9 Spring Whites From The New World

Last week we looked at spring wines from the Old World. This week, it's the New World's turn.

2012 Smith-Madrone Spring Mountain Riesling ($27) My Pick of the Litter. I am one of the few wine reviewers who finds myself indifferent to more rieslings than I like, but this is my kind of riesling. It is truly a food wine with excellent fruit, citrus, and citrus peel flavors combined with lots of mineral tastes and a somewhat tangy finish.

2013 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Central Coast Riesling ($10) Somewhat sweet with juicy orange flavors and good balance and acidity. A pleasant wine and nothing more.

2012 Emiliana "Novas" San Antonio Sauvignon Blanc Gran Reserve ($14) Grassy flavors with good texture — somewhat like a Bordeaux blanc. Lightly chalky, some lime, great balance and acidity — quite good.

2013 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc ($8) Nicely made wine with typical sauvignon grassy flavors along with some tartness, skin notes, and a touch of creaminess.

2012 Santa Rita "Medalla Real" Leyda Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($15) A combination of lime and kiwi flavors, full-bodied, with a crisp, peppery finish.

2013 Los Vascos Chile Sauvignon Blanc ($10) Crisp, green flavors of lime and kiwi with a touch of creaminess.

2013 Montes Outer Limits "Zapallar" Chile Sauvignon Blanc ($27) New Zealand in style, with fresh aromas of herbs, limes, and kiwi fruit plus prickly acidity. Well-made.

2012 Maryhill Columbia Valley Pinot Gris ($10). A little sugary in its flavors of pear and pineapple — lightly sweet, juicy, and floral.

2013 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Central Coast Pinot Grigio ($8). Nice, juicy flavors, but a wine without much definition, fading to a mild apple finish.