CHARDONNAY
97 Chanin 2020 Zotovich Vineyard Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills). Expertly subtle yet intoxicatingly addictive aromas of lemon peel, crisp nectarine and honeysuckle show on the nose of this single-vineyard showcase. The grip is insanely chalky and grippy, framing brilliantly alkaline flavors of crushed seashell, lemon blossom, lemon curd and complex chamomile. —M.K.
abv: 13% Price: $NA
96 Chanin 2020 Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley). Very light and delicate on the nose, this single-vineyard showcase from a historic property starts with aromas of nectarine, almond, white rocks and flint. Tightly wound on the pure and expressive palate, the wine offers rounded flavors of salted apple, peach blossom and clarified butter, proving endlessly engaging. —M.K.
abv: 12.5% Price: $NA
95 Chanin 2020 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills). Soft nectarine and elegant yellow apple aromas are sprinkled with salt, lime zest and chalk on the nose of this bottling. It’s lively and lemony on the palate, where a tense structure and energetic acidity deliver refreshing stone fruit flavors before a nuttier finish. —M.K.
abv: 13% Price: $55
95 Lynmar Estate 2020 La Sereinite Chardonnay (Russian River Valley). Voluptuous in style and impressively complex, this white offers a grainy texture and balanced acidity, accentuated by flavors of lemon verbena, green apple and mango. The freshness persists and complements the richer, creamier aspects of the wine. —V.B.
abv: 14.2% Price: $73
95 Murder Ridge 2019 Perli Vineyard Chardonnay (Mendocino Ridge). For full review see page 110. Editors’ Choice.
abv: 14.4% Price: $38
94 Chamisal 2019 Chamise Chardonnay (Edna Valley). This is a delicious wine on all fronts, starting with the nose, which presents the aroma of white peach drizzled in lemon juice, sprinkled with sea salt and warmed on a cedar plank. The palate combines toasted almond, sea salt and preserved lemon flavors with a zesty acidity, full mouthfeel and vanilla-kissed finish. —M.K.
abv: 12% Price: $75
Entirely barrel-fermented from the prime of the estate, this is a sumptuous and complete wine, with lovely notes of Meyer lemon, green apple and wet stone. Round and rich, it shows a balanced approach to
