Best California Chardonnay
Though the red wines of California have garnered the most interest on a global scale, there are some superlative white wines being made as well, with an emphasis on the Chardonnay grape. This list names the top domestic wineries for Chardonnay with an eye on quality, typicity and consistency between vintages, without regard to price or availability. More so than with the Cabernet list, this is going to be somewhat controversial as I have given my top nod to wineries which produce a more international style; not only because I prefer them or perceive them to be the best, but because they are most likely to appeal to the broadest audience for their exceptional quality.
Why it's best:
Marcassin's chardonnays are renowned for balance, flavor profile and richness. Critics draw comparison to top Grand Cru White Burgundies, but I disagree. This is distinctively California in style without succumbing to the common domestic pitfalls of excessive oak or insuffic... read full review
Why it's a best pick:
I have loved Seasmoke's chardonnay since the very first sip. 100% Montrachet clone grown in Lompoc - but with great resemblance to Batard Montrachet. This is flamboyant, sexy wine, but still holds exquisite balance, richness and depth. The wines need a few years of bottle ag...
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Why it's a best pick:
Kongsgaard's Chardonnays are absolutely top notch every year. Grown at high altitude in cooler climates, the wines offer great acidity, balance and class at a very reasonable price point. One gets a real sense for the vintage and the minerally earth from which these great wi...
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Why it's a best pick:
If you prefer the stereotypical monster, the stable of Chardonnay labels at Peter Michael are the very best of what is distinctively California. These wines are lush, rich, intense and pure - sort of the essence of California's typicity. Though the bold profile makes these w...
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Why it's a best pick:
Rochioli is a fantastic all-around producer who makes wines at a number of price points. Though I would not argue that these wines are less superlative than the others on this list, you really can't ever go wrong with anything from this well established winery. From the esta...
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