The 5 best California Chardonnays you need to taste now

Image source: Love to Know

We're here to put the ABC ("anything but Chardonnay") movement to rest once and for all. It kills us when we hear someone say they can't stand these wines. What it really tells us is they haven't tasted the "good stuff" — a real travesty.

California Chardonnay gets a bad rap, and there's no surprise why. It was uber popular in the 80s and 90s and, unfortunately, the mass-produced bottles lining supermarket shelves were flabby and over-oaked, like drinking a big glass of melted butter...ick.

Thankfully, California winemakers have since evolved their Chard styles, going back to their roots — to the expressions of quality Chardonnay that put California on the map when the Napa wines beat out the French in the fateful 'Judgment of Paris' blind tasting of 1976. The result is perfectly balanced, fresh wines with gorgeous acidity that give even the finest examples from Côte de Beaune or Chablis a run for their money. Some favorites we've tasted recently are crisp, beautifully aromatic and refreshing, with just a kiss of oak — a perfect white to drink a glass (or, hell, a bottle) of on its own or paired with crab cakes, spring vegetable risotto or even sashimi.

Whether you're one of the Enlightened Ones already aware of the potential of these wines, or are a curious skeptic we need to convert, we've pulled together a list of California Chards that are impossible not to love. Put these on your shopping list immediately!

1. Scar of the Sea Rancho Tepusquet

Vintage: 2018

Region: Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast

Tasting Notes: Crisp and refreshing, medium-bodied with aromas of white blossoms, asian pear, mineral (stone, chalk), salted almonds & lime peel

Acclaim: Scores of 95 (WE), 92 (RP)

Price: $29.99

Where to Buy: KL Wines

2. Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay

Vintage: 2021

Region: Carneros, Napa Valley

Tasting Notes: Rich, creamy and full-bodied with aromas of ripe peach, citrus, pie crust and warm spice

Acclaim: Score of 91 (WW)

Price: $40

Where to Buy: Rombauer.com

3. Adelaida HMR Vineyard Chardonnay

Vintage: 2021

Region: Paso Robles

Tasting Notes: Vibrant, fresh and medium-bodied with aromas of yellow apple, yellow plum, honeyed flowers, pear and a hint of spicy wood

Acclaim: Score of 92 (JD)

Price: $50

Where to Buy: Adelaida.com

4. Schug Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Vintage: 2021

Region: Sonoma Coast

Tasting Notes: Medium-bodied, creamy and delicate with a stony minerality, fresh acidity and aromas of lemon sorbet, melon, honeysuckle, dried earth, white peach and fresh garden herbs

Acclaim: Scores of 94 (TP), 91 (WW), 90 (JS)

Price: $30

Where to Buy: Wine.com

5. Jarvis Finch Hollow Vineyard Chardonnay

Vintage: 2018

Region: Napa Valley

Tasting Notes: Bright and supple, medium-to-full-bodied, notes of cedar, dark caramel, vanilla bean, grilled pineapple, spiced apples & roasted almonds

Acclaim: Score of 93 (WE), 91 (WS)

Price: $171.99

Where to Buy: Grand Wine Cellar

Have any other mind-blowing California Chardonnays on your mind? We want to know! Drop us an email to info@winesocietyla.com or a comment below!