Whites from California
Chardonnay |
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| Chardonnay is the most significant white varietal, produced successfully in many parts of the world in many different styles, from the succulent flavors only found in Burgundy, to the base wine for sparkling wines in Italy and Champagne, and to the ripe and tropical style of Australia and South Africa. Ever since the now famous 1976 tasting in Paris, when Californian wines beat their French counterparts in a blind tasting, California's white wines have been considered some of the best in the world. But these wines are still searching for an identity, as can be seen in the changing styles produced in the state. Evolving from the rich, buttery, and tropical style of vintages past, we now see a more diligent use of oak and a greater respect for the terroir. | |||
Central Coast |
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| Ambullneo Vineyards 'Big Paw' Santa Maria Valley | 2005 | 80 | |
| Brewer-Clifton Mount Carmel Santa Rita Hills | 2006 | 110 | |
| Calera, Mount Harlan | 1991 | 100 | |
| Clendenen Family Vineyards Le Bon Climat Santa Maria Valley | 2005 | 84 | |
| Greg Linn Wines Grangerville Santa Maria Valley | 2007 | 140 | |
| Mount Eden Vineyards 'Estate' Santa Cruz Mountains | 2004 | 95 | |
| Mount Eden Vineyards 'Estate' Santa Cruz Mountains | 2007 | 85 | |
| Parr Selection Sanford & Benedict Santa Rita Hills | 2006 | 75 | |
Mendocino |
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| Ici/La-Bas Elke 'Victoria' Anderson Valley | 2006 | 50 | |
| Radio-Coteau Savoy Anderson Valley | 2007 | 100 | |
| Radio-Coteau Savoy Anderson Valley | 2008 | 90 | |
Napa Valley |
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| Kesner Hudson Carneros | 2006 | 100 | |
| Kongsgaard | 2007 | 140 | |
| Kongsgaard 'The Judge' | 2006 | 315 | |
| Kongsgaard 'The Judge' | 2007 | 315 | |
| Mayacamas Vineyards | 2000 | 85 | |
| Stony Hill Vineyard | 2005 | 70 | |
| Stony Hill Vineyard | 2006 | 60 | |
Knights Valley |
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| Peter Michael Belle Côte | 2006 | 150 | |
| Peter Michael Belle Côte | 2007 | 140 | |
| Peter Michael 'Cuvée Indigene' | 2007 | 200 | |
| Peter Michael La Carriére | 2006 | 160 | |
| Peter Michael La Carriére | 2007 | 145 | |
| Peter Michael Ma Belle-Fille | 2007 | 155 | |
Russian River Valley |
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| Kistler Vine Hill | 2006 | 125 | |
| Lewis Cellars Barcaglia Lane | 2008 | 110 | |
| Lynmar Quail Hill | 2007 | 75 | |
| Walter Hansel 'Cuvée Alyce' | 2005 | 60 | |
Sonoma Coast |
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| Flowers Camp Meeting Ridge | 2005 | 150 | |
| Fog Dog | 2005 | 67 | |
| Fort Ross | 2006 | 55 | |
| Freestone | 2007 | 125 | |
| Littorai Charles Heintz | 2006 | 130 | |
| Littorai Charles Heintz | 2007 | 115 | |
| Marcassin Three Sisters | 2002 | 450 | |
| Peay Vineyards 'Estate' | 2007 | 90 | |
| Peay Vineyards Hirsch | 2006 | 86 | |
Other Appellations |
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| Hanzell Vineyards, Sonoma Valley | 2005 | 110 | |
| Stuhlmuller, Chardonnay 'Reserve' Alexander Valley | 2006 | 63 | |
Sauvignon Blanc |
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Sauvignon Blanc's versatility is evident from the multiple ways it is employed, whether as an aperitif, as a perfect companion to light fish dishes, or paired brilliantly with goat cheese. The use of oak varies among producers, and can take away from the grassy and herbaceous nature of the grape. |
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| Araujo Eisele Napa Valley | 2009 | 90 | |
| Huneeus Cellars 'Illumination' Napa Valley | 2008 | 65 | |
| Larkmead Vineyards, Napa Valley | 2008 | 50 | |
| Merry Edwards, Russian River Valley | 2009 | 55 | |
| N.P.A., Russian River Valley | 2009 | 40 | |
| Peter Michael 'L'Aprés-Midi' Knights Valley | 2007 | 85 | |
| Selene Hyde Carneros | 2008 | 50 | |
Other wines from California |
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