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.

This week we explore some of the different styles of Chardonnay coming out of California, from rich and creamy to structured and elegant. Vintners continue to experiment with the grape, especially those in cool-climate sites along the coast who emphasize the grape’s natural acidity.

The highest-scoring wines in this selection hail from the Russian River Valley, where the combination of diverse soils, warm days and cool, foggy nights lends vibrant acidity to the region’s Chardonnays. Dehlinger winemaker Eva Dehlinger coaxes rich flavors and an elegant texture from her family’s 8 acres of estate Chardonnay vines, which are planted on the region’s Goldridge soils. For a white with a little more age, look for Windracer, a partnership between Jackson Family Wines chairman Barbara Banke and Peggy Furth, the former co-proprietor of Chalk Hill.

Fans of fruit-driven Chardonnays will enjoy Rombauer‘s Carneros bottling. Winemaker Richie Allen and his team pressed whole-cluster Chardonnay and aged it in a combination of French and American oak—one third of it new—to achieve the winery’s signature plush and creamy style.

One appellation to watch is the Arroyo Grande Valley in San Luis Obispo County. Home to a handful of wineries, the 16-mile-long valley has a northeast to southwest orientation, which allows coastal fog to flow inland, making it ideal for cool-climate grapes such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Talley‘s juicy and unctuous Chardonnay shows how expressive the region’s wines can be.

DEHLINGER Chardonnay Russian River Valley Un-Filtered 2016 Score: 92 | $42
Elegant and finely textured, with rich, lusciously spiced flavors of pear tart, Fuji apple and allspice. The minerally finish offers buttery richness. Drink now through 2022. 1,380 cases made.—Kim Marcus

J Chardonnay Russian River Valley Bow Tie Vineyard 2016 Score: 91 | $45
Rich and spicy, with luscious flavors of apple pastry, baked pear and ripe tropical fruits that lengthen out nicely. Dried quince and crème brûlée notes show on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 800 cases made.—K.M.

WINDRACER Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2015 Score: 91 | $40
Rich-tasting, with fine-grained flavors of apple tart, pear and quince paste backed by fresh acidity. The minerally finish is long and features plush, buttery accents. Drink now through 2021. 1,804 cases made.—K.M.

LA CREMA Chardonnay Anderson Valley 2016 Score: 90 | $35
Poached pear and apple tart flavors are rich and well-crafted in this creamy style. White chocolate hints show on the crisp finish. Drink now through 2022. 602 cases made.—K.M.

LANDMARK Chardonnay Sonoma Coast Damaris Reserve 2016 Score: 90 | $35
Rich, filled with concentrated apple pastry, pear tart and creamy flavors supported by fresh acidity. The custardy finish is long and well-spiced. Drink now through 2022. 1,107 cases made.—K.M.

ROMBAUER Chardonnay Carneros 2017 Score: 90 | $38
A creamy and plush style, with plenty of pastry notes to the pear tart and baked apple flavors. Hints of nutmeg show on the broad finish. Drink now through 2022. 190,000 cases made.—K.M.

SANFORD Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills 2016 Score: 90 | $32
Focused and minerally tasting, with subtle toasty notes to the pear tart, baked apple and dried tropical fruit flavors, supported by fresh acidity. Offers a long, spicy finish. Drink now through 2022. 7,498 cases made.—K.M.

TALLEY Chardonnay Arroyo Grande Valley 2016 Score: 90 | $34
Juicy and unctuous, with spicy notes enhancing the Fuji apple and Meyer lemon flavors. Light buttery details fill the minerally finish, showing a flourish of richness. Drink now through 2023. 6,749 cases made.—K.M.

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Sonoma excels with a wide variety of white and red grapes. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive in the cooler areas along the coast, where fog and breezes lend vibrancy to the wines. Zinfandel is the star in warmer sites, making bold and zesty versions that are among California’s best. You’ll find these grapes and more in today’s selection from across the county.

Pinot Noir leads here, with an appealing version from CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz’s wine label, The Calling, a partnership with Peter Deutsch, CEO of importer Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits. Dan Goldfield, who oversees the winery’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay program, made a structured Pinot with richly textured flavors from the Russian River Valley.

Sharing top honors is a consistent value from Zinfandel specialist Seghesio. The winery’s Sonoma bottling has a long track record of outstanding quality at fair prices. Winemaker Andy Robinson, who took over from Ted Seghesio in 2015, tapped vineyards throughout Sonoma County to make a plump and supple Zin in 2017.

