Great value California white wines
Finding the value wines from California...
This article first appeared in Decanter magazine’s California supplement 2017. It is currently featured on Decanter.com as part of a sponsored campaign with the California Wine Institute.
Great value California white wines
‘The value is definitely there in California, if you know where to look,’ says Oz Clarke.
He and Ronan Sayburn MS have picked out top value Californian white wines, all available under £40.
These wines prove that things are changing with Californian wines, and that no longer are only options those with high price tags.
Top California wines under £20
Top California red wines under £40
Where to buy California wines in the UK
Carpe Diem, Chardonnay, Mendocino County, Anderson Valley, California, USA, 2014
92
An assertive and austere style of Chardonnay which at first seems quite challenging until fresh dry fruit emerges alongside a clean minerality and a long, crisp, saline acidity.
2014
Carpe DiemMendocino County
Marimar Estate, Albariño, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley, California, USA, 2015
92
A bright and spirited Russian River Valley Albariño that has a significant amount of zest to the palate, yet with a certain doughy softness finishing on a light brush of herbs.
2015
Marimar EstateSonoma County
Schug, Chardonnay, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast, California, USA, 2014
A wine with a gentle, mellow texture full of soft, fresh golden plums and a hint of stewed peach. The style works well and gives...
2014
SchugSonoma County
Trefethen Family Vineyards, Dry Riesling, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll, California, USA, 2016
92
A zesty, tangy, spirited Riesling that has great citrus, lime peel and sharp lemon characters. It is done in a lean, crisp style that is in some ways aggressive and unexpected, but altogether very appetising.
2016
Trefethen Family VineyardsNapa Valley
Bakestone Cellars, Chardonnay, North Coast, California, USA, 2015
91
A sea breeze nose gives this an emphatic saline oyster shell complexity which is clean, lean and fine. At the same time it is broad and nutty, and a little reductive, but it is a well made style.
2015
Bakestone CellarsNorth Coast
Broc Cellars, Love White, North Coast, California, USA, 2015
91
This classic Rhône blend is ripe with honeysuckle and peach mixed with warm marzipan toasty flavours. It is succulent with a touch of dried herbs and a waxy texture.
2015
Broc CellarsNorth Coast
Smith-Madrone, Riesling, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain, California, USA, 2014
91
Lemons and honey, cinnamon and peppermint dominate on the nose. This is completed with a juicy sweet grapefruit to taste. There’s enough zesty acidity to make it refreshing, complemented with some typical Riesling characteristics that last.
2014
Smith-MadroneNapa Valley
Paul Hobbs, Cross Barn Chardonnay, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast, California, USA, 2015
A full and deep example of Sonoma Chardonnay that has a pleasant melange of sweet fruit and savoury nut. There is a waxy texture underneath...
2015
Paul HobbsSonoma County
Hunt & Harvest, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California, USA, 2016
90
This is certainly a weighty wine with a vinous and phenolic mouthfeel. Bright greengage, green apple and sour pear come to the fore, whilst grapefruit pith and confit lemon linger on the finish.
2016
Hunt & HarvestNapa Valley
Trefethen Family Vineyards, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll, California, USA, 2015
Clean, saline and mineral at the start, this theme continues with wafts of sea breeze and an oyster shell complexity. The oak is powerful, giving...
2015
Trefethen Family VineyardsNapa Valley
Marimar Estate, La Masia Chardonnay, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley, California, USA, 2013
89
A creamy example of Russian River Valley Chardonnay that has a full, ripe palate and a rounded texture.
2013
Marimar EstateSonoma County
