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Central Coast California

United States
Top Subregions: Carmel ValleyPaso RoblesSan Benito CountySan LucasCienega ValleySan BenitoSan BernabePaicinesLos OlivosSanta Clara Valley

Region Description

The Central Coast of California is a wine lover's paradise, boasting a wide variety of climates, soils, and grape varieties. Located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Central Coast spans from Monterey County in the north to Santa Barbara County in the south. With its diverse topography and Mediterranean climate, the Central Coast is home to some of the most renowned wineries in the United States. The Central Coast has a long and storied history of winemaking, dating back to the mid-1800s. The first vineyards were planted in the Santa Clara Valley, and by the late 1800s, the region was producing some of the finest wines in the country. The region's reputation for quality wines was further solidified in the early 1989, when the Santa Clara Valley was declared among the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the United States.

Beautiful landscape of Central Coast California wine region

Grapes & Wine Styles

The Central Coast is home to a wide variety of grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Zinfandel. The region is also known for its Rhône-style blends, which are made from a combination of Rhône varietals such as Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. The region is also home to some of the finest sparkling wines in the United States.

Notable Producers

The Central Coast is home to some of the most renowned wineries in the United States, including Hahn Family Wines, Talbott Vineyards, and J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines. These wineries produce a wide variety of wines, from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Fun Fact about Central Coast California
The Central Coast is home to the world's oldest Chardonnay vineyard, which was planted in 1882.

Top Wines from Central Coast California

Bottle of Troublemaker Red Blend from search results

Troublemaker Red Blend

Troublemaker

User Rating:
3.8
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
3.8
Troublemaker Red Blend is a captivating wine that showcases the artistry of its producer. Crafted in a renowned appellation, this wine is a harmonious blend of carefully selected grapes from exceptional vineyards. The vineyard features contribute to the wine's complexity and character, with diverse soil types and microclimates that enhance the grape quality. The winemaking process involves meticulous attention to detail, including gentle handling of the grapes and aging in oak barrels. The result is a wine with a bold and expressive style, boasting rich flavors, velvety tannins, and a lingering finish. Troublemaker Red Blend is a true testament to the passion and expertise behind its creation.
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Food Pairing:
Pork
Beef
Vegetable
Cheese
Chocolate Dessert
Dessert
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$12.95
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1 NV Vintage Available
Bottle of J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon from search results

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines

User Rating:
4.0
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.5
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied and well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a deep ruby color with a nice complexity of aromas that mix ripe black cherry and blackberry with hints of cedar, toast, and graphite. On the palate, the wine is juicy and vibrant, with a concentration of dark fruit flavors, firm tannins, and a smooth and long finish. Enjoy this classic California Cabernet Sauvignon with grilled meats and full-flavored cheeses.
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Food Pairing:
Pork
Beef
Pasta
Vegetable
Cheese
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$21.99
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7 Vintages Available
Bottle of Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Aged in Bourbon Barrels from search results

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Aged in Bourbon Barrels

Robert Mondavi Private Selection

User Rating:
4.0
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.5
The wine is aged and blended to obtain exceptionalfruit flavors and complexity. A portion of the blend is then selected to age in new bourbon whiskey barrels for an additional three months. These new barrels impart a deep, rich, toasty flavor. This Cabernet Sauvignon combines the craftsmanship of California winemaking with the Southern tradition of aging bourbon whiskey,resulting in an incredibly bold sensory expression. Deep, rich ruby in color, it opens with concentrated aromas of ripe blackberry pie, ripe dark berries, graham crackers, brown sugar, vanilla, milk chocolate,and toasted oak with notes of coffee and smoke. Flavors of blueberry pie, pralines, sweet vanilla cream,brown sugar, caramel and mocha are accented with hints of coffee. Soft tannins and toasty oak round out the wine with a long, lush finish. An excellent companion to grilled ribs, a charcuterie board, hearty pasta dishes and strong cheeses.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Pork
Cheese
Pasta
Vegetable
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$12.99
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4 Vintages Available
Bottle of DAOU Pessimist Red Blend from search results

DAOU Pessimist Red Blend

DAOU

User Rating:
4.1
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
DAOU Pessimist Red Blend is a captivating wine that showcases the expertise of its producer. Crafted in a renowned appellation, this wine is a true testament to the exceptional vineyard features it originates from. The winemaking process is meticulous, resulting in a wine that exudes elegance and complexity. With its rich and velvety texture, this red blend offers a harmonious balance of flavors. Its style is characterized by luscious dark fruit notes, complemented by hints of spice and a lingering finish. DAOU Pessimist Red Blend is a must-try for wine enthusiasts seeking a sophisticated and memorable experience.
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Food Pairing:
Pork
Beef
Vegetable
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$14.99
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6 Vintages Available
Bottle of Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon from search results

Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon

Austin Hope

User Rating:
4.5
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.3
Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon is a highly sought-after wine that showcases the expertise of its producer. Crafted in a renowned appellation, this wine is made from grapes sourced from exceptional vineyards. The vineyard features include ideal soil composition and optimal sun exposure, resulting in grapes with concentrated flavors and balanced acidity. The winemaking process involves careful selection and hand-harvesting of the grapes, followed by meticulous fermentation and aging in oak barrels. The end result is a wine that exudes elegance and complexity, with rich flavors of dark fruits, velvety tannins, and a long, lingering finish. Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon is a true testament to the artistry and passion behind winemaking.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Pork
Cheese
Chocolate Dessert
Dessert
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$59.97
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3 Vintages Available