Sonoma is also a top region for Sauvignon Blanc. Pete and Terri Kight, who own Torbreck in Australia, purchased Dry Creek Valley’s Quivira in 2006 from founders Henry and Holly Wendt. The winery has been finding its groove with Sauvignon Blanc, exemplified by this fresh and juicy version from Fig Tree Vineyard.

THE CALLING Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2016 Score: 91 | $37
Well-structured, with richly textured flavors of forest floor, dried cherry and currant that feature some licorice and hot spice hints. Minerally finish. Drink now through 2023. 6,635 cases made.—Kim Marcus

SEGHESIO Zinfandel Sonoma County Sonoma 2017 Score: 91 | $26
Plump and supple, with soft raspberry, toasted spice and licorice flavors that glide along a silky finish. Drink now through 2023. 76,500 cases made.—Tim Fish

QUIVIRA Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley Fig Tree Vineyard 2017 Score: 90 | $24
Fresh green apple, lime and subtle celery leaf flavors are fresh and juicy, with notes of saline and minerality adding an appealing savory side. Drink now. 1,880 cases made.—MaryAnn Worobiec

GOLDSCHMIDT Chardonnay Russian River Valley Singing Tree 2017 Score: 88 | $19
Features lively nutmeg and cinnamon accents to the apple and citrus flavors. The crisp finish shows touches of richness. Drink now through 2021. 5,236 cases made.—K.M.

KARAH Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2016 Score: 88 | $25
Notes of hot stone accent the dried, spiced cherry and berry flavors, supported by medium-grained tannins and lively acidity. Nutmeg accents show on the finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases made.—K.M.

JOSH CELLARS Chardonnay Sonoma County Family Reserve 2017 Score: 87 | $17
This offers a supple package of layered pastry, white fruit and cream flavors. Spicy finish. Drink now. 8,000 cases made.—K.M.

KENWOOD Zinfandel Sonoma County 2015 Score: 87 | $16
Zesty, jammed with spice, offering licorice and burnt toast accents. Drink now through 2023. 10,000 cases made.—T.F.

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.

California’s Rhône-style whites are increasingly diverse, offering a variety of food-friendly styles. Wines from grapes like Viognier, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne are known for their intense fruit flavors and heady aromas. This selection from across the state shows what this exciting category has to offer.

Vintner Robert Haas, who passed away earlier this year, helped put Rhône grapes on the map in California when he cofounded Tablas Creek in Paso Robles with the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel. The winery tops today’s list with a trio of outstanding wines, including the 92-point supple and elegant Côtes de Tablas Blanc, a blend of Viognier, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. Jaffurs and Clif Family make single-variety expressions from Viognier that are also worth seeking out.

Paso Robles is emerging as a top region for Grenache Blanc. At their best, wines from this grape hit a sweet spot between a rich, full body and vibrant acidity, making them a popular addition to blends such as Chronic Cellars‘ lush white.

Roussanne is also showing promise, making full-bodied wines often marked by pear, honey and herbal tea notes. Kristen Barnhisel, who makes the white wines at J. Lohr, blended Roussanne with its stablemates Grenache Blanc and Viognier in the Gesture RVG bottling.

TABLAS CREEK Côtes de Tablas Blanc Adelaida District 2017 Score: 92 | $30
Supple and elegant, this white is a graceful mix of spiced poached pear, nectarine and dried mango notes, with hints of spice and dried honeysuckle. Harmonious and wonderfully juicy on the fresh finish. Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne and Roussanne. Drink now. 1,800 cases made.—MaryAnn Worobiec

TABLAS CREEK Grenache Blanc Adelaida District 2017 Score: 91 | $35
Fresh and juicy, like biting into a Honeycrisp apple, with terrific purity and freshness at the core, and hints of pear, white tea and lemon verbena. Drink now. 1,325 cases made.—M.W.

J. LOHR Gesture RVG Paso Robles 2017 Score: 90 | $35
Firm, with a hint of saline adding a savory edge to the pear, citrus and Meyer lemon flavors. Plenty of intensity and focus, with freshness and clarity on the finish. Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Viognier. Drink now. 541 cases made.—M.W.

TABLAS CREEK Esprit de Tablas Blanc Adelaida District 2016 Score: 90 | $45
Pear, yellow apple and apricot flavors show restraint, with spice and a hint of caramel and candied lemon peel notes that linger on the supple, juicy body. Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Picpoul Blanc. Drink now. 2,070 cases made.—M.W.

CLIF FAMILY Viognier Napa Valley 2017 Score: 89 | $32
Peach, apricot and melon flavors are ripe and fleshy, with detailed spice notes of nutmeg and a touch of orange zest that lingers on the juicy finish. Drink now. 395 cases made.—M.W.

