100 Top Values of 2016

Rich Whites

Chardonnay tends to define this category of riper, fuller whites, yet there are many other wines from a diverse array of regions whose rich, lush flavors are nicely balanced by brightness, vibrancy and structure. Portuguese whites have come on particularly strong in recent years, showcasing the country’s indigenous grapes in distinctive versions, while New World examples such as Oregon Pinot Gris and South African Chenin Blanc are expanding the map.

91 $19 St.-Urbans-Hof Riesling Qualitätswein Mosel Wiltinger Alte Reben 2015: Germany A spicy and smoky white, showing touches of decadence to the flavors of onion tart, ripe apple and baked pear. (K.M.)

90 $20 Bodega Burdigala Rueda Campo Alegre 2015: Spain This muscular white is firm, full-bodied and savory in character, with leesy, ginger, pear and herbal notes. (T.M.)

90 $20 Calera Chardonnay Central Coast 2014: California Long and elegant, this relies on subtlety and finesse, capturing the ripe essence of white peach, mandarin orange, pear and citrus flavors. (J.L.)

90 $16 Bodegas Casa Rojo Albariño Rías Baixas La Marimorena 2015: Spain This rich white delivers flavors of melon, pear, salted almond and smoke, with vibrant grapefruit acidity imparting focus. (T.M.)

90 $19 Elk Cove Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 2015: Oregon Vivid and expansive, with tangy flavors of pear and cantaloupe that play against hints of lime, finishing with polish. (H.S.)

90 $17 Bodegas Naia Rueda 2015: Spain Toasty and smoky notes frame pear, melon and blanched almond flavors in this round white, with fresh acidity keeping the texture focused. (T.M.)

89 $10 Quinta de Cabriz Dão White 2015: Portugal Juicy and fruit-forward, with a minerally streak to the passion fruit, melon and peach flavors. Spicy and elegant. (K.M.)

89 $15 Canoe Ridge Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills The Expedition 2014: Washington Polished and spicy, this white shows peppery overtones to the apricot and grapefruit flavors, ending with an expressive finish. (H.S.)

89 $14 Joseph Drouhin Mâcon-Villages 2014: France A mix of peach, apple and grapefruit flavors signals this fleshy white, supported by bright acidity, with moderate length. (B.S.)

89 $15 Ken Forrester Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch Old Vine Reserve 2015: South Africa Juicy, with kiwifruit, pear and green almond flavors that show good drive through the creamy-edged finish. (J.M.)

89 $15 Jacob’s Creek Chardonnay Adelaide Hills Reserve 2015: Australia An appealing note of butterscotch adds a rich overlay to the citrus, peach and yellow apple flavors. (M.W.)

89 $8 Lacheteau Vouvray 2015: France Very fresh, showing pippin apple, green almond and green melon rind notes, with an echo of quince. (J.M.)

89 $10 Via Wines Chardonnay Maule Valley Chilensis Reserva 2015: Chile Suave and spicy, showing lush apple, pear tart and apricot pastry flavors, with creamy notes lending elegance. (K.M.)

89 $15 Librandi Val di Neto White Critone 2014: Italy Creamy and balanced, this medium-bodied white offers juicy honeydew melon, blanched almond and spicy mineral notes. (A.N.)

88 $15 La Cappuccina Soave San Brizio 2014: Italy Apple pie, baking spice, toasted almond and caramel notes are rich and aromatic in this white, with firm acidity. (A.N.)

88 $15 Casa Ferreirinha Douro White Planalto Reserva 2015: Portugal Shows notes of ripe citrus to its melon and lemon curd flavors, ending fresh and juicy, with a hint of dried mint. (K.M.)

88 $12 Herdade do Esporão Alentejo Monte Velho White 2015: Portugal Delivering green apple and lemon-lime flavors, this is crisp midpalate and rich and toasty on the finish. (K.M.)

88 $13 Viña Montes Sauvignon Blanc Aconcagua Coast Classic Series 2016: Chile Redolent of nectarine and red peach, this fruity style is plush, with creamy notes on the finish. (K.M.)

88 $10 Rudi Wiest Riesling QbA Mosel 2014: Germany Flavors of white berry jam, glazed apricot and pear tart are lush and well-spiced, ending with a rich and fruity finish. (K.M.)

88 $18 Villa Sparina Gavi 2015: Italy A lightly oaky style, this elegant white boasts peach, apple, butter and spice flavors, with a moderately long finish. (B.S.)