10 Satisfying California Chardonnays Up to 92 Points

New reviews of impressive Chardonnays from Sonoma, Napa, Monterey and beyond, priced $45 or less

10 Satisfying California Chardonnays Up to 92 Points
Chardonnay was the first variety planted in Edna Valley, and is still the primary grape for the region and for Edna Valley Vineyard. (Courtesy of Edna Valley Vineyard)
Nov 15, 2021

Chardonnay is the Golden State's most popular and widely grown white grape. And if you're looking to taste some of California's most affordable and high-quality versions, the wines in this week's selection are hard to beat. They offer a good diversity of sources too, from single-vineyard bottlings to regional blends. The top wines come from California's Chardonnay heartland, Sonoma, and are joined by notable expressions from Napa Valley and the Central Coast.

Tasting Highlights' wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors' most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

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