California
California produces some of the most sensational Cabernet Sauvignons outside of Bordeaux, its success stemming from the 1976 judgement of Paris – where wines from the region beat their Bordeaux First Growth cousins in a blind tasting. If Napa is the king of Cabernet Sauvignon, then Sonoma’s has to be Pinot Noir and increasingly single vineyards growers are making wines to rival those of the great crus of Burgundy. Chardonnay is also a key grape variety here and those with a fondness for the richer white Burgundies (such as Meursault) should seek out their American cousins.