Alphabetical Guide to Alternative California Whites

A bottle of Aperture Chenin Blanc North Coast 2020 in a plate of raw oysters — Aperture’s 2020 North Coast Chenin Blanc is one of this report’s top-rated wines and a great pairing for oysters. (Jax Photo)

From the Feb 29, 2024, issue

Over 75 wines were reviewed by Wine Spectator senior editor MaryAnn Worobiec for the alternative white wines from California wine focus in the Jan. 31 – Feb. 29, 2024, issue. For a full analysis of the latest vintages, best producers and recommended wines, read “California's Alternative White Wines.” WineSpectator.com members can find full reviews, with tasting notes, in the Wine Ratings search.

ADELAIDA
Picpoul Blanc Adelaida District Anna's Estate Vineyard 2020	88	$40
APERTURE
Chenin Blanc North Coast 2020	91	$30
BALLENTINE
Chenin Blanc St. Helena Betty's Vineyard 2021	88	$35
BALLETTO
Pinot Gris Russian River Valley 2021	85	$22
BEDROCK
Cuvée Karatas Sonoma County 2021	88	$55
BOB CABRAL
Riesling Sonoma Coast Cuvée Wildflower 2018	89	$60
BOKISCH
Picpoul Blanc Clements Hills Tizona Terra Alta Vineyard 2022	85	$35
BROC CELLARS
Love White California NV	89	$10 / 350ml
CALERA
Chenin Blanc Santa Ynez Valley 2020	88	$38
CHALONE
Chenin Blanc Chalone 2021	90	$44
CHIMNEY ROCK
Elevage Blanc Napa Valley 2021	91	$50
COMPANION WINE CO.
Pinot Gris San Benito County Skin Contact 2022	88	$12 / 350ml
DOLCE
Late Harvest Napa Valley 2017	93	$100 / 375ml
DONKEY & GOAT
Falanghina San Benito Calleri Vineyard 2022	90	$36
DRY CREEK
Chenin Blanc Clarksburg Dry 2022	89	$16

Chenin Blanc Clarksburg Dry 2021	88	$16
EMERITUS
Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Hallberg Blanc 2022	89	$42
EVIDENCE
Chenin Blanc El Dorado Of Clarity Saureel Vineyard 2021	88	$40
FERRARI-CARANO
Pinot Grigio Sonoma County 2022	88	$24
FIRESTONE
Riesling Santa Barbara County 2021	86	$15
GRAZIANO
Chenin Blanc Mendocino County Dry 2020	85	$18
HARTFORD COURT
Chenin Blanc Santa Ynez Valley Jurassic Vineyard Old Vine 2021	89	$38

Chenin Blanc Santa Ynez Valley Jurassic Vineyard Old Vine 2020	88	$38
HORSE & PLOW
Draft Horse White North Coast 2022	90	$20

Pinot Gris Napa Valley 2022	88	$28

Pinot Gris Napa Valley The Gardener 2022	86	$32
HUSCH
Chenin Blanc Mendocino 2022	88	$18

Chenin Blanc Mendocino 2021	87	$18

Gewürztraminer Anderson Valley Dry 2021	86	$18
J
Pinot Gris California 2021	87	$21

Pinot Gris Russian River Valley 2022	88	$38
KENDALL-JACKSON
Pinot Blanc Santa Maria Valley Jackson Estate Nielson Vineyard 2021	89	$35

Pinot Gris California Vintner's Reserve 2022	86	$15

Pinot Gris California Vintner's Reserve 2021	86	$15
KLINKER BRICK
Albariño Mokelumne River 2022	86	$17
LA CREMA
Pinot Gris Monterey 2021	87	$20
LANG & REED
Chenin Blanc Mendocino 2021	90	$32
MADDALENA
Pinot Grigio Monterey Estate Reserve 2022	87	$20

Pinot Grigio Monterey Estate Reserve 2021	84	$20
MAKER
Albariño Santa Barbara County 2022	87	$9 / 250ml

Pinot Gris Anderson Valley 2021	87	$9 / 250ml

Vermentino Lodi Skin Contact 2022	86	$9 / 250ml
MARIMAR ESTATE
Albariño Russian River Valley Don Miguel Vineyard 2022	90	$34

Albariño Russian River Valley Don Miguel Vineyard 2021	88	$34

Godello Russian River Valley Don Miguel Vineyard 2021	87	$42
MASSICAN
Annia California 2022	91	$36

Annia California 2021	92	$32

Gemina California 2022	92	$35

Gemina California 2021	92	$35
MCMANIS
Pinot Grigio River Junction 2021	83	$10
MIRA
Estate White Yountville 2021	87	$75
MORÉT-BREALYNN
Muscadelle Sonoma Valley Stray Cats 2021	88	$28
MORGAN
Albariño Arroyo Seco 2022	89	$24
OAK GROVE
Pinot Grigio California Family Reserve 2021	84	$10
OLD LODGE
Chenin Blanc St. Helena Betty's Vineyard 2022	86	$36
PINE RIDGE
Chenin Blanc-Viognier American 2022	90	$16
PISONI FAMILY
Lucy Pico Blanco Monterey County 2022	89	$26
ROCOCO
Chenin Blanc Central Coast Own Rooted 2022	90	$28

Chenin Blanc Paso Robles Highlands District Shell Creek 2022	92	$36

Chenin Blanc San Benito County Vista Verde Vineyard 2022	89	$36

Chenin Blanc Santa Barbara County Los Alamos 2022	89	$36

Chenin Blanc Santa Ynez Valley Jurassic Park 2022	91	$36
RUTHERFORD HILL
Vermentino Rutherford AJT Collection 2022	87	$34
SEGHESIO
Vermentino Russian River Valley Keyhole Ranch Vineyard 2022	87	$30
THE SIMPLE GRAPE
Pinot Grigio California 2021	82	$15
ST. SUPÉRY
Virtú Napa Valley 2022	92	$40
T. BERKLEY
Chenin Blanc Mendocino County Blanc 2022	86	$25

Chenin Blanc Mendocino County Norgard 2021	86	$32

Chenin Blanc Mendocino County Norgard Farms 2020	86	$30
TERMINIM
Cépages d'Or Alder Springs Vineyard Mendocino County 2021	88	$40
TERRA D'ORO
Chenin Blanc-Viognier Clarksburg 2021	88	$17

Moscato California 2021	88	$17

Pinot Grigio Clarksburg 2022	88	$17

Pinot Grigio Clarksburg 2021	88	$17
UNION SACRÉ
Pinot Blanc Santa Lucia Highlands Délice Oasis Vineyard 2021	90	$38

Pinot Gris Santa Lucia Highlands L'Inconnue Oasis Vineyard 2021	89	$39

Riesling Santa Barbara County Kick On Ranch Vineyard 2021	87	$39
UNTI
Vermentino Dry Creek Valley 2021	91	$35
WIENS FAMILY CELLARS
Vermentino Temecula Valley 2022	89	$32
J. WILKES
Pinot Blanc Santa Maria Valley 2021	87	$20