Showcasing exceptional quality and value among California white wines from Sonoma, Mendocino and Monterey, priced as low as $10
November 3, 2025 (Rolling Hills, CA) — Family-owned Castle Rock Winery is pleased to announce that its 2024 Central Coast Chardonnay has been featured in Wine Spectator’s latest Tasting Highlights, “8 Exciting California Chardonnays Up to 92 Points,” a showcase of standout selections from California’s top cool-climate appellations.
Chosen alongside respected producers including Merry Edwards, Peay, Domaine Anderson, Justin Vineyards, and Red Car, Castle Rock’s Chardonnay was recognized for delivering notable character and craftsmanship at an exceptional value. At just $10, it was the least expensive wine in the feature, reflecting Castle Rock’s enduring commitment to quality without inflated pricing.
The publication praised the wine’s texture and flavor detail, noting:
“Buttered brioche and touches of brown sugar are creamy and smooth, with peach, baked apple and poached pear flavors at the core, plus accents of candied cardamom. Drink now.”
— Wine Spectator, Nov. 3, 2025 (Score: 87 Points — Very Good | $10)
“The Central Coast is an incredible place for Chardonnay — the mix of ocean influence and warm California days creates a vibrant, expressive style,” said Meghan Daniels, Winemaker at Castle Rock. “We focus on letting the fruit shine, keeping the wine bright, balanced, and full of flavor. It’s wonderful to see that style appreciated.”
This feature arrives as Castle Rock continues to see strong momentum with its Kosmic Kitty Wines collection, introduced earlier this year. The brand has rapidly gained traction with retailers and consumers drawn to its vibrant style, confident identity, and everyday approachability.
“We created Kosmic Kitty to bring a fresh energy into the wine world — something playful, bold, and unapologetically joyful,” said Adriana Popovich, Director of Social Media for Castle Rock Winery. “People connect with it because it doesn’t ask them to be experts to enjoy good wine. It invites them in. That’s the heart of what we do as a winery — great wine, made accessible.”
Founded in 1994, Castle Rock Winery has built its reputation on offering wines from premier West Coast AVAs at accessible, honest prices — earning a loyal following among consumers, sommeliers, and retailers nationwide.
“We’re honored to be included alongside some of California’s most respected Chardonnay producers,” said Greg Popovich, Founder of Castle Rock Winery. “This recognition reinforces our commitment to crafting regionally expressive wines that are thoughtful, authentic, and approachable.”
The 2024 Castle Rock Central Coast Chardonnay is now available nationwide.
About Castle Rock Winery
Castle Rock Winery produces high-quality, regionally expressive wines from California, Oregon, and Washington at an exceptional value. Family-owned since 1994, Castle Rock partners with leading vineyards across the West Coast to craft wines that reflect each region’s character while remaining accessible for everyday enjoyment. All wines are bottled in Santa Rosa, California.
