The white wines begin with the 2009 Basa, a blend of 85% Verdejo with the balance Sauvignon Blanc and Viura. Verdejo is usually best standing alone; the additions of Viura (the most common blender) and Sauvignon Blanc are usually used to stretch the wine, not make it better. Such appears to be the case here. It is a crisp, spicy wine with stone fruit, almonds, nutmeg, and floral aromas leading to a dry, savory wine meant for drinking over the next 3 years. This tasty effort is a good value in aromatic white wine. The current Telmo Rodriguez collection includes wines produced in eight different DOs, all of them fermented with native yeasts. The fact that quality ranges from excellent to outstanding is a tribute to his talent and attention to detail. Importer: Michael Quinttus, Vintus Importers, Pleasantville, NY

Smells like air freshener and white flowers. The palate is spongey and a bit low on life, while the flavors lean toward citrus but lack purity and zap, which is further drilled in on the waxy finish. Once upon a time Basa was a leading white value from Spain; lately it has been average at best. ——M.S.(4/1/2011)—— 84