“Several of the best wines I’ve had from California this year” come from producers who create small batches in garages and borrowed spaces, said Ray Isle in Food & Wine. In all honesty, “it’s hard to say where this DIY movement will lead”: Most of these winemakers break even at best on their labors of love, and their wines are hard to find. Still, seek the standouts; they’ll surprise you.
2010 Massican Annia ($28). This “crisp, stony blend” of northern Italian varieties gains body from a touch of chardonnay. It might be the best California white that nobody’s heard of.
2010 Matthiasson White ($35). Steve Matthiasson makes this “distinctively aromatic” white from a blend of mostly uncommon white grapes.
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2008 Demuth Kemos Bei Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon ($60). Winemakers Eric Demuth and Peter Kemos create “thrilling Sonoma cabs” in an 800-square-foot winery.
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