1 | Wine | Other White, $10 to $20, 86 or higher

"Bright straw-yellow. Pure aromas and flavors of lemon and white peach, with a hint of fresh herbs. Spicy and ripe in the mid-palate, then finishes firm and dry, with building tannins. Doesn't have quite the focus for a higher score."

"This crisp white offers lemon pulp, Anjou pear and cream notes on a light, minerally frame that lingers on with an aftertaste of spice."

"Fresh citrus and herb aromas. Classically dry and linear, with intense flavors of lemon, quince and fresh herbs carrying through to the long, saline finish. I like this wine's purity and sharply chiseled delivery of aromas and flavors. A standout entry-level vernaccia."

"Pale gold. Musky pear and pit fruit aromas are complicated by suggestions of honey, minerals and anise. Shows a suave blend of richness and vivacity, with a note of bitter lemon pith accenting deeply pitched orchard fruit flavors. Shapely and supple in texture, finishing with noteworthy length."

"A tasty, entry-level white, the 2011 Falanghina shows lovely depth in its fruit to balance the intensely floral aromatics. Sweet honeyed notes add complexity on the layered finish."

"The 2011 Santorini is an exceptional Assyrtiko from Sigalas, another great moment for this estate. On opening, I was actually surprised at how fruity and accessible it seemed, since these often need a lot of time to show well when young. It seemed elegant and refined, with a lush texture and a beautifully lingering finish. I suspected that was only half the story. Indeed, it was not even half the story and as it turns out it was really shut down. The next day it fulfilled the promises it gave in the first hour or so, fleshing out, seeming deeper and more intense. It still wasn’t done. After letting it air out for awhile on Day 2, this seemingly gentle, young Sigalas became quite intense, the acidity taking charge, the wine still remaining rich and mouth coating. It is crisp and persistent, beautifully put together and impeccably balanced, mingling elegance with that fine structure. It is built to age. This is a wine that should drink better in the next year or two, even if it is entirely enjoyable now."

"The 2011 Greco di Tufo Loggia della Serra impresses for its energy and pure focus. Smoke, slate, crushed rocks and pears are all layered together in a gorgeous, medium-bodied white. All the elements meld together beautifully in this striking, delineated white. There is an understated intensity on the finish that is hugely appealing. The Loggia della Sera is the most complete and harmonious of Terredora’s 2011 whites."

"Crisp, stony, grapefruit and citrus notes are present in this light-bodied, dry, mineral-laced Muscadet. Wines such as this are the perfect foil for freshly shucked oysters. Enjoy it over the next 1-2 years."

This wine was named #90 of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2012.

"A rapierlike white, delivering apple, pear and grapefruit flavors flanked by plenty of mineral and slate notes. Ripe orange accents linger as plenty of spicy hints mark the vibrant, long-lasting finish."

"Fermented and aged in stainless steel, it displays aromas of baking spices, jasmine, waxy minerality, and a hint of honey. In the glass dry, savory white fruits lead to a nicely proportioned wine with a lengthy finish. It is an excellent value for drinking over the next 1-2 years."