($34): Here’s another example of a renowned Napa Valley winery that has made their reputation on red wines turning out a fine Chardonnay.  In 1996, more than two decades after Warren Winiarski founded Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, he purchased the Arcadia Vineyard, which had originally been developed by Grgich Hills and was the source for some of their fine Chardonnays. … Read more

($14): Unoaked Chardonnay is all the rage.  Sadly many are vapid and paradoxically wind up reinforcing the virtue of a little bit of oak aging.  In contrast, Toad Hollow manages to pull it off.  A delicate but distinct crisp green apple fruitiness is apparent in this appealing unoaked Chardonnay.  … Read more

($60): Wow is the first impression after tasting this wine.  Judging from this Chardonnay, Merry Edwards is as talented with that grape as she is with her exceptional Pinot Noir.  Although she’s made small quantities of Chardonnay from the Olivet Lane vineyard for a few years, the 2011 is only the second year it’s been available outside of the tasting room. … Read more

($18): Bonny Doon has captured the enchanting essence of Albariño — a bracing grapefruit rind bitterness and citrus zing balanced by ripeness without heaviness.  A hint of creaminess adds an unusual — for Albariño — luxuriousness.  It’s a masterful balance of ying and yang.… Read more

($16): J, known best for their stellar sparkling wines, have made Pinot Gris since 1996.  Indeed, they have three bottlings — this one, one from Russian River Valley grapes and a single vineyard one.  They’ve pretty much nailed this variety.  The “California” bottling has subtle peach-like nuances, bright acidity, and an appealing hint of bitterness in the finish. … Read more

($91): At $91 a bottle, the price gets your attention, even though it’s not California’s most expensive Chardonnay (Marcassin Estate takes that honor).  But after tasting the 2011 Grgich Hills Estate Paris Tasting Chardonnay, it’s the wine, not the price, you remember. … Read more

($23): Roederer Estate consistently produces one of this country’s best, if not the best, sparkling wine.  It’s easy to understand why they regularly make such high quality sparkling wine.  First, they are a subsidiary of Champagne Roederer, one of France’s leading Champagne producers. … Read more

($22):  Santa Maria Valley is one of the many coastal valleys in California that runs east to west, which means that cooling winds from the Pacific Ocean moderate the temperature and make it an ideal site for grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, that thrive in “cooler” weather.… Read more

($37):  Let’s hope more California wineries follow the style of Presqu’ile’s 2011 Chardonnay.   This restrained wine displays a gorgeous combination of richness and energy.  Its subtle richness becomes increasingly apparent with each sip–it sneaks up on you as opposed to hitting you over the head. … Read more

($20): Randall Grahm, proprietor of Bonny Doon, is a winemaker who sets his own course and follows it.  Far before lower alcohol wines became the new mantra of California (let’s hope that’s not going to be a passing fad) Grahm was making well-proportioned flavorful wines. … Read more

($26): This is a ripe, full-bodied and wonderfully balanced expression of Syrah, focusing more of the black fruitiness of that variety rather than its peppery profile.  Still, it’s not just fruit.  Earthy nuances provide complexity.  A glorious silky texture makes it easy to enjoy now with robust fare.… Read more

($35): Since the 1940s when Louis M. Martini planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the Stanly Ranch in Carneros, California growers have been enthralled by those varieties in that locale.  Indeed, Carneros is the only AVA to be defined by geographic parameters instead of political ones. … Read more