California Chardonnay

The Golden State's signature white delivers high quality in an expanding range of styles

Aerial view of a Rhys Chardonnay vineyard in Santa Cruz at sunset
Rhys Vineyards' Mt. Parajo site in the Santa Cruz Mountains yielded an outstanding 2021 Chardonnay that showcases the drive toward sleeker, more energetic wines. (Courtesy of Rhys)

The Chardonnay wines of California mark some of the most coveted forms the grape can take anywhere in the world, and 2021’s vintage continues to bear the torch for this verietal’s reputation, with a plethora of impressive bottles from Napa, Sonoma and beyond. Senior editor MaryAnn Worobiec has tasted over 450 wines from the past year for this report, including standouts from Aubert, Hyde de Villaine, Kistler, Patz & Hall and Wayfarer. Read on for details on the latest releases, plus scores and tasting notes!

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