Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

Blending different grapes can add complexities and textures to a wine that a single grape may not be able to achieve. This week we highlight eight unique California red blends that stood out from recent tastings.

Rhône varieties such as Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre are commonly combined, with harmonious results. California Rhône pioneer Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon has been making his Old World–style Le Cigare Volant for 30-plus years. The blend is typically dominated by Grenache, which gives the wine its fruity and spicy core. Syrah and Mourvèdre lend the smoky and leathery notes in this vintage; a touch of Cinsault can add a perfumed note in some years. Last month, Grahm announced he would be discontinuing Le Cigare Volant in its current form with the 2017 vintage. He will give the wine a new label and supplement the Mourvèdre for the Cinsault.

Rutherford Hill takes a Bordeaux-style approach to their Barrel Select blend, using three Bordeaux grapes with a touch of Syrah to craft a well-structured and powerfully spiced red.

Taking a kitchen-sink-blend approach is Decoy, Duckhorn Wine Company’s popular value brand. Combining Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot, it pulls a little from each variety, yielding a winning combination of aromas and flavors.

BONNY DOON Le Cigare Volant Central Coast 2015 Score: 92 | $45
Precise and appealingly Old World in style, offering smoky raspberry, spice box and black olive flavors and a hint of leather, finishing with refined tannins. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsaut. Drink now through 2025. 2,400 cases made.—Tim Fish

689 CELLARS Killer Drop California 2015 Score: 90 | $25
Broad and expressive, with sturdy black cherry, licorice and peppered mocha flavors. Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Merlot. Drink now through 2025. 3,000 cases made.—T.F.

KOKOMO Cuvée North Coast 2017 Score: 90 | $26
A hearty blend, with zesty black cherry, smoky bacon and cracked pepper flavors that build toward well-buffed tannins. Syrah, Grenache, Carignane and Petite Sirah. Drink now through 2025. 815 cases made.—T.F.

RUTHERFORD HILL Barrel Select Napa Valley 2015 Score: 90 | $35
Powerfully spiced, with well-structured flavors of cherry, raspberry and plum, backed by fresh tannins. The minerally finish offers slate and savory accents. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2022. 4,016 cases made.—Kim Marcus

DECOY Red Sonoma County 2016 Score: 89 | $25
Fruity, with rich acidity backing the dried cherry, plum and brambly flavors. Notes of iodine show midpalate, revealing Asian spice and green herbal accents on the finish. Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2021. 40,000 cases made.—K.M.

MORGAN Cotes du Crow’s Monterey 2017 Score: 88 | $20
Easygoing and discreetly zesty, with floral raspberry and spicy vanilla flavors. Grenache, Syrah and Tempranillo. Drink now through 2023. 5,320 cases made.—T.F.

TENSHEN Santa Barbara County 2017 Score: 88 | $25
Fruit-forward and zesty, with raspberry notes and spicy, toasty oak accents. Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Merlot and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2022. 8,000 cases made.—T.F.

GHOST PINES Winemaker’s Blend Santa Barbara-Lake-Sonoma Counties 2016 Score: 87 | $23
Appealing if rather ordinary, showing zesty blackberry and cracked pepper flavors. Zinfandel, Syrah, Tannat and Sangiovese. Drink now through 2023. 9,000 cases made.—T.F.

Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

One of the most appealing things about Zinfandel is that buying a bottle or two rarely breaks the bank. Many clock in around $30 or less, like the picks in today’s selection. These Zins come from all over California and are distinct to their terroirs, but each carries Zin’s hallmark fruit-forward appeal.

A unique wine here comes from Paso Robles–based Ancient Peaks. This winery has the lone vineyard within the Santa Margarita Ranch AVA, a subappellation of Paso, in the southernmost part of the region. Its microclimate is distinct from the rest of Paso, due to its 1,100-feet elevation and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The peaks of the mountainous area funnel cool air through the appellation, making it much cooler than the rest of Paso Robles. The growing season is longer, allowing for ripe, balanced and interesting flavors.

There’s a little something here for lovers of plump and fruity old-vine Zinfandel. Zin specialists Turley tap vines from Paso Robles to Mendocino and nearly everywhere in between for this supple, zesty and polished red. Meanwhile, Cline zeroes in on Lodi’s abundance of own-rooted old vines, some dating to the 1880s. Plus, it’s widely available and well-priced at just $11.

