Great suggestion on the single vineyard Willams Selyem or Ridge. . and I would add Siduri (as the newcomer) to that.

Grgich Hills or Montelena chard (both masters of the varietal for usually under $40)

And how can you have an “iconic” list and not include something from Randall Graham, as an object lesson of California’s potential. Maybe the ’01 Cigar.

But, I would go to the icon maker for his 100-pointers…RWP, an icon himself!

2002 Sloan Family Proprietary Red
Napa Valley… $895.
Parker:100
‘Boasting enormous concentration, extraordinary complexity… it possesses terrific fruit, extraordinary intensity, and an amazingly pure, rich, long (over 50 seconds), blockbuster finish.’
——-
2002 Sine Qua Non Just For The Love Of It Syrah $430.
Syrah (Shiraz) California
Parker:100
‘The greatest California Syrah I have yet tasted. Extremely full-bodied, with fabulous intensity, great purity, awesome length, and a finish that lasts over a minute, this classic is a must purchase.’
————
2002 Colgin Tychson Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley $675.
Parker:100
The 2000 vintage was the first one produced by Colgin.
‘Its style suggests a hypothetical blend of a Pauillac and Margaux. With silky tannin as well as an concentrated yet elegant, pure style. Drink in 30-35 years.’
———
And if you can find them,
The 1997 Abreu Madrona Ranch
Cabernet Sauvignon $660.
Parker:100
“As I reported, the 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Madrona Ranch is a perfect Cabernet Sauvignon. It has easily soaked up its aging in 100% new Taransaud barrels. It is a sumptuous, unctuously-textured, fabulously concentrated [wine that] will last for 25-30 years. It is a tour de force in winemaking.”
———-
or the…
1997 Bryant Family Napa Cabernet Sauvignon $1200.
Parker:100
“One of the most awesome reds I have ever tasted,…a full-bodied, massive yet elegant wine. A compelling, historic Cabernet Sauvignon, it will drink well for 30-35 years.”
tab: ±$2000 to $3800
Just think how much 2-Buck you would leave @Joe’s for that amount!

(1) Foley Rancho Santa Rosa Pinot
(2) Stags Leap for sure! Maybe not the “best” but oh so American
(3) I’ll fill in the blank for the Dry Creek Zin too – gotta go A. Rafinelli

nice topic

I totally agree with the Ridge Monte Bello, but the Pax? – Jill, you and I have to talk!

I’d throw in a good foothills Zin and something in a Pinot from the central coast. It’s after midnight, I’m tired, and I’m not in a position to name names! I’ll leave it as an exercise for the student…

vintages dependent on price and availability

Mark – you noticed I didn’t suggest anything?

Well, tough call. While that is a very nice gift indeed, and one that I would be happy to receive, it is a very California gift–nay, Napa! If I were forced to give away a three pack of American wine, I might keep the Schramsberg though trade down from the 2000 reserve if the budget called for it. I might venture outside of Napa for a cab, such as Mount Eden Vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It overdelivers in terms of price and it has a historic angle to it if not an iconic one. Or maybe a Ridge Monte Bello in a higher price bracket. Or Stag’s Leap Cask 23? California chardonnay certainly is iconic, and I remember greatly enjoying a Stony Hill chardonnay a couple of years ago. But I might even double up on reds if the recipient preferred them. Oregon pinot noir? Many good choices though they are, very sadly, nearly impossible to find in stores in the East. A dry creek zin–very American! I guess in the end, practical considerations would weigh most importantly for me and once I chose a good store, it would tend to decide which wines would be in the gift box.