Readers looking for a tasty, value-priced white should check out the 2005 Basa. Produced from 50% Verdejo, 40% Viura, and 10% Sauvignon Blanc, and fermented and aged in tank, it is a crisp, crunchy, medium-bodied, dry white offering notes of grapefruit, white currants, and flowers as well as excellent underlying acidity. Enjoy it over the next 12 months.

For several years running, one of our favorite bargain whites has been Basa. This ’05 is still kicking with citrus and tropical-fruit aromas as well as defined flavors of pink grapefruit, melon and green herbs. With minerality and white pepper on the finish, it has closing complexity.——M.S.(4/1/2007)—— 89