EBERLE Zinfandel Paso Robles 2017 Score: 91 | $30
Well-built and spirited, with lively black cherry, dried sage and cracked pepper flavors that build toward appealingly rustic tannins. Drink now through 2024. 1,603 cases made.—Tim Fish

NEYERS Zinfandel California Vista Luna 2017 Score: 91 | $30
Refined and well-structured, yet showing a briary streak, with appealing black cherry, sweet anise and white pepper flavors. Drink now through 2025. 1,172 cases made.—T.F.

TURLEY Zinfandel California Old Vines 2016 Score: 91 | $25
Offers supple and plump fruit, with zesty yet polished black cherry, licorice and toasty spice flavors that glide along the finish. Drink now through 2024. 9,550 cases made.—T.F.

GEHRICKE Zinfandel Russian River Valley 2016 Score: 90 | $30
Slightly brooding, but that’s part of the appeal. Offers deep blueberry, underbrush and licorice flavors that finish with refined tannins. Drink now through 2024. 1,835 cases made.—T.F.

ANCIENT PEAKS Zinfandel Santa Margarita Ranch 2016 Score: 89 | $20
Ultraripe and jammy, yet appealing for the bold blackberry and licorice flavors that finish on a plump, jammy note. Drink now through 2022. 7,660 cases made.—T.F.

NAPA CELLARS Zinfandel Napa Valley 2016 Score: 89 | $26
A lively, zesty Zinfandel, with easygoing cherry and smoky cracked pepper flavors that finish on a snappy note. Drink now through 2023. 9,840 cases made.—T.F.

CLINE Zinfandel Lodi Old Vine 2017 Score: 88 | $11
Plump, with up-front fruit, offering appealing raspberry and licorice flavors. Drink now through 2023. 60,000 cases made.—T.F.

JEFF COHN Dealmaker California 2016 Score: 88 | $20
Zesty, loaded with black pepper notes and user-friendly black cherry and licorice flavors. Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Drink now through 2023. 987 cases made.—T.F.

Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

While last week we made a compelling case for Chardonnay as an excellent wine choice for Thanksgiving, the food-friendly and versatile Pinot Noir should also be on your shopping list for all your upcoming holiday and end-of-year dinner celebrations. Pinot’s generous fruit profile, soft tannins and fresh acidity are a great match for the myriad turkey trimmings and other dishes that will grace your table this season. Even the most staunchly particular wine drinkers won’t turn their nose up at a glass of one of these eight Pinot picks from California.

Looking to uncork and impress? Splurge on one of the top scorers here. The robust savory and spice notes and firm structure of the David Bruce bottling should hold up nicely to some of your meal’s richer preparations. Scherrer‘s vibrant and suave style with juicy red fruit flavors will keep guests going back for another glass.

If you need Pinot for a party, try Castle Rock‘s rich and well-spiced version, or Kenwood‘s juicy, creamy and toasty Pinot. Both are bargains at under $20, so you can procure enough bottles to ensure everyone’s glass is full throughout the evening.

DAVID BRUCE Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2016 Score: 91 | $50
This lengthens out nicely, featuring a mix of dried berry and cherry flavors that are flanked by robust savory and spice notes. Firmly structured, with a taut finish that offers graphite hints. Drink now through 2022. 5,000 cases made.—Kim Marcus

SCHERRER Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2013 Score: 91 | $48
Vibrant and suave, offering juicy red currant, raspberry and rooibos tea flavors that feature hints of cream. Pastry notes show on the finish, with medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2022. 1,080 cases made.—K.M.

WRATH Pinot Noir Monterey 115/667 2016 Score: 91 | $35
Firm acidity supports a rich array of dried date, cherry and raspberry flavors that are finely textured. Hints of cocoa powder show on the decadently spiced finish. Drink now through 2023. 427 cases made.—K.M.

BUENA VISTA Pinot Noir Carneros 2016 Score: 90 | $25
Finely structured and delicate, with bright minerality to the dried cherry and berry flavors. Peppery hints show on the rich finish. Drink now through 2020. 6,337 cases made.—K.M.