JAFFURS Viognier Santa Maria Valley Bien Nacido Vineyard 2017 Score: 89 | $27
Intensely fruity, with a mix of pear, mango and peach flavors and a hint of tomato leaf. Crisp and refreshing, with plenty of intensity on the juicy finish. Drink now. 1,100 cases made.—M.W.

J. LOHR Viognier Paso Robles Gesture 2017 Score: 89 | $30
Floral and spicy, with a touch of nutmeg that mingles with the honeysuckle overtone. Fleshy, ripe peach and apricot flavors linger at the core, with a juicy finish. Drink now. 287 cases made.—M.W.

CHRONIC CELLARS Stone Fox Paso Robles 2017 Score: 88 | $22
This white has a complex mix of roasted fennel, pear, honeydew melon and apricot, with details of matcha green tea, white flowers and vanilla bean on a lush body. Grenache Blanc, Viognier and Picpoul. Drink now through 2023. 500 cases made.—M.W.

FERGUSON CREST Viognier Santa Ynez Valley 2017 Score: 88 | $28
Ripe, luscious peach and nectarine flavors are bright and fresh, with plenty of intensity to the fruit flavors. Smooth and juicy on the finish, where a hint of spice comes in. Drink now. 75 cases made.—M.W.

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Napa Valley sets the benchmark for Cabernet and Merlot in California, but the rising cost of grapes and land can translate to hefty price tags for the region’s top wines. This selection of reds delivers character and depth at reasonable prices, and also includes a solid value from Paso Robles.

Hoopes leads the pack with its intriguing 2014 Cabernet, which is pure and racy in feel. In 1983, founder Spencer Hoopes planted 10 acres of Cabernet on the valley floor at the southern end of the Oakville AVA. He started bottling his own wines 15 years later, turning to his daughter Lindsay to manage the winery.

Balius is one to watch, since Rutherford Cabernet this good typically costs a lot more. Bargain hunters may also consider RouteStock‘s version, with its sleek and polished finish.

Merlot fans have some appealing options here, including the new release from Whitehall Lane, a blend of Merlot from the Rutherford, St. Helena and Oak Knoll District AVAs. And Raymond takes a similar multi-vineyard approach with its Reserve Selection.

HOOPES Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2014 Score: 92 | $50
Intriguing, with an overt mint, sage and savory lead-in followed by a reserved core of red currant, loganberry and raspberry fruit flavors. Pure and racy in feel, with light bramble and apple wood notes scoring the very end. Lovely energy and range, albeit in a cooler, more herb-inflected style. Drink now through 2028. 3,000 cases made.—James Molesworth

BALIUS Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Reserve Block 2014 Score: 91 | $35
This shows the sage and underbrush profile of the vintage, but with a bit more brightness to the fruit, as raspberry and plum coulis flavors emerge from the core. Light graphite, anise and mineral hints streak the finish. Best from 2020 through 2034. 1,900 cases made.—J.M.

WHITEHALL LANE Merlot Napa Valley 2015 Score: 89 | $28
This stretches out nicely, with notes of sandalwood and Asian spice to the crushed red fruit flavors. Chocolate and cream details show on the finish. Drink now through 2021. 8,425 cases made.—Kim Marcus

FLORA SPRINGS Merlot Napa Valley 2015 Score: 88 | $30
This offers a suave core of well-spiced cherry compote and plum tart flavors. Smoky hints show on the finish. Drink now. 4,500 cases made.—K.M.

RAYMOND Merlot Napa Valley Reserve Selection 2014 Score: 88 | $24
Peppery notes accent the dried savory spice and red fruit flavors in this sinewy red, which offers hot stone and spice details on the finish. Drink now through 2021. 5,990 cases made.—K.M.

ROUTESTOCK Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 29 2016 Score: 88 | $25
A flash of sage leads off, followed by ripe plum and raspberry fruit flavors. The sleek and polished finish has a kiss of toast. Drink now. 16,510 cases made.—J.M.

MADDALENA Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2014 Score: 87 | $18
This sports a frankly jammy profile, with a mix of raspberry, plum and boysenberry compote flavors laced with fruitcake notes and coated with a healthy dose of toast through the finish. Drink now through 2020. 3,000 cases made.—J.M.

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Red blends are all the rage, and winemakers in California make both traditional and creative “kitchen-sink” blends. Today’s selection showcases bold, zesty wines at a variety of price points.

