Tongue Dancer 2017 Chardonnay, Bacigalupi Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, $50 If you want to taste a great example of a full-bodied, tropical fruit-driven Chardonnay that has seen some oak (where you find those toasty, nutty, caramel-y flavors), this is the one. It gets crazy high ratings and lots of great reviews from the professionals as well. Plus that label is just beyond gorgeous. Buy it HERE.
Firesteed 2018 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon, $16 I opened this bottle when I was in a MOOD and man did it help. I was looking for something juicy and medium bodied -- a lot of whites seem to fall into one of two categories: super light or super rich, so this can be tough -- and this juice fit the bill perfectly. I tend to love a good Pinot Gris and this one had it all: lots of ripe fruit aromas, some cool, wet stone thing going on, and plenty of mouth-watering acidity. Buy it HERE.
Durbanville Hills 2016 Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa, $15 If you want to get an idea of what Chenin Blanc from South Africa tastes like, this is a great place to start. It's a really layered wine for the price, with tons of ripe fruit, a cool smoky note, and a fresh, clean finish. If you find yourself gravitating to Chardonnay, give this one a whirl instead. Buy it HERE.