Top 100 Wines: Other Whites


Anaba Wines
2012 Turbine White Rhone Blend Sonoma Valley
$28
A blend of near-equal parts Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne and Picpoul Blanc, this is a juicy wine that tastes of anise, almond and caramelized oak, kept bright and light by a deftaccent of lemon zest. (VB)

Donelan Family Wines
2013 Venus Roussanne-Viognier Sonoma County
$48
Viognier adds a whisper of succulence to Roussanne. The blend is aged in a combination of stainless steel and neutral oak cooperage, to maintain freshness and flavor without compromising on complexity. The wine shows honey, jasmine and lemon zest aromas and flavor, with
pleasant dried herbs in the background. (VB)

Imagery Estate Winery
2014 Pine Mountain Cloverdale Peak Wow Oui
$27
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and a kiss of Muscat, a streak of racy lime runs through this nervy wine, from start to finish. Its excellent acid structure is moderated by a subtle sweetness on the finish. High scorer at the North Coast Wine Challenge. (LM)

Lasseter Family Winery
2013 Voilà Sonoma Valley
$46
An unusual (for Sonoma) blend of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Musque Sauvignon Blanc, it has figgy, steely aromas and a vibrant palate of pineapple, papaya, yellow stone fruit and a hint of citrus. Lip-smacking. (LM)

Leo Steen
2014 Saini Farms Dry Creek Valley Chenin Blanc
$18
Leo Steen Hansen, a Danish sommelier who moved to California in 1999 to make wine, found the rare Chenin Blanc vineyard in Sonoma to produce this wine. Its white flower, green tea and honey aromas lead to a crisp, juicy mouthful of citrus and pear fruit, with a pleasant saltiness. (LM)

Marimar Estate
2014 Don Miguel Vineyard Russian River Valley Albariño
$32
Succulent, dry and light, this estate-grown wine is refreshing from start to finish, with jasmine, apple and white peach character unveiling in voluptuous, textured layers. (VB)

Pride Mountain Vineyards
2012 Viognier Sonoma County
$42
From a producer that consistently excels with the variety, this wine is fermented and aged in both stainless steel and neutral oak. Comehither aromas of night-blooming jasmine and white flowers lead to a concentrated, viscous palate of peach, pear, honey and almond. (VB)

Valley of the Moon Winery & Vineyards
2013 Sonoma County Pinot Blanc
$15
Outstanding at any price, this super value offers rich tropical fruit, tangerine and white peach aromas and flavors, a juicy midpalate and crisp, mouthwatering finish. Produced by Madrone Family Estate in Glen Ellen. (LM)