GEHRICKE Pinot Noir Los Carneros 2015 Score: 90 | $32
Plush, with creamy richness to the dark cherry and plum tart flavors. Chocolate and Asian spice notes fill the finish. Drink now through 2021. 2,026 cases made.—K.M.

SEAN MINOR Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2016 Score: 89 | $22
Focused, with fresh-tasting cherry, currant and mulled berry flavors that are supported by sinewy acidity. Hot stone notes show on the finish. Drink now through 2021. 5,000 cases made.—K.M.

CASTLE ROCK Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Reserve 2017 Score: 88 | $18
Rich and well-spiced, with creamy accents to the brambly red fruit flavors. The open-textured finish features tea and cola notes. Drink now. 4,508 cases made.—K.M.

KENWOOD Pinot Noir Sonoma County 2016 Score: 87 | $16
Juicy, with creamy and toasty notes to the dried cherry and roasted plum flavors. Mocha hints show on the finish. Drink now. 40,000 cases made.—K.M.

Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

Everyone loves a good deal, especially when it comes to wine. Here are eight budget-friendly California bottlings from recent tastings that won’t disappoint no matter the occasion.

Sauvignon Blanc is often a great pick for bargain-buying, as many clock in under $20 and are perfect crowd-pleasers. We have two different styles here: Quivira‘s herbal, floral white, with a refreshing citrus frame, and Kunde‘s ripe and juicy version, brimming with exotic fruit.

Quality Pinot Noirs and Cabernet Sauvignons, on the other hand, are hard to find at rock-bottom prices. Castle Rock has made a name for itself as a reliable brand that overdelivers on quality for the price. If you’re hosting a crowd for Thanksgiving, the fleshy Pinot Noir California Cuvée is a great affordable option to keep everyone’s glass full throughout the night. And for Cabernet lovers, Sean Minor‘s juicy, energetic style is tough to beat at just $16.

QUIVIRA Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley 2017 Score: 91 | $18
Offers distinctive herbal and floral notes, with chamomile and lemon grass accents up front. Crisp and vibrant Key lime, lemon and grapefruit flavors are in harmony on the light, refreshing frame, showing plenty of intensity. Drink now. 4,010 cases made.—MaryAnn Worobiec

THE FEDERALIST Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley 2016 Score: 89 | $18
Bold cherry, basil and cracked pepper aromas open to tightly wound, slightly rustic flavors. Best after 2019. 5,000 cases made.—Tim Fish

KENWOOD Merlot Sonoma County 2015 Score: 89 | $16
Broad and finely textured, with forward flavors of raspberry, dried green elements and hints of licorice. Supple finish. Drink now through 2021. 26,000 cases made.—Kim Marcus

KUNDE ESTATE Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma Valley Magnolia Lane 2017 Score: 89 | $17
The orange sherbet, melon and pineapple flavors are focused, ripe and juicy, with spice and dried floral notes on the supple finish. Drink now. 8,000 cases made.—M.W.

KIRKLAND SIGNATURE Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2017 Score: 88 | $13
Offers a rich, floral aroma, with notes of savory spice to the fresh and crunchy red fruit flavors. Beef bouillon details show on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 23,686 cases made.—K.M.

SEAN MINOR Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 4B 2017 Score: 88 | $16
Juicy, brimming with blackberry and raspberry confiture flavors, liberally lined with melted licorice and warm fruitcake notes. The finish is coated with ganache accents. An obvious style, but shows energy and will win some fans. Drink now through 2021. 10,000 cases made.—James Molesworth

CASTLE ROCK Pinot Noir California Cuvée 2017 Score: 87 | $11
Fleshy, with dark currant and cherry flavors backed by firm tannins and acidity. Cocoa powder notes show on the finish. Drink now. 57,790 cases made.—K.M.

LUCAS & LEWELLEN Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2017 Score: 87 | $17
A blowsy and creamy style, with ripe white fruit and spice flavors. Dried savory hints show on the finish. Drink now. 1,507 cases made.—K.M.

Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

Autumn is officially here. The days are getting shorter and the nights cooler, which means it’s time to replenish your red-wine supply. Today’s selection of California reds will keep you cozy for the months ahead, from focused and zesty Pinot Noir to dark and brooding Syrah; each wine scored 90 points or more in recent tastings.

