In an F&W tasting of 65 artisanal extra-virgin olive oils from California, Willow Creek Olive Ranch's Pasolivo was one of the best ($25 for 500 ml; 805-227-0186 or pasolivo.com). Other standouts:
Apollo 2005 Mistral Organic
A soft, round and buttery blend of Provençal varietals. $20 for 500 ml; 530-692-2314 or www.apollooliveoil.com
Lila Jaeger
A mix of old-world (Aglandau, Bouteillan) olives; unctuous, smooth and peppery. $24 for 375 ml; 800-676-7176 or www.katzandco.com
Olivina Estate Mission
A full-bodied oil with herbal and bitter flavors, made from olives grown on century-old trees. $18 for 375 ml; 925-455-8710 or www.theolivina.com
Skipstone Ranch Melina's Harvest
Produced from Manzanillo olives; fruity and spicy with a long, green-olive finish. details $25 for 375 ml; 707-433-9124 or www.skipstoneranch.com
Stonehouse House Oil
A nicely balanced mix of olives, including Sevillano and Arbequina. $11 for 500 ml; 800-865-4836 or www.stonehouseoliveoil.com
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