About Dessert Wines from USA

About Dessert Wines from USA
The United States is one of the most important players in the wine industry. On sheer numbers alone, the US is the fourth largest country in terms of total production; but it is the outstanding quality of wines from the US that is an additional part of its worldwide prestige. While the first wines produced in the colonies date back to the late 18th century, it has only been since the mid-1960s that the US has entered the premium wine market on a large scale. California, especially Napa Valley and Sonoma County were the areas that drove the new quality movement. Other areas in California also were home to great wines; soon Washington and Oregon were home to first-class wines as well. New York State, especially the Finger Lakes are was rediscovered for its Rieslings and soon wineries started opening in states such as Texas, Virginia and North Carolina. Today, 90% of domestic premium wine is produced in California and there are several wine types that share the spotlight; these include Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, Pinot Noir from Sonoma's Russian River Valley as well as Santa Barbara County and Chardonnay from several regions, such as Monterey and Sonoma County. Bordeaux-styles reds from Washington State have received great acclaim as have Oregon Pinot Noirs. Today, the United States is in an enviable position of being one of the largest producers of wine as well as one of the most celebrated.

Top Picks for USA

Dessert Wines

Weis Vineyards 2018 Ice Wine Riesling
97 points
$89
Beautiful complexity of flavor with light florals and minerality as counterpoints to its pronounced stone fruit, orchard fruit, and tropical citrus tones; this is world class Eiswein.
Awards: '2024 New York Wine Classic - Best Dessert Wine' 2024 New York Wine Classic - Governor's Cup Winner - Best Wine
Frost Bitten 2023 Ice Riesling
93 points
$15
Best Buy
A vibrantly delicious, lighter, Auslese-style ice wine with lavish honeyed fruit wrapped in a sleek satiny palate.
93 points $15 Best Buy
Weis Vineyards 2021 Winzer Select Edel Süss Finger Lakes
93 points
$59.99
A top notch dessert Riesling with precise fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and a proper delicate balance of botrytis.
93 points $59.99
Wölffer Estate Vineyard 2023 Diosa Late Harvest White Wine Long Island
92 points
$37
Exactly what is wanted and expected from a top quality dessert wine from the region; pair with candied fruit and nuts as well as blue cheese to end a meal at your favorite NYC French bistro.
Quartz Rock Vineyard 2021 Black Currant Wine With Grape Brandy Hudson River Region
89 points
$34
With dark and concentrated fruit, it's very reminiscent of examples of cassis liqueurs from France; like a warm hug on the palate.
Frost Bitten 2022 Ice Wine Riesling
89 points
$15
Best Buy
Vibrant fruit flavors with hints of subtle spice; a lovely dessert sipper.
89 points $15 Best Buy
Parallel 44 2022 White Frosting Sweet White Wisconsin
88 points
$19
Sweet, bordering on tropical fruit with good citrus acidity and everything you expect from the grape; pair with a lemon chiffon pie or pineapple cake.
Hillside Winery NV Outblushed Muscadine
87 points
$23
A boldly herbal sweet wine to pair with strong cheeses or try in cocktails.
Nitz 2022 Reserve Ice Wine Vidal Blanc
87 points
$29
Concentrated stone fruit flavors and lush texture make this a tasty dessert wine.
Parallel 44 2023 Red Frosting Sweet Red Wisconsin
87 points
$19
Like sweet red Jell-O in your wine glass.