5 | Wine | White Rhone Blend, $10 to $20

"Yellow gold, clear and brilliant. Freshness marked by the distinctive aromas of Viognier; white flowers, apricot, acacia and white peach. Fruity with plenty of richness and body. A well-rounded wine with elegance, strength and balance."

"The 2011 Cotes du Rhone Blanc is a kitchen sink blend with plenty of Grenache Blanc mixed with other white varietals. Revealing a perfumed bouquet of flowers, quince, white currants and wet stones, it is a fresh, medium-bodied, excellent example of how far high quality white winemaking has come in the southern Rhone. Enjoy it over the next year." -Robert Parker

"This white Rhone blend displays varietal characteristics of Marsanne and Viognier; vibrant floral aromas of citrus blossom and jasmine are followed by elegant flavors of ripe stone fruit, hints of pear, pineapple and honey overtones. A wine of excellent balance and complexity, the 2010 Treana White will age beautifully over the next decade."

"It comes across as a top-flight white Chateauneuf du Pape rather than a less expensive Costieres de Nimes. Light gold in color, with an extraordinary nose of vivid honeysuckle, candle wax, marmalade and tropical fruit, the wine is elegant, has good acidity, and wonderful freshness, but a surprisingly intense, full-bodied mouthfeel. Following a tasting, I had this wine with Maryland soft shell crabs, and it was an exquisite marriage." Reviewed by Robert Parker

"The 2011 Blanc is high aromatic yet refreshing. Honey and melon combine with a crisp clean finish."