California's Iconic Grapes 750 ml

California is the epicenter of America’s wine country, and this set showcases the varieties that define what makes the Golden State so special. From iconic wineries like 20X Top 100 winner Ridge and Screaming Eagle alum Andy Erickson’s ROOM to new labels like The Vice, the Iconic Grapes Set offers snapshots of California’s legendary terroir: Golden Napa Chardonnay, powerful Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, effusive Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, and a multidimensional Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel blend. Perfect for the budding wine aficionado, each bottle in this 4-pack is a snapshot of California’s golden winemaking legacy. 

2017 Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs Blend Dry Creek Valley

Ridge has been named the Most Admired Wine Brand in North America, and is revered for producing the greatest red wines in California. Their exquisite, vibrant, cellar-worthy Lytton Springs Zinfandel blend is a must-have for anything coming off the grill, or going in the oven this fall. 

The 2017 has a saturated purple hue. Aromas of plum, blackberry, and licorice set the stage for a concentrated spectrum of black fruit and raspberry, seasoned with hints of mint, sage, and sweet spices. Quite rich, layered, and persistent, with the vertical intensity you would expect from a well-crafted Bordeaux blend. This new release is compacted and blooms beautifully in the glass, a structured package with ample tannins for a decade of aging ahead. The addition of old-vine Petite Sirah adds structure, with some Carignane and Mataro (Mourvèdre) for added levels of spice. A true classic! 

2017 The Vice Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District

The Vice has earned rave reviews from Forbes, USA Today, and Jetsetter and one sip of this powerful mountain Cabernet epitomizes why. Although the grape-source is shrouded in secrecy (we did sign a three-page NDA), we can tell you that Diamond Creek Vineyards and Reverie are a proverbial stone’s throw from these coveted vines. This is as bold and opulent as Napa Cab gets. 

Deep ruby in the core turning toward magenta at the rim. Beautifully layered with fresh violets, wild strawberries, cassis, and a hint of espresso. An elegant expression of mountain fruit with layers of cherry, graphite, and sandalwood that make for a bold landscape on the palate, underscored by intense tannins and volcanic mineral notes.

2017 Sonoma-Loeb Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Decadent and full-bodied, this sexy Pinot from 100-point talent Phil Titus is absolutely irresistible. If you love his Coho wines or the powerhouse Pinots of Mark Aubert and Paul Hobbs, this is a must-have that embodies Sonoma's rugged, cool coastal vineyards.

Medium ruby, with a hint of purple. Ripe black cherry, black raspberry, and black forest cake aromas are supported by hints of forest floor, cherry cola, violets, baking spices, and cinnamon. Medium-m to full-bodied, with satiny, tightly woven tannins and fresh acidity, which lifts flavors of black cherry, kola nut, and clove spices to the fore, carrying them through a lasting finish. 

2015 Room Wines Chardonnay Napa Valley

This tiny-production 2015 ROOM Wines Napa Chardonnay can be summed up in one word: dazzling. It is the rarefied Napa Chardonnay that acts as a chameleon bearing the unmistakable ripeness of Napa. If this wine was going into annual rotation under their flagship Favia label, it would be a $60+ Chardonnay, which is exactly what 100-point winemaker Andy Erickson told us after we secured every last bottle.

Pale golden color. Attractive grilled pineapple and white peach aromas carry underlying notes of apple blossom and a hint of toast. Medium-bodied but densely packed with tropical fruit and ripe apple flavors, plus refreshing acidity with a touch of buttery texture and hints of minerals. A complex Chardonnay for the money that is pure California sunshine in a glass.

Join our Head of Wine, Vanessa Conlin, Master of Wine, and Maxwell Glick for a special two-part tasting of these California Icons Live on YouTube. 

• September 2, 2020 at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT:
  • 2015 Room Wines Chardonnay Napa Valley 
  • 2017 Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs Blend Dry Creek Valley
• September 16, 2020 at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT:
  • 2017 Sonoma-Loeb Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
  • 2017 The Vice Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District