Alma Rosa

2008 Pinot Blanc Sta. Rita Hills La Encantada Vineyard ($28). Full bodied, offering juicy apple, bright lemon zest character, and generous, freshly grated baking spices. Full finish. Try with bacon-wrapped scallops. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-11-11)

2007 Pinot Blanc Santa Rita Hills ($18). Refreshing and crisp, with apple, lemon and stone character that stays bright through the fresh, fruity finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-02-13)

Anglim 2006 Cameo Paso Robles ($22). A blend of Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier, this fragrant white offers apple blossom, sweet green apple and floral aromas, followed by rich melon flavors laced with apricot kernel, peach and mineral notes. Full bodied but with an appealing bright character. Very interesting! Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine 07/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Bennett Lane 2007 Maximus White Napa Valley ($28). Mostly Sauvignon Blanc, with Chardonnay and Muscat, this white blend offers lovely honeysuckle and citrus aromas and flavors, with focused mandarin orange and grapefruit notes balanced by richer pear and crisp nectarine. Folds together on a juicy, long finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 07/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Beringer

2006 Alluvium Blanc Knights Valley ($16). Seems like we always like this wine, but this vintage is just gorgeous. With ripe, clean fruit flavors and aromas that include mango, melon, peach, citrus and fig, all picking up touches of toast, cream and fresh herbal notes through the long finish. A blend of Semillon (47%), Sauvignon Blanc (43%), Chardonnay and Viognier. Delicious paired with just about any shellfish starter. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (Weekend Wine 03/08)

2004 Alluvium Blanc Knights Valley ($16). A blend of predominantly Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, along with touches of Chardonnay and Viognier, this is a lush, aromatic white that offers vanilla, fig and hazelnut aromas and accents to the range of citrus, herbal and creamy flavors that linger on the full finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 11/06)

2002 Alluvium Blanc Knights Valley ($16). Aromatic melon and apricot fruit is laced with nutty, toasty oak, picking up rich fig and a refreshing citrusy character that lingers through the complex finish. Delish! Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 11/04)

Big House Wine

2008 White California ($10). Great deal here, for its mouthwateringly fresh, floral-laced blend of smooth melon, tangerine and dried apricot flavors that linger on the pretty finish. Ready to drink now. A blend of Malvasia Bianca, Muscat Canelli, Viognier and Rousanne. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-10-18)

2006 White California ($10). A blend of who knows what, this is a tasty little white — fresh and vibrant with citrus, peach and honeysuckle aromas and flavors, plus a touch of herbs on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks 04/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Caymus 1998 Conundrum ($20). Conundrum features a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Chardonnay, Viognier and Semillon that gives it a myriad of flavors. It starts with a dry lemon and light citrus flavor that softens and leads into a long, creamy oak finish. I highly recommend it! (Weekend Wine 06/00)

Chateau St. Jean 2002 Pinot Blanc Alexander Valley Robert Young Vineyard ($18). Loads of buttery oak underlies ripe apple, muted peach and subtle citrus fruit flavors. An elegant, understated style, finishing with pretty vanilla notes. Ready to drink now. (Richard’s PIcks 10/04)

Chimney Rock 2007 Elevage Blanc Napa Valley ($39). A blend of Sauvignon Blanc (72%) and Sauvignon Gris, and easily one of the most interesting white wines I have tasted all year. With a creamy, leesy core supporting tangy apricot, marmalade, orange rind and vanilla. Showing its age a bit, in an interesting way, but still manages a bright, pretty finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area.  (2011-09-07)

Chumeia 2001 Pinot Blanc Monterey County ($14). Loads of chewy oak practically overwhelms much of the tropical fruit and melon flavors, with a strong creamy vanilla taking over through the finish. Not a tasting favorite. (Robyn’s Picks 12/04)

Clayhouse Vineyard 2007 Adobe White Central Coast ($15). Pretty and aromatic, with rose and apple aromas introducing silky lychee and apricot flavors. Grapey, fresh finish. Worked well with spicy Chinese food! A blend of Chenin Blanc, Princess, Chardonnay, Roussanne and Viognier. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (Bargain Wine 08/08)

Clif Family 2008 The Climber California ($14). A tasty blend of Sauvignon Blanc (88%) accented with doses of Muscat, Riesling, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. Stays bright and citrusy from beginning to end, with delicate grassy and melon accents on the fresh finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-10-19)

Conundrum 2008 White Table Wine California ($21). Intensely perfumed, with heady apricot, peach and tangerine aromas and flavors that stay bright and lively through the mouthwatering finish, picking up lime zest, vanilla and honeycomb along the way. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-09-23)

