Here are a few $15-and-under white wine bargains that should help kick off this first day of Spring — finally!

SAUVIGNON BLANC
Fortress 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Red Hills Lake County Musque Clone ($15). Clean, clear and focused, with citrus as the main player — but a range of lemon, Meyer lemon, grapefruit notes, along with gooseberry. Full, slightly creamy mid-palate, and a dry, crisp finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Kendall-Jackson 2008 Sauvignon Blanc California Vintner’s Reserve ($12). A nice surprise — with tasty, bright lemon/lime citrus accenting melon and ripe pear flavors, with a vanilla-laced finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Sacred Hill 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough ($15). Crisp green apple and citrus flavors and aromas are balanced against pungent herbaceous notes. With a crisp finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Souverain 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Alexander Valley ($15). Bright and citrusy, with tangerine and grapefruit mingling with softer melon and pear notes, winding up in a long, lightly spicy and slightly creamy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Vina Casablanca 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Casablanca Valley Nimbus Estate ($12). Pretty citrus aromas and flavors, with touches of fresh grass and mineral, and a bright, crisp finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-18)

CHARDONNAY
Kendall-Jackson 2008 Chardonnay California Vintner’s Reserve ($15). A good value for this style — rich, ripe pineapple and tropical melon with plenty of buttery, creamy, vanillin oak character. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Liberty School 2007 Chardonnay Central Coast ($12). Nice value here! Crisp and focused, with Granny Smith apple and Asian pear flavors laced with light touches of tropical citrus, fig and toast. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-12-13)

Lindemans 2008 Chardonnay South Eastern Australia Bin 65 ($7). A nice surprise, offering refreshing pear, peach and tropical citrus flavors that pick up a touch of spice through the moderate finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-12-13)

Round Hill 2008 Chardonnay California Oak Free ($12). Crisp and refreshing, with green pear and apple, pretty lemon and a juicy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-08)

RIESLING
Kendall-Jackson 2008 Riesling Monterey County Vintner’s Reserve ($12). Definitely off-dry, but with appealing, concentrated, aromatic apricot, marmalade, citrus zest and honey, with a bright, mouthwatering finish. Try with a chutney, either alongside a pork roast or as part of a cheese and dried fruit course. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Stonecap 2007 Riesling Columbia Valley ($12). Appealing complexity at this price, with floral accents to lush peach, nectarine and apple fruit, and a bright, mouthwatering finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

SPARKLING & OTHER!
Bodegas y Vinedos La Esperanza 2009 Torrontes Cafayate Valley Finca El Origen Reserva ($11). Pretty floral aromas accent smooth orchard fruit flavors laced with bright citrus and a touch of almond skin on the refreshing finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Indaba 2009 Chenin Blanc Western Cape ($13). Easy-drinking, medium-bodied Asian pear and citrus flavors pick up nice minerality through the crisp finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Kamiak 2008 White Blend Columbia Valley Windust ($10). This one could easily become my house white this summer! Flirts with off-dry, but stays crisp and refreshing, with tropical citrus fruit and touches of ripe apple and peach, with a rounded, lightly spicy finish. Ready to drink now. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-06)

Pongracz NV Brut Western Cape ($10). From Fresh & Easy markets comes this South African sparkler — an excellent value, with crisp berry and apple flavors touched with yeast and honey notes. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-06)

Raats 2009 Chenin Blanc Coastal Region Original Unwooded ($13). I really liked this one for its crispness and complexity at this price. With lively citrus and white peach flavors that pick up a honeyed note through the finish, along with ginger and mineral notes. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area.