Ridge checks in twice with two different styles of Zinfandel. Pagani Ranch dates back to the turn of the century. Its gnarly old Zinfandel vines are co-planted with Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre and Alicante Bouschet in Sonoma Valley, yielding a field blend–style Zin, with ample structure and a brooding presence. Ponzo, located just south of Healdsburg in Russian River Valley, is a cooler site, with vines between 25 and 65 years old. The wine shows zesty fruit flavors on a rustic frame.

Pinot Noir can be your Swiss Army knife red: Here, you’ll find a trio from different AVAs, each showing the many sides of the grape, from Artesa‘s rich and refined version with plush fruit to Gary Farrell‘s minerally and focused bottling. Also look out for Merlot, Grenache and Syrah from the Golden State this fall.

JAFFURS Grenache Santa Barbara County 2016 Score: 91 | $34
Sleek and spirited, with floral raspberry and spiced cinnamon aromas and elegantly layered cherry and smoky, sweet anise flavors. Drink now through 2023. 500 cases made.—Tim Fish

RIDGE Zinfandel Sonoma Valley Pagani Ranch 2016 Score: 91 | $40
Brooding and dense in structure, offering appealing if eccentric black plum, smoky licorice and spice box flavors that finish with lively tannins. Best after 2019. 3,250 cases made.—T.F.

ARTESA Pinot Noir Los Carneros 2016 Score: 90 | $25
Rich and refined, offering luscious red fruit and spice flavors that are well-honed. Mineral and hot stone details show on the finish, with notes of chocolate and pastry. Drink now through 2022. 8,500 cases made.—Kim Marcus

GARY FARRELL Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Russian River Selection 2016 Score: 90 | $45
Minerally, with focused and pure-tasting cherry, plum and currant flavors that are backed by zesty acidity. Slate and spice accents show on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 10,704 cases made.—K.M.

GROUNDWORK Syrah Santa Barbara County 2016 Score: 90 | $20
Dark and brooding, with potent blueberry and blackberry flavors accented by licorice and smoky pepper notes. Drink now through 2023. 600 cases made.—T.F.

HUSCH Zinfandel Mendocino Old Vines Garzini Ranch 2016 Score: 90 | $25
Supple and delicately zesty, with elegantly layered raspberry, cinnamon and spice flavors that linger. Drink now through 2023. 590 cases made.—T.F.

RANCHO SISQUOC Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County Flood Family Vineyards 2016 Score: 90 | $30
Firm and rich, featuring mulled berry flavors blending with notes of underbrush and spice. Peppery accents show on the broad finish, with hints of dried green herb. Drink now through 2022. 1,800 cases made.—K.M.

RIDGE Zinfandel Russian River Valley Ponzo 2016 Score: 90 | $35
An appealingly old-school Zin, offering gutsy, zesty raspberry, blueberry and spicy dill flavors that finish with slightly rustic tannins. Drink now through 2024. 2,250 cases made.—T.F.

ROMBAUER Merlot Napa Valley 2015 Score: 90 | $45
Finely chiseled flavors of red currant, plum and dark cherry are matched to notes of cedar and sandalwood. Offers hints of dried green herbs and beef on the finish. Drink now through 2021. 4,000 cases made.—K.M.

SHANNON RIDGE Zinfandel Lake County Reserve Two Bud Block 2015 Score: 90 | $30
Sleek and supple, with lively black cherry, sage, toasty and pepper flavors that linger on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 1,029 cases made.—T.F.

Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

Argentina’s identity lies with Malbec; it accounts for 86 percent of the country’s vineyard acreage. But the wines have more than one identity. Argentina’s wine regions range from 1,400 to 6,500 feet in elevation, with myriad microclimates resulting in a variety of styles. The heart of the country’s wine production is Mendoza, which itself is divided into several subregions. While many vintners highlight these areas in terroir-specific bottlings, most succeed in making entry-level, affordable, drink-now Malbecs, like those we’ve compiled here.

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ALPASIÓN Malbec Uco Valley Grand 2015 Score: 91 | $28

WS Review: Big and ripe, with concentrated dark plum, cherry and currant flavors that are unctuous and well-structured. Offers polished tannins and plenty of creaminess on the rich and chocolaty finish. Drink now through 2024. 20,000 cases imported.—Kim Marcus

Why It’s of Note: Alpasión started when a bunch of friends built a luxury vacation rental on a 148-acre vineyard in the high-altitude Uco Valley subregion of Mendoza. Karim Mussi Saffie of Altocedro makes the wines.

