5 | Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, 86 or higher

"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."

"Lemon and lime on the nose, with a hint of herbs. Light-bodied, racy citrus flavors are appealingly clean and brisk but could use a bit more heft. Easygoing and refreshing, with good finishing cut."

"Straw yellow. Pungent aromas of pineapple, grapefruit and lime zest. Intense and savory, with excellent thrust to the citrus zest and floral flavors. Mondavi picks this fruit early (80% of it is from owned vineyards), using dry ice and SO2 to protect it from air at the pressing. Youthfully tight and very fresh. Yes, the sauvignon blancs were presented after the reserve chardonnay at my March tasting at Mondavi."

"Succulent, with fresh passion fruit, lime and white grapefruit flavors that are bright and very juicy, joined by hints of jasmine and green apple on the finish."

"This bright white features a vivid acidity and tangy peach, lemon and green apple flavors, joined by a touch of grapefruit peel on the finish."

"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."

"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

"Equal parts delicious and intriguing, with spicy, smoky and floral notes. Meyer lemon, apricot and nectarine flavors end with a juicy, spicy finish, with touches of spice box and crushed rock."