($60): One of the things I love about Patz & Hall is that they specialize in making Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from individual vineyards, highlighting the differences among them.  With this approach, they’ve shown that the French don’t have a monopoly on terroir. … Read more

($120): In 1997 when Duckhorn, a top Napa Valley producer that focuses on Merlot, embarked on producing Pinot Noir, they wisely sought vineyards in an area more conducive to that variety.  Broadly speaking, Merlot does best in a warm climate, whereas Pinot Noir thrives in cooler climes. … Read more

($27): Sangiacomo Vineyard is one of the most acclaimed growing sites in California.  Located in the Carneros region, where cooling air from the Pacific Ocean flows in via the San Francisco and San Pablo Bays, it is an ideal locale for edgy Chardonnay. … Read more

($18): Dry Creek Vineyard consistently makes an array of easy-to-recommend fine wines.  This Sauvignon Blanc is one of them.  The winemaking team incorporated a touch of Sauvignon Gris and Sauvignon Musqué, two “relatives” of Sauvignon Blanc, into the blend.  Those varieties add a bit of depth and weight that balances the grassiness and edginess of Sauvignon Blanc.  … Read more

($25): This could be the best-value California Pinot Noir on the market.  Full disclosure:  I’ve not tasted them all, but I’m waiting to find a better one at the price.  It has the alluring ying-yang-like savory-fruity combination.  The emphasis is on the savory earthy nuances that Pinot Noir can transmit when it’s not overdone. … Read more

($40): A hint of savory notes offset the bright cherry-like flavors in this generous wine.  A lush suave texture is engaging and makes it ideal for current consumption.  Those who prefer a hint of ripe fruit bordering on sweetness in the finish will embrace this Pinot Noir. … Read more

($23): Though a fruit-focused Pinot Noir, it delivers a hint of leafy flavors that keeps it in balance.  Mild tannins lend support without intruding on its plush texture so it would be a good choice for drinking this summer.  It finishes bright, not sweet, which is another plus. … Read more

($55): Albatross Ridge, a producer that has, sadly, been under my radar, hit the bull’s eye with this Pinot Noir.  It’s a near magical combination of smoky savory notes with ripe black fruit nuances.  Its “not just fruit” character makes it seductive and charming — and keeps you coming back for more. … Read more

($55): Goldeneye, the Pinot Noir-focused winery in Anderson Valley, was founded in 1997 by the Napa-based Duckhorn winery.  Their 15+ years of experience there with Pinot Noir shows in their wines, even this one, which is a blend from more than one site in the Anderson Valley. … Read more

($13): Even though the grape variety is Chenin Blanc, Dry Creek Vineyard labels it as Dry Chenin Blanc for emphasis, which is appropriate.  Fresh and vibrant, it’s a blissful harmony of fruit and zing.  Think sushi or poolside.  Buy it by the case for the summer.… Read more

($50): This big and bold Napa Cabernet is surprisingly harmonious and not over the top.  Full-bodied and robust, it remains balanced with a texture that alternates between chewy and suave.  There’s a captivating savoriness and a lush, but not sweet, finish. … Read more

($32): With more creaminess than bite, Merry Edwards’s expression of Sauvignon Blanc is reminiscent of white Bordeaux rather than Sancerre.  Long and refined, it’s a seductive wine with a glossy texture accented by a touch of electricity that reminds you it is, in fact, Sauvignon Blanc. … Read more

($29): Who knew that Duckhorn, well known for their brilliant red wines, made such an invigorating Sauvignon Blanc.  Tension filled, it combines a pleasing bite with a hint of creaminess.  A great ying and yang wine.
92 Michael Apstein May 17, 2016… Read more

($43): Grgich Hills Estate consistently produces superb Chardonnay.  And even the release of their super-duper Commemorative bottling has not detracted from their “regular” bottling.  The team at Grgich Hills has managed to combine ripeness with enormous energy in this Chardonnay.  It’s balanced, long and refined, with a hint of spice in the finish. … Read more

($42): This straightforward Pinot Noir is bright and full of cherry-like fruit.  A hint of savory herbal notes adds complexity.  Mild tannins allow for immediate consumption.  It would be a good choice for grilled salmon.
88 Michael Apstein May 17, 2016… Read more

($40): One of the reasons I admire MacRostie’s Chardonnays is that their single vineyard offerings are sufficiently different from each other to make separate bottlings actually meaningful. They are unique wines.  Contrast that approach with wineries whose “single vineyard” bottlings reflect a marketing strategy, not a difference in site.… Read more

($35): Presqu’ile (pronounced press-KEEL) is already making a name for itself despite being founded less than a decade ago.  This, their “basic” Chardonnay (though hardly basic at all), is energetic and refined, finishing with uplifting, lip-smacking citrus notes instead of sweetness. … Read more

($45): This, Presqu’ile’s single vineyard Chardonnay, is truly a singular wine.  In a word, it’s graceful.  There’s a luxurious creaminess, but it’s not in your face or over the top and it’s balanced by perfect lemon-y notes.  Long and lacey, it reveals itself slowly in the glass. … Read more

($46): MacRostie is on a roll with their Chardonnays.  Despite a stated alcohol of 14.6%, the wine is restrained, but not lacking in flavor or energy.  There’s a touch of spice that adds interest.  The overall impression is one of harmony and balance. … Read more

($28): This ripe (14.5%-stated abv) and toasty Chardonnay delivers plump melon-y flavors on a soft-ish background, even finishing a touch sweet.  It’s fine as a stand alone — “I’ll have a glass of Chardonnay” — or to accompany spiced Asian fare. … Read more

($32): With California Chardonnays and white Burgundies commanding high prices, it’s a delight to find an excellent one at a reasonable price.  Jordan makes two wines, a Cabernet Sauvignon and this Chardonnay.  Both are consistently excellent.  In a word — Okay, two words — Jordan’s 2014 Chardonnay is bright and rich. … Read more

($93): Miljenko “Mike” Grgich, as much as anyone, is responsible for the world taking California wines seriously.  In 1976, while he was winemaker at Chateau Montelena, he made a Chardonnay that astonished the world by beating out a bevy of white Burgundies for first place at a comparative tasting in Paris. … Read more