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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
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.
TABLAS CREEK Grenache Blanc Adelaida District 2017
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.
J. LOHR Gesture RVG Paso Robles 2017
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.
TABLAS CREEK Esprit de Tablas Blanc Adelaida District 2016
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.
CLIF FAMILY Viognier Napa Valley 2017
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.
JAFFURS Viognier Santa Maria Valley Bien Nacido Vineyard 2017
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.
J. LOHR Viognier Paso Robles Gesture 2017
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.
CHRONIC CELLARS Stone Fox Paso Robles 2017
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.
FERGUSON CREST Viognier Santa Ynez Valley 2017
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.