23 Apr Check Out These 10 “Grand Cru” Pinot Noir Vineyards In California

In California, there is no official term like “Grand Cru” to designate a high quality vineyard like there is in Burgundy, France. In Burgundy, a “Cru” is a French term that describes “a vineyard or group of vineyards, especially one of recognized quality.” And the term “Grand Cru,” which means “great growth,” is used for the highest classification for vineyards and wineries. This includes vineyards with names such as La Romanée, La Tâche, Clos de Vougeot, Corton-Charlemagne, Montrachet, Romanée-Conti.

At World of Pinot Noir 2024, Master Sommelier David Glancy of the San Francisco Wine School lead a seminar entitled “The New ‘Grand Cru’ of California.” Traveling up the coast of California, we tasted wine wines from 10 top-rated vineyards. These vineyards are Sanford & Benedict, Bien Nacido, Rosemary’s Vineyard, Pisoni, Mount Eden, Hyde, Gaps’ Crown, Meredith Estate, Savoy, and Red Car. Some of these vineyards are heritage sites. Many wines from these vineyards have received high ratings. Most of these vineyards sell fruit to other wineries that proudly display the vineyard on the label. These are what Master Sommelier David Glancy of the San Francisco Wine School called “The New ‘Grand Cru’ of California.”

Read about the vineyards and specific wines in the full story in California Winery Advisory.