CALIFORNIA
WHITE BLENDS
95 Arietta 2019 Sauvignon Blanc-Sémillon (Napa Valley). A blend of 74% Sauvignon Blanc and 26% Sémillon, this superb white is robust and complex, with a sophisticated structure and lively underlying acidity. Hints of nutmeg, honey and flint meet a serious palate of tension and length. —V.B.
abv: 14.9% Price: $65
92 Kaena 2018 Hapa Blanc (Santa Ynez Valley). Mikael Sigouin uses a rich-yet-blend of 50% Roussanne, 25% Viognier, 17% Grenache Blanc and 8% Albarino to craft a great Chardonnay alternative. Aromas of baked apple, tangerine peel, white melon and toast lead into an oily palate that offers cashew cream and light marzipan flavors, cut by citrusy acidity. Editors’ Choice. —M.K.
abv: 13.9% Price: $30
92 Le Casque 2019 Adrian (Sierra Foothills). Great depth, layering and complexity make this full-bodied wine something to linger over. Notes of pear, cream and vanilla harmonize on a nicely viscous texture that extends the finish. It’s a blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Picpoul Blanc. —J.G.
abv: 13.5% Price: $30
92 St. Supéry 2018 Virtú Estate Bottled Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley). For full review see page 167. —V.B.
abv: 13.5% Price: $30
91 Revelshine 2019 White Blend (Russian River Valley). Presented in a 500 ml aluminum bottle that’s refillable and recyclable, vintner Jake Bilbro combines 95% Chardonnay and 5% Grenache Blanc into a delicious, gulpable package of bright stone fruit and pineapple, with plenty of underlying acidity to keep it fresh and crisp. Editors’ Choice. —V.B.
abv: 13.6% Price: $18/500 ml
90 Winemaker’s Folly 2019 Chapter 1 Vino Blanco (Sonoma County). Vintner Jake Bilbro goes back to his roots here, as the son of Marietta Cellars’ founder and winemaker Chris Bilbro, in this deliciously approachable, cheerful white. Combining 80% Chardonnay with the remainder a mix of Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Trousseau Gris, Grenache Blanc and Berger, it’s a tribute to simpler times that remains flavorful, textured and bright. Editors’ Choice. —V.B.
abv: NA Price: $24
Boisterous aromas of poached pear, gardenia and guava are ripe but cleanly presented
