CALIFORNIA
WHITE BLENDS
96 Massican 2020 Annia (Napa Valley). For full review see page 108. Editors’ Choice.
abv: 12.5% Price: $30
95 Massican 2020 Gemina (California). For full review see page 110. Editors’ Choice.
abv: 12.1% Price: $32
92 Edio 2020 Robyn’s Blend Estate Viognier-Roussanne (El Dorado). Lavish honeysuckle and lemon blossom aromas meet luxurious Anjou pear and white peach flavors in this medium-bodied, mouthfilling Rhône-style blend. Yet it’s not too fat; lemony acidity keeps the palate and finish fresh. —J.G.
abv: 13% Price: $32
92 Lady of the Sunshine 2020 Oliver’s Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc-Chardonnay (Edna Valley). Nontraditional blends are becoming a hallmark of this exciting brand, including this mox of 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Chardonnay. Aromas of grass and moss lead into a lively and taut palate of grass, green apple flesh, Anjou pear skin and a hint of green pepper. —M.K.
abv: 12.5% Price: $28
92 Langtry 2018 Lillie’s Blend (Guenoc Valley). This indulgent wine is superrich, creamy and palate-coating, offering abundant banana, pineapple and vanilla aromas followed by toasted almond and butterscotch carried on a full body and good underlying acidity. Blended from equal parts Viognier and Marsanne with a dash of Roussanne. —J.G.
abv: 14.5% Price: $35
91 Davis Family 2019 Cuvée Luke Alder Springs Vineyard (Mendocino County). Great balance supports subtle, complex fruit and spice flavors in this nicely tangy but also generous wine. Crisp apples, white peaches, lemons and a hint of vanilla mingle harmoniously in the aroma and on the palate. Wines from this vineyard are known to age well, so best from 2023. —J.G.
abv: 13.4% Price: $32
91 Dubost 2019 Alexandrine (Adelaida District). Struck stone and Meyer lemon glaze aromas show on the nose of this blend of 60% Viognier and 40% Grenache Blanc. A brisk lemony tensions kicks off the sip, which broadens into pear and peach flavors while retaining an edge into the finish. —M.K.
abv: 14% Price: $40
91 Rangeland 2020 Grindstone (Central Coast). Sémillon is used deftly in this split blend with Sauvignon Blanc. Meyer lemon, yellow melon, apple skin and jasmine aromas align on the nose of this blend of 50% Sémillon and 50% Sauvignon Blanc. Clean lines of citrus peel and tart apple cling to the energetic palate. . —M.K.
