I always like to imagine what wine our Founding Fathers were toasting with just after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A bubbly sparkling wine from California’s Carneros region? A light aromatic Oregon pinot gris or a robust full-bodied Napa Cabernet Sauvignon? Well, it was none of those. They were toasting with Madeira. I am all for a wonderful glass of this high-alcohol, full-bodied fortified wine around the Christmas tree but not on one of our state’s hottest days of the year.
The United States is home to more than 3,000 commercial vineyards with at least one winery in each of the 50 states. That is a lot of options for your celebratory toast. To narrow it down, I’ve focused this week’s recommendations on wines from California, Washington and Oregon, which make up over 90% of American wine production.
So, let’s raise a glass and toast our history and accomplishments with a few of these American-made bottles and celebrate our great country.
THE VALUES
2018 Sean Minor 4 Bears Chardonnay, California (about $12)
2018 Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel, California (about $15)
2018 Lapis Luna Chardonnay, California (about $15)
2018 Underwood Pinot Noir, Oregon (about $13)
2018 Kings Ridge Oregon Pinot Gris, Oregon (about $13)
2018 Acrobat Pinot Gris, Oregon (about $14)
2018 Prophecy Red Blend, Washington (about $14)
2018 Columbia Crest Two Vines Merlot, Washington (about $10)
2018 Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling, Washington (about $12)
THE SPLURGES
2018 Bell Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Claret, California (about $45)
2018 Presqu’ile Santa Barbara Pinot Noir, California (about $22)
2018 Reynolds Family Persistence Red, California (about $54)
2018 A to Z Oregon Chardonnay, Oregon (about $19)
2018 Joel Gott Pinot Noir, Oregon (about $18)
2018 Willamette Valley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir, Oregon (about $37)
2018 Anne Amie Pinot Gris, Oregon (about $16)
2018 Elouan Oregon Rose, Oregon (about $23)
2018 Maison Noir Horseshoes & Handgrenades, Washington (about $19)
2018 Spoken Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington (about $22)