 

Forest Glen 1999 White Merlot ($9ish). Yes, my dears, White Merlot. While it has the pinkish look of a White Zin, do not be fooled. Do not run screaming in the other direction. This is not a cloying, sweet wine. Rather, it is crisp and clean with a nice raspberry zing. It pairs really well with hot, spicy foods like barbeque or fiery Asian. Picture bottles of this wine cooling poolside in a big bucket of ice. Picture me joining you. Picture barbeque sauce dripping down my new white shirt. Picture me not caring and pouring another glass of wine. (ETFOFW 08/00)

Guenoc 2002 Langtry Meritage White Guenoc Valley ($20). Mostly Sauvignon Blanc, with just a dash of Semillon, and aged in oak, this complex white offers plenty of spicy, toasty oak character supporting apple, nectarine and melon fruit, with a persistent crème brulee note. Needs food — something like a creamy seafood pasta or grilled scallops would be perfect. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 04/05)

Ironstone 1999 Obsession ($9). One of the few wines made from the Symphony grape, this wine is a fun choice if you’re looking for something a little different. Delicate floral aromas introduce a pure youthful palate. This wine has a clean “grapey” flavor, similar to a Muscat. Serve well-chilled. Ready to drink now. Was a fun match to the Jalapeno Jack cheese. (Weekend Wine, 07/01)

Kitchen Sink NV White Table Wine California ($10). Crisp, refreshing, lithe, lovely — with aromatic floral and citrus notes introducing more citrus (tangerine, lemon zest), lychee, Asian pear, white fig, mineral and spice flavors, with a bright, fresh finish. Ready to drink now. Right now. On the patio. More please… Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-07-08)

Madroña 2003 Melange de Trois El Dorado ($16). Appealing moderate acidity runs through lush peach and apricot fruit, with a creamy, caramel note through the finish. A Rhone-style blend of Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 04/05)

Minassian-Young 2008 White Rhonoceros Paso Robles ($18). I enjoyed this Marsanne, Rousanne, Viognier blend for its appealing layers of apricot, apricot kernel, crisp apple and balanced alcohol. Tasty! Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-07-24)

Murrieta’s Well

2009 White Wine Livermore Valley The Whip ($25). A really nice surprise! Citrusy, floral aromas introduce an array of pretty things — peach, lime, tangerine, honey, brioche, toasted vanilla. Full bodied but refreshing, with a long honeyed finish. An unlikely-sounding blend of Semillon (43%), Sauvignon Blanc (21%), Viognier ($21%), Muscat CAnelli (7%), Gewurztraminer (5%) and Orange Muscat. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2011-07-14)

2006 White Meritage Livermore Valley ($23). Appealing for its nicely balanced brightness on the one hand, and richness on the other. With ripe melon and fig flavors and aromas accented with citrus, toast and vanilla. Long, smooth, elegant finish. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc (65%) and Semillon. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (World Wide Wine 08/08)

Napa Ridge 1998 Triad North Coast Coastal Vines ($10). This is officially one of my summer whites for this year! It’s a blend of Chardonnay (49%), Sauvignon Blanc (26%), and Semillon (25%). Bright, refreshing orchard fruit, just a touch off-dry thanks to the Semillon, and a very nice lingering vanilla finish. Chill a case of this for your next summer party! Excellent with the grilled fish and mango sauce that I paired with it, and it would be outstanding with anything with a bit of spicy kick. Several dozen oysters on the half-shell wouldn’t be bad, either! (Weekend Wine, 06/00)

Navarro Vineyards 2008 Edelzwicker Mendocino ($13). This wine is great fun, if you can get your hands on a bottle. Off-dry but with balancing fresh acidity, this blend of Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Muscat is grapey and easy to like. Works on its own or paired with feast-worthy foods like roasted turkey and dressing. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-12-21)

Niebaum-Coppola 1998 Bianco ($9). This white table wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Johannisberg Riesling, Muscat Alexandria, and Malvasia Bianca (how fun is that?). What initially struck me as sweet was probably more of a floral thing (reminded me a bit of a light Viognier) and, ultimately, the Bianco proved a crisp and fruity wine. (ETFOFW, 04/00)

Novella 2002 Moscato Paso Robles ($11). Delightfully fragrant, offering waves of sweet apricot, citrus and floral aromas and flavors. 15% Chardonnay adds body and a silky mouthfeel. Versatile with food — think anything from summer salads to spicy Thai to sushi. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 05/04)

