The Best American Wines of 2024 Hail from the West Coast
This year, American wines impressed our tasting panel. Four out of the top ten wines on the Enthusiast 100 and three of the top ten Cellar Selections hailed from the United States and the selection’s array of styles—from a long-aged bubbly to an Oregon Pinot and a red blend from Napa—reflect the ascendancy of the country’s winemaking scene.
Wines from the U.S. are becoming more nuanced. While big flavors once dominated, palates are maturing, as reviewer Matt Kettman described in a recent survey of the most exciting new wines to come out of Paso Robles. He described a GSM blend from Epoch, a winery in nearby Templeton, as “lavish and detailed” and considers the producer to be among the top labels anywhere in the world right now.
This fine-tuned approach is demonstrated in the 100-point red blend from Napa Valley’s Quintessa, which featured notes of lavender, grapefruit pith and cocoa. “The balance of pleasure with integrity and refinement was impressive,” recalls Wine Enthusiast Writer-at-Large Elaine Chukan Brown.
And the notes within these bottles may surprise you, too, like a full-bodied sparkler scented with ripe Oregon white truffles and melted Gruyère cheese, and Syrah from Washington’s Walla Walla Valley with flavors of bone marrow, black cherry, peach and sweet Sun Gold tomatoes.
Quintessa 2021 Red (Rutherford)
An exquisite wine, relying primarily on Cabernet Sauvignon from a single estate. Aromas of lavender, dried herbs and grapefruit pith combine with flavors of firm fruits and cocoa on a structure of abundant, powder-fine tannin and a mouthwatering finish. This wine is refined, detailed and delicious, with as much elegance as energy. Best 2026–2040. 100 points. Cellar Selection. — Elaine Chukan Brown
$250
Wine.com
Epoch 2021 Veracity Red (Paso Robles Willow Creek District)
Winemaker Jordan Fiorentini is using every tool in her belt, from the vineyards to the cellar, to create some of the best wines anywhere right now. This blend of 43% Mourvèdre, 34% Grenache and 23% Syrah is a lavish yet detailed package, offering layers of fruit, flower and spice on the nose. Expertly polished tannins are both suave yet structural, framing boysenberry, lilac, cocoa and cracked pepper flavors. 99 points. — Matt Kettmann
$75
Epoch Wines
Roco 2013 RMS Brut Delayed Disgorgement 10-Year Sparkling (Willamette Valley)
$110
Roco Winery
Cathiard Vineyard 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
This Cabernet Sauvignon relies on 45-year-old vines to deliver depth, a long finish and a refined balance of tannins and fresh acidity. A combination of black fruits, deliciously fresh mixed herbs, pleasing earthy accents and a savory character immediately taste of Napa Valley, while the structure and poise are built to age, and feel reminiscent of classic Bordeaux. This is an exciting new project from the producers of Smith Haut-Lafite worth seeking out. Will continue to develop in cellar. 98 points. Cellar Selection. — E.C.B.
$400
JJ Buckley
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Paul Lato 2021 Stand by Me Drum Canyon Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
Lavish and intense aromas of Luxardo cherry, toasted spices and warm cherry pie draw the nose into this single-vineyard expression. There’s crunchiness to the black raspberry base of the palate, where the fresh texture creates a fantastic sensation that goes beyond mere fruit and spice flavors. 98 points.— Matt Kettmann
$250
Paul Lato
Sleight of Hand 2021 Off He Goes Block 50 Les Collines Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
This wondrous Syrah is the winemaker’s tribute to a departed friend and colleague. It is a fitting tribute filled with blackberry, blueberry fruit leather, roasted pork shoulder and thyme aromas that build and build. Blueberry gelato, wet slate and orange pipe tobacco flavors bump against massive tannins and lemony acidity. Enjoy 2024-2034. 97 points. Cellar Selection. — M.A.
$75
Sleight of Hand
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Cayuse 2021 Cailloux Vineyard Syrah (Walla Walla Valley (OR))
It’s only appropriate that a wine named after pebbles should have a distinct post-rain wet patio slate quality backing up aromas of blackberry, lilac and lychee. The thick palate is blessed with sturdy tannic structure and complex flavors of bone marrow, black cherry, peach and sweet Sun Gold tomatoes. 97 points. Cellar Selection. — M.A.
$159
Wine Spectrum
Lucia by Pisoni 2022 Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
$80
JJ Buckley
Kosta Browne 2021 Mt. Carmel Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
The wildly expressive and just plain awesome aromas of this single-vineyard expression from an iconic vineyard blast the nose with intense black raspberry, black cherry, rhubarb pie and star anise aromas. The structure grabs the palate tightly right away, giving a stage for the pure flavors of black cherry sorbet, mint, caramel and star anise to entertain long into the finish. 97 points. — M.K.
$163
JJ Buckley
Holocene 2023 Aureolin Chardonnay (Eola-Amity Hills)
The brilliant yellow hue of Aureolin is a bat signal to alert the world to the existence of another fantastic Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay. The wine feels lithe and nimble as it dances across the palate, spurred on by brisk acidity. Aromas and flavors of tart lemon, marzipan, honeysuckle wet stones and green tea make a lasting impression. Enjoy for the next 15 years. 97 points. — M.A.
$100
Tacoma Wine Merchants
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