3 | Wine | White, $10 to $20, 86 to 90

"This beautiful, hand-harvested effort reveals clean notes of poached pears, honeyed citrus and tropical fruit. Medium-bodied with loads of fruit as well as purity, a beautiful texture, and a subtle note of wood, it will provide plenty of pleasure if consumed over the next year."

"Pale straw-yellow. Grapefruit, melon, lemon and papaya aromas lifted by a minty nuance. Bright, savory and laid-back, with racy acidity giving excellent cut to the fruit, honeysuckle and subtle mineral flavors. A lovely hint of semillon richness blends nicely with the vibrant sauvignon. This could use a year of patience. Incidentally, this winery is called Shannon Vineyards in South Africa."

"Light-bodied, but not light on flavor, this white shows green apple, melon and citrus notes that are balanced and focused, with a grassy side and refreshing acidity."

"Aromas of white peach, floral notes, and a hint of tropical fruits (especially pineapple) inform the nose of a crisp, spicy, dry wine that is meant for drinking over the next 1-2 years. It is an excellent value."

"Fresh and racy, this features firm minerality and flavors of ripe apricot, baked pear and guava. Lush midpalate, finishing with notes of clove and hints of basil. Expressive."

"A faint lactic note on the nose, along with grapefruit, flowers and spearmint. Good cut to its grapefruit and mineral flavors. Finishes fresh and firm."

"Toasty tropical aromas lead to a spicy, savory, well-balanced, lengthy Chardonnay that is an excellent value meant for drinking over the next 2-3 years."

"The 2010 Chardonnay Grand Reserve emerges from the glass with lemon, minerals, white flowers and subtle French oak. The Grand Reserve impresses for its length and textural elegance, both of which are remarkable for a wine made on this scale. Estate owned vineyards in Santa Barbara and Monterey are the sources for the fruit."

"Fresh lime and orange zest aromas are lifted by talc and mint notes. Taut citrus and green apple flavors pick up a gingery nuance with air and show an intense mineral character. Textbook nervy, focused verdejo, finishing with very good precision and spicy persistence."

"Pale gold. Powerful scents of pineapple, mango and white flowers, with a chalky overtone. Supple and round in the mouth, offering juicy tropical fruit flavors and a bracing note of lemon zest. The floral note comes back on the long, broad finish."