Here are the favorites from a recent tasting of $30-ish California Chardonnays. The trick in this category — at least, for me — is for the wine to offer richness balanced with some brightening acidity! Cambria 2007 Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Bench Break Vineyard ($25). Aromatic peach and pear flavors are laced with vanilla bean, toast, baking [...]

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