California: waking from the dream

In pursuit of balance with Gearoid Devaney MS in the shop from midday

You have heard from us before about some of the recent developments in wine styles in the Golden State. We are fans of anything that takes wine away from the hot, over-extracted styles of yesteryear and embraced some of these 'new' Californians a year or two ago. And of course neighbouring Oregon (when not staging anti-federal revolts) is home to great terroir. As a ringer we've thrown in a new wave Rhone too. 

What they offer is a sense of line and length, of finesse and, yes, balance. These are wines often grown in austere places, but they exhibit all that the Californian sun can offer, though tempered by proximity to icy seas and cold winds. With a growing season cooler and longer (yet more reliable) than Burgundy, they have fruit and structure in balance and offer huge pleasure.

As does the charm of Master Sommelier Gearoid Devaney (pronounciation guide available on request). He will be on hand for part of the afternoon to take you through the tasting and share his extensive knowledge of the producers and how they work. /CW