Parducci 2008 Sustainable White Mendocino County ($11). A juicy, quaffable blend of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Muscat Canelli and Friulano, this has a bit of a fruit cocktail quality, but with bright, crisp acidity and a light mineral note that make it an appealing choice for hot summer days. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-07-21)

Rosenblum Vintners Cuvee Blanc V Vin Blanc Extraordinaire California ($10). Mostly Chenin Blanc, with a healthy dose of Sauvignon Blanc and a touch of Viognier, this is a slurpably delightful white. With clean, juicy, aromatic stonefruit – nectarine, apricot – laced with pretty citrus and pear and an appealing vanilla note on the finish. Delish! Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 08/06)

Saracina 2007 Atrea The Choir Mendocino County ($20). A white Rhone blend, with Roussanne and Viognier combining to make a pretty, fragrant, racy wine. Juicy citrus dances around smooth stonefruit, with a mineral-laced, structured finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-02-03)

Skylark 2007 Pinot Blanc Mendocino Orsi Vineyard ($17). Crisp and refreshing, with juicy green apple aromas and flavors that pick up mineral and fresh herbal notes through the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-02-03)

St. Supery

2001 Moscato California ($15). We’ve begun to look forward to this wine every year. Its slightly sweet, pure peachy fruitiness is a welcome change to the usual Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc lineup. This vintage includes exotic spice, orange peel, and floral notes. Wonderful as an aperitif or with summer fruit desserts. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 02/02)

2000 Moscato California ($15). We were thrilled to receive this wine for a couple of reasons. First, it was the first 2000 vintage wine we received. Second, we love Muscat wines! And this one is lovely. Fragrant and rich, it features plenty of honeyed tropical fruit and spice and a terrific finish. Pair this wine with fresh fruit desserts, biscotti, or even a spice cake. (Weekend Wine, 04/01)

2000 Meritage White Napa Valley ($22). Elegant floral bouquet leads to a silky blend of apple, citrus, and melon fruit, with delicate herbal and vanilla extract notes. Finishes crisp and clean. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 04/02)

1999 Meritage White Napa Valley ($20). We tasted this wine recently and were just blown away. The blend is 41% Sauvignon Blanc and 59% Semillon, and it is mouthwateringly good. Perfectly balanced, with crisp citrus acidity on the one hand, and richly layered complexity on the other, this wine is unique and interesting and all-around yummy. We loved seeing the Semillon blend – it adds a wonderful texture and smoky richness to the Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is refreshing enough to be served alone as an aperitif. But it really begs for food. It is elegant enough to accompany fine dining and mark special occasions. The price is remarkable for the quality and level of winemaking involved here. (Wine Skinny Best, 04/01)

Stephan Ridge 2003 Roussanne Paso Robles ($25). Aromatic and pretty, with honeysuckle, citrus and stone fruit aromas and flavors, with bright acidity and a clean, dry finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 04/04)

Tangent 2009 Grenache Blanc Edna Valley Paragon Vineyard ($17). Mostly known as a blending grape in the southern Rhone (the whites, but also in many of the reds, from the Cotes du Rhone, Cotes du Rhone Villages and Chateauneuf-du-Pape), but here’s your chance to try it as a stand-alone grape. Offering lush melon aromas and flavors accented with citrus, orange blossom and mineral, with a light touch of vanilla, and a bone dry, crisp finish. Also appreciated the moderate alcohol level here (14.1%) — it’s an all-around impressive wine. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. (2011-01-25)

Wild Horse 2002 Roussanne Paso Robles ($16). Very nice, with alluring peach blossom aromas introducing balanced fruit flavors with appealing minerality that lingers on the refreshing finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 05/05)

Yorkville Cellars 2002 Semillon Yorkville Highlands Randle Hill Vineyard ($15). Lemon, grapefruit and mineral aromas and flavors, with a creamy, hazelnut finish supported by persistent underlying acidity. Good value and a nice change of pace for Sauvignon Blanc drinkers. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks, 06/04)

Zaca Mesa 2005 Roussanne Santa Ynez Valley ($25). Pretty floral and honey aromas introduce crisp apple, citrus and mineral notes, with cream and toasty oak supporting the moderate finish. Ready to drink now. (Winery Spotlight 06/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Zocker 2010 Grüner Veltliner Edna Valley Paragon Vineyard ($20). I do believe this is the first California Grüner I’ve ever tasted, and wow — what a nice surprise. With sleek, racy, white pepper-laced citrus (lime, pink grapefruit) accenting smooth melon notes, with a mineral edge through the dry, crisp finish. Very nice. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2012-01-19)