, $35

Syrah

Best of Show: 2003 Ridge Lytton West, California, $36

Best Value: 2004 Michael-David 6th Sense, Lodi, $17

Zinfandel

Best of Show: 2004 St. Francis Vineyards Wild Oak Old Vines Sonoma County, $35

Best Value: 2005 Rosenblum Cellars Appellation Series, Paso Robles, $18

Chardonnay

Best of Show: 2004 Sbragia Family Gamble Ranch, Russian River Valley, $40

Best Value: 2004 J. Lohr Vista Vineyards, Arroyo Seco, $20

Sauvignon Blanc

Best of Show: 2005 Duckhorn Napa Valley, $25

Best Value: 2004 Gainey, Santa Ynez Valley, $13

Sparkling Wine

Co-Best of Show: 2000 Roederer Estate L’Ermitage, Anderson Valley, $50

Co-Best of Show: 1999 Schramsberg J. Schram, North Coast, $95