Napa Valley, California became world-famous after the 1976 Paris Tasting, where its Cabernet Sauvignons beat top Bordeaux in a blind tasting. The warm, sunny climate produces ripe, full-bodied Cabs with cassis, dark cherry and often notable oak (new American or French). Stags Leap, Oakville and Rutherford are famous sub-AVAs.
Barossa Valley, South Australia is home to some of the world's oldest Shiraz vines (150+ years). The hot, dry climate produces dense, rich, dark-fruited wines with chocolate, pepper and liquorice notes. Old-vine Grenache and Mourvèdre blends (GSM) also thrive here.
Both regions have moved toward more restrained, elegant styles as climate awareness and soil-focused viticulture have grown.
