1 | Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, $20 to $50, 86 or higher

"Bracing, slightly raw aromas of lemon peel, grapefruit and pepper. Then surprisingly supple following the nose, with a dense, tactile lemony flavor intensified by sound acidity. Vibrant, very dry and delicate sauvignon blanc with excellent length."-Stephen Tanzer

"Tasted from tank, into which it had been assembled just two weeks beforehand, the Morin 2011 Sancerre Vieilles Vignes – which will as usual be a cuvee solely for the U.S. market, and bottled unfiltered – brims with bright lime and grapefruit; apple and honeydew melon, offering a lovely balance between lees-enrichment and refreshing vivacity. There is a chalky sense of mineral impingement to the vibrantly zesty, invigorating, yet persistently succulent finish of this buoyant (incidentally, 12.7% alcohol) Sancerre that should drink well for the next 3-4 years if not beyond."

"A stunning Pouilly Fume, this 2010 offers up notes of honeyed melons, white peaches, crushed rocks and smoked herbs. Medium-bodied with a fresh personality as well as outstanding texture and concentration balanced by penetrating and zesty acidity, this superb white wine can be enjoyed over the next several years." -Robert Parker

"The lush, ripe pit fruit; luscious citrus; and wafting floral perfume that characterized “the rest” of the material that will become this year’s Tradition cuvee here display additional intensity, accompanied by piquant nut oils, oyster liquor, and shrimp shell reduction, making for a deep, saliva-liberating savor. For all of its richness, this delivers ample refreshment, while evincing a remarkable sense of buoyancy. Look to have a wonderful time with this beauty over the next 3-4 years."

"Evinces the pear and mint that have always been signatures for this bottling. A lush, luscious, fruit-forward and satisfyingly lees-enriched, silken palate is also typical, but here there is more vivacity and cut than in the corresponding Pierrier cuvee, with pear skin and pip helping serve for finishing invigoration."

"It reveals lots of honeyed citrus, melon and fig-like fruit. Delicate yet intense with loads of fruit, medium body and a long finish, it should be drunk over the next year."-Robert Parker

"A nice crackling core of thyme, flint and chive races along, with a mouthwatering finish full of fleur de sel. Bracing and invigorating."

"Medium straw-yellow. Leesy aromas and flavors of orange zest, sexy oak spices and vanilla. Offers excellent body and richness but comes across as a bit aggressive on the back end, with a slightly fiery quality blurring the finish. Superb material here but not quite the precision or grip for outstanding."

"The 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Ryan’s Vineyard offers up lime, white peaches, flowers, sage and tomato leaf. The long, cold growing season was beneficial to the development of bright, varietal aromas and flavors. A long, persistent finish rounds things out in style."