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
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.
DAVIS BYNUM Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley Virginia's Block Jane's Vineyard 2017
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.
ARTESA Chardonnay Los Carneros 2016
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.
BOKISCH Albariño Clements Hills Terra Alta Vineyard 2017
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.
COVENANT Roussanne Lodi Mensch 2017
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.
TRUE MYTH Chardonnay Edna Valley 2016
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.
BALLETTO Pinot Gris Russian River Valley 2017
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.
BOKISCH Verdejo Borden Ranch Clay Station Vineyard 2017
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.
FOLIE DEUX Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2017
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.
FRANCISCAN Sauvignon Blanc Monterey County 2017
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.
HUSCH Chenin Blanc Mendocino 2017
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.
THE SEEKER Chardonnay California 2016
Candied pear and dried pineapple flavors dominate this fruity style, featuring a spicy finish. Drink now. 6,000 cases made.