Rancho Zabaco Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River 2003 Price $18 Rating 90 A sniff gives aromas of fresh herbs and maybe some grassiness along with lime zest, grapefruit and tropical elements. The first taste is full of crisp acidity. There is a first layer of mineral, then soft grapefruit, red bell pepper, Asian pear, and more through the long, complex length. More information can be found at www.ranchozabaco.com.

Carmenet Sauvignon Blanc, California 2002 Price $7 Rating 88 This wine is a refreshing sip. First comes ripe melon, fig, a squeeze of citrus, along with apple or pear richness. It doesn't follow the usual flavor profile of Sauvignon Blanc. It is very tasty, though. Learn more at www.carmenetwinery.com.

Toasted Head Chardonnay, Russian River 2002 Price $17 Rating 90 Apple and citrus lead in the sip, laced with nice nuances of zesty spice.
The oak flavors are apparent, but not overwhelming. Sur lie aging (leaving the wine in contact with the spent yeast; stirring occasionally to derive the complex aromas and flavors from the decaying yeast cells) takes this assertive white wine a notch further. Toasted Head wines represents what R.H. Phillips considers to be their best efforts. Named for the toasted-head barrels in which the wines are aged (normal barrels are fire toasted within the sides, but not the top and bottom, i.e. the heads), the striking label features artist Robert Shetterly's drawing of a fire-breathing bear. Find out more at www.rhphillips-hogue.com.

Geyser Peak Winery Chardonnay, Sonoma 2002 Price $12 Rating 91 "A bright, fruit-driven wine with a crisp acid kick," boasts winemaker Mick Schroeter, "this is classic Geyser Peak Chardonnay. The wines lifted aromas of pear and tropical fruit burst out of the glass." Lots of ripe fruit flavors abound, such as melon and green apple. The sip is weighty and crisp.
Geyser Peak Winery suggests pairing this bold white wine with veal Piccata, swordfish Nicoise or Virginia crab cakes. Visit their website at www.geyserpeakwinery.com.

Anapamu Chardonnay, Monterey 2002
Price $14
Rating 90
The Pacific ocean is a big influence upon the wines from Monterey. The grape growing season is the longest of all the premium regions in California. The longer "hang-time" improves the quality of the grapes. This well crafted Chardonnay is rich, showing restraint, and loaded with ripe fruit elements.
Look for pear, citrus, melon, fig along with zesty spice and tropical fruit additions. The oak barrel aging imparts a toasty vanilla dimension.

Frei Brothers Reserve Chardonnay, Russian River 2002 Price $15 Rating 92 Ripe and concentrated fruit aromas and flavors are this white wine's. Some say less is more. I say, less can bore. This toasty, spicy Chardonnay is packed with a spectrum of fruit experiences.

Rancho Zabaco Pinot Gris, Sonoma Coast 2003 Price $18 Rating 90 Soft, inviting aromas of white peach, ripe melon, and other interestingly ripe fruit nuances combine to give this refreshing white wine a crisp, complete profile. Don't analyze. Merely enjoy.

Hogue Johannisberg Riesling, Columbia Valley 2003 Price $9 Rating 88 Washington state holds court when it comes to Riesling wines. Open this bottle and discover aromas of citrus blossum and orange zest. This is a sweeter styled wine that is perfectly balanced with its crisp acidity. The sip offers apricot, green apple, rich orange and zesty spice notes. The winery suggests pairing this wine with picnic fare, maybe curried chicken salad, Vietnamese spring rolls or soft-shelled crab. And there is more to know at www.rhphillips-hogue.com.