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CLOS DE LOS SIETE Uco Valley 2015 Score: 91 | $20

WS Review: Offers a lithe and well-cut blend of cherry, dried berry, currant and spice box flavors that mesh easily. The richly textured finish lingers with creamy notes. Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2021. 10,400 cases imported.—K.M.

Why It’s of Note: Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits and global winemaking consultant Michel Rolland are behind this affordable and richly textured Malbec-based blend. Rolland started the brand in 1998 using grapes from four family-owned vineyards he helped develop in Uco Valley.

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ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS Malbec Luján de Cuyo Terroir 2017 Score: 90 | $16

WS Review: Elegant and well-structured, with focused flavors of red currant, dried berry and savory herb that are supported by medium-grained tannins. The minerally finish has good grip. Drink now through 2022. 500 cases imported.—K.M.

Why It’s of Note: Altos Las Hormigas was founded in 1995 by a handful of well-known Italian winemakers, including Antinori‘s Alberto Antonini. The vineyards for this Terroir cuvée are planted in the limestone-rich area of Luján de Cuyo, lending elegance and structure and a minerally finish to the wine.

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BODEGA EL ESTECO Malbec Calchaquí Valley Don David Reserve 2017 Score: 90 | $16

WS Review: Dried red fruit flavors are lively, offering a surplus of rich, dried savory herb notes. Accents of hot stone and white pepper flood the finish. Drink now through 2023. 25,000 cases imported.—K.M.

Why It’s of Note: Founded by French immigrants in 1892, Bodega El Esteco makes a range of wines at various price points. The Don David Reserve pays homage to one of the founders, Don David Michel, and is made in a distinctively savory and lively style.

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FAMILIA ZUCCARDI Malbec Uco Valley Q 2017 Score: 90 | $20

WS Review: A robust red, with dark plum, dried cherry and wild herb flavors that are filled with muscular tannins. Intense dark chocolate notes linger on the racy finish. Drink now through 2021. 15,000 cases imported.—K.M.

Why It’s of Note: The “Q” on the label stands for quality. The team at Zuccardi selected the most prized, and often oldest, vines in different microclimates of Uco Valley for this bottling. The base wines are made in vineyard-specific batches and then blended to make this robust Malbec.

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DOMAINE BOUSQUET Malbec Tupungato Reserve 2017 Score: 89 | $18

WS Review: Lip-smacking flavors of red currant and raspberry are backed by vibrant acidity in this lively red. Cigar box notes linger on the finish. Drink now through 2021. 9,044 cases imported.—K.M.

Why It’s of Note: A third-generation winemaker from Carcasonne in France, Jean Bousquet sold his Languedoc estate in 1997 and migrated south to Mendoza. The winery makes a range of wines, most of which are value-driven. The Reserve is from the best, low-yielding plots of its organic vineyards.

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KIRKLAND SIGNATURE Malbec Mendoza 2017 Score: 89 | $7

WS Review: Vibrant floral notes accent the lithe raspberry and cherry flavors. Fresh acidity powers the minerally finish, which feature hints of white pepper. Drink now through 2021. 175,000 cases imported.—K.M.

Why It’s of Note: Costco is known for having some of the best deals around, and the wholesale giant’s wine program, Kirkland Signature, is no exception. This vibrant Malbec is hard to beat at $7 a bottle, and is a great weeknight, food-friendly wine.

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BODEGA NORTON Malbec Mendoza Reserva 2017 Score: 89 | $19

WS Review: Zesty flavors of dark currant, olive and roasted plum are supported by firm tannins and acidity in this red. Dark chocolate and dried sage notes show on the fine-grained finish. Drink now through 2022. 50,000 cases imported.—K.M.

Why It’s of Note: Bodega Norton delivers great-quality wines at affordable prices, like this zesty reserve bottling. The grapes hail from five estate vineyards, many with vines that are 30 to 50 years old, resulting in good concentration and balance.

Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

California is a great place to explore a diverse range of white wines. Its multitude of appellations and microclimates allows for an abundance of varieties and styles. Today we have a mixed bag of white wines to discover, from lip-smacking Albariños and Sauvignon Blancs to rich and creamy Chardonnays. There’s even a kosher Roussanne, to satisfy religious dietary restrictions and toast to the Jewish holidays. Most of these picks clock in at $20 or less.

Lodi’s Bokisch offers a dash of Spain, with a lovely, intense Albariño, and a crisp Verdejo with ripe fruit flavors. Many don’t think of Lodi as an ideal place to grow white grapes, but the clay and stony soils in the eastern part of the appellation and the cooling influence from the nearby San Joaquin Delta keep the wines’ acidity fresh and lively.

Speaking of Spain, the Codorníu Raventós wine company, one of the oldest family businesses in the country, best-known for their Cava, owns the Carneros-based Artesa. The family established roots in Napa’s cool-climate Carneros 25 years ago, and focuses on making Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Winemaker Ana Diogo-Draper uses partial malolactic fermentation to get good texture but maintain fresh acidity. The wine ages 10 months in 50 percent new French oak, yielding a plush and fruity style, with creamy and buttery accents.

GRASSINI Sauvignon Blanc Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara 2017 Score: 92 | $28
Lip-smacking lime, passion fruit and green apple flavors are vibrant and expressive, with a tangy edge and details of lemongrass and green tea. Harmonious and expressive on the long finish. Drink now. 1,041 cases made.—MaryAnn Worobiec

DAVIS BYNUM Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley Virginia’s Block Jane’s Vineyard 2017 Score: 90 | $25
Bright and refreshing, this offers a mouthwatering mix of lemon curd, tangerine and melon flavors on a lip-smacking frame, with floral and spice accents on the finish. Drink now. 1,059 cases made.—M.W.

ARTESA Chardonnay Los Carneros 2016 Score: 89 | $20
Fruity and plush, with richly spiced white fruit flavors that offer creamy and buttery accents. Toasty notes show on the finish. Drink now through 2020. 13,000 cases made.—Kim Marcus

BOKISCH Albariño Clements Hills Terra Alta Vineyard 2017 Score: 89 | $20
Shows good intensity to the lip-smacking lemon meringue, pear and green apple flavors, with a lovely accent of orange blossom and an appealing waxy texture. A dash of mineral on the finish gives this a savory edge. Drink now. 227 cases made.—M.W.

COVENANT Roussanne Lodi Mensch 2017 Score: 89 | $20
Succulent mango, apricot and peach flavors are restrained by a firm and juicy frame. An appealing whiff of dried pineapple lingers on the finish. Kosher. Drink now. 250 cases made.—M.W.

TRUE MYTH Chardonnay Edna Valley 2016 Score: 89 | $18
Features rich notes of dried sage to the bright ripe citrus and green apple flavors. Sea salt accents show on the finish. Drink now through 2021. 34,906 cases made.—K.M.

BALLETTO Pinot Gris Russian River Valley 2017 Score: 88 | $20
Focused and intense, with pineapple, green apple and lemon meringue flavors that are refreshing, with a whiff of peppery white flower notes on the finish. Drink now. 2,000 cases made.—M.W.

BOKISCH Verdejo Borden Ranch Clay Station Vineyard 2017 Score: 88 | $20
Lemon custard and poached pear flavors are broad and crisp in this white, with accents of dried mango and orange zest. Drink now. 112 cases made.—M.W.

FOLIE DEUX Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2017 Score: 88 | $18
Offers a well of bright spicy and savory notes that flank the ripe apple and citrus flavors. Dried basil and honeysuckle details show on the finish. Drink now. 29,600 cases made.—K.M.

FRANCISCAN Sauvignon Blanc Monterey County 2017 Score: 86 | $15
Pear, citrus and melon flavors are harmonious, light and crisp in this white, with a dash of fresh ginger that emerges on the finish. Drink now. 54,800 cases made.—M.W.

HUSCH Chenin Blanc Mendocino 2017 Score: 86 | $13
Tangy peach and apricot flavors are succulent and juicy in this white, with plenty of intensity and a dash of orange zest on the finish. Drink now. 2,184 cases made.—M.W.

THE SEEKER Chardonnay California 2016 Score: 86 | $14
Candied pear and dried pineapple flavors dominate this fruity style, featuring a spicy finish. Drink now. 6,000 cases made.—K.M.