Leading the pack are two Zinfandel-based blends. Jeff Cohn specializes in Zinfandel and Rhône-style wines at his namesake winery in Sonoma. He blended these together for The Imposter, making a structured red loaded with personality. Ridge‘s Lytton Springs is rustic and spicy; the four grapes that make up the blend—Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane and Mourvèdre—were picked from separate parcels but fermented together.

Some of the blends here are more traditional, like Clos Pepe‘s Axis Mundial, a classic match-up of Grenache and Syrah, inspired by the wines of France’s Southern Rhône. This is Clos Pepe’s final vintage: Founders Stephen and Cathy Pepe leased their vineyard to Walt, the Pinot-centric sibling brand of Hall, in 2015.

For value, consider Kirkland Signature‘s Bordeaux-style blend, or The Federalist, a kitchen-sink blend that’s widely available.

JEFF COHN The Imposter California 2015 Score: 92 | $35
A blend that’s loaded with personality, offering well-structured and zesty peppercorn, blackberry and smoky sweet anise flavors. Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Viognier. Drink now through 2023. 440 cases made.—Tim Fish

RIDGE Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley 2016 Score: 92 | $44
Recalls the tasty red field blends of yore, showing briary cherry, grilled anise and cracked pepper flavors that finish with slightly rustic tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2025. 11,000 cases made.—T.F.

FESS PARKER The Big Easy Santa Barbara County 2016 Score: 89 | $35
Bold and plump with fruit, offering expressive blackberry, orange zest and smoked pepper flavors. Syrah, Petite Sirah and Grenache. Drink now through 2023. 5,582 cases made.—T.F.

ANABA Turbine Red Sonoma Valley 2015 Score: 88 | $36
Zesty and easygoing, with delicate cherry and spiced cinnamon flavors. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah. Drink now through 2024. 617 cases made.—T.F.

THE FEDERALIST Honest Red Blend Mendocino County 2016 Score: 88 | $18
The dried cherry and plum tart flavors are matched to savory notes of wild herbs and spice. Hot stone details emerge on the finish. Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Drink now. 30,000 cases made.—Kim Marcus

CLOS PEPE Axis Mundi Windmill Vineyard Ballard Canyon 2014 Score: 87 | $25
Zesty and appealingly rustic, with low-key raspberry, white pepper and mineral accents. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2023. 330 cases made.—T.F.

KIRKLAND SIGNATURE Red Blend Napa Valley 2015 Score: 87 | $11
Dried savory herb notes accent the dried berry and red fruit flavors. Shows tannic grip on the firm finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now. 28,000 cases made.—K.M.

JOSH CELLARS Family Reserve Lodi 2015 Score: 86 | $17
Direct, with plum and cherry compote notes backed by a dash of warm vanilla and a flicker of savory detail. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Drink now. 3,000 cases made.—James Molesworth

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.

Santa Barbara County is one of the most diverse winegrowing regions in California, boasting a variety of microclimates that make the area suitable for a wide range of grapes. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive on the coast, where summer fog pushes inland through the east-west mountain ranges, providing cooler conditions. Rhône and Bordeaux grapes are the stars in warmer sites.

Au Bon Climat made the top wine here, a concentrated Chardonnay with good cut from the windswept and foggy Santa Maria Valley appellation at the northern end of the county. Lucas & Lewellen‘s supple Pinot Noir comes from the same appellation, from the Los Alamos Valley and Goodchild vineyards, and offers good bang for the buck at just $20.

The warm climate farther inland is ideal for Rhône grapes, led by Syrah. Fess Parker has been a mainstay in the county since the winery started in 1989. Winemaker Blair Fox made one of its highest-scoring Syrahs to date in the 2016 vintage, tapping two vineyards in Santa Ynez Valley.

Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, at the eastern end of Santa Ynez Valley, is emerging as a top appellation in California for Sauvignon Blanc. Happy Canyon Vineyards‘ version shows the tropical side of the grape from the Barrack family’s Piocho Ranch estate.

AU BON CLIMAT Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Barbara Historic Vineyards Collection 2016 Score: 92 | $35
Features good cut to the well-framed blend of concentrated white fruit and citrus flavors that turn rich and creamy midpalate. Dried pineapple and spice notes show on the plush finish. Drink now through 2022. 240 cases made.—Kim Marcus

MARGERUM M5 Santa Barbara County 2017 Score: 91 | $29
Lively raspberry and pomegranate aromas open to vibrant cracked pepper and smoky sage flavors that linger toward refined tannins. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Cinsault. Drink now through 2024. 2,372 cases made.—Tim Fish

FESS PARKER Syrah Santa Barbara County 2016 Score: 91 | $30
Plump and zesty, showing layered blackberry, grilled anise and pepper flavors that finish with refined tannins. Drink now through 2024. 1,787 cases made.—T.F.

HAPPY CANYON VINEYARDS Sauvignon Blanc Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara Piocho 2017 Score: 89 | $26
This shows off a tropical side, with pineapple and mango highlights to the core of crisp, juicy citrus flavors. Offers great harmony and persistence on the succulent, juicy finish. Drink now. 375 cases made.—MaryAnn Worobiec

JAFFURS Grenache Blanc Santa Barbara County Thompson Vineyard 2017 Score: 89 | $27
A robust, medium-bodied white, with pineapple, pear and melon flavors that have crunchy acidity and a spicy accent. A slightly waxy texture lingers on the finish. Drink now. 400 cases made.—M.W.

LUCAS & LEWELLEN Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 2015 Score: 88 | $20
Dried cherry and berry flavors dominate this supple style, which also features hot accents. Offers a fresh finish. Drink now. 1,509 cases made.—M.W.

RANCHO SISQUOC Chardonnay Santa Barbara County Flood Family Vineyards 2016 Score: 88 | $22
Very appley, flanked by powerful pastry and spice notes. Espresso cream hints show on the structured finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,000 cases made.—M.W.

SANTA BARBARA WINERY Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 2016 Score: 87 | $19
Red plum and currant flavors fill this juicy red, and are matched to lively acidity. Features a supple finish. Drink now. 6,000 cases made.—M.W.

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.

Sonoma County’s diverse geography and microclimates make the area an ideal home for a variety of red grapes and styles. Pinot Noir and Zinfandel are the region’s calling cards, but Cabernet Sauvignon is also emerging as a contender. All three grapes take center stage in this week’s selection, hailing from some of the region’s top subappellations.

Two different styles of Zinfandel from Alexander Valley top the list. Goldschmidt made a charmingly briary version that finishes with the grape’s classic zesty character. In contrast, Dashe‘s wine from the Todd Brothers Ranch in Geyserville was fermented using native yeasts and shows a more elegant side of Zinfandel.

Taken was founded by childhood friends Josh Phelps and Carlo Trinchero, who grew up in the wine industry together. The winery’s Pinot Noir proves that you don’t have to spend a lot to find good quality in Sonoma. Launched in 2009 (and sold to Trinchero Family Estates in 2017), the brand got its moniker when the vintners realized all of the good winery names were already … taken.

Cabernet fans can also find a solid value from Roth, which is hitting its stride with the grape, offering enticing quality at an affordable price.

DASHE Zinfandel Alexander Valley Todd Brothers Ranch Old Vines 2015 Score: 91 | $38
Polished and elegantly complex, with plump cherry, white pepper and smoky dill accents that glide on a sleek finish. Drink now through 2023. 287 cases made.—Tim Fish

GOLDSCHMIDT Zinfandel Alexander Valley Fidelity Nick Goldschmidt Railyard 2016 Score: 91 | $18
Charmingly briary, with lively wild berry, cracked pepper and dried sage flavors that finish on a zesty accent. Drink now through 2023. 348 cases made.—T.F.

HOLDREDGE Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2016 Score: 89 | $38
Plush, showing refined spiciness to the fresh-crushed red fruit and wild berry flavors. Creamy midpalate, with a juicy finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,020 cases made.—Kim Marcus

PEDRONCELLI Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Bushnell Vineyard 2016 Score: 89 | $26
Broad and briary, showing raspberry and pomegranate flavors, with underbrush and licorice accents,finishing with zesty tannins. Best after 2020. 1,500 cases made.—T.F.

TAKEN Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Complicated 2016 Score: 89 | $24
This offers red currant, cherry and plum tart flavors that are layered with medium-grained tannins and engaging minerality. Finishes with savory spice notes. Drink now. 16,500 cases made.—K.M.

PEZZI KING Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Hales 2016 Score: 88 | $34
Plump and jammy, with easygoing raspberry, caramel and spice flavors. Drink now. 400 cases made.—T.F.

ROTH Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2016 Score: 88 | $30
Clean and pure, with a mix of supple dark berry, cedar, licorice, loamy earth and gravel flavors. Drink now through 2028. 28,000 cases made.—James Laube

RODNEY STRONG Upshot Sonoma County 2016 Score: 86 | $28
Modestly built, showing zesty cherry, charred dill and toast flavors that finish with a mild tannic bite. Zinfandel, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Riesling. Drink now through 2021. 10,875 cases made.—T.F.