The dry, crisp, tank-fermented and aged 2005 Riesling offers elegant, floral notes intermixed with lemon grass and grapefruit characteristics. This tasty, food-friendly white should drink well for several years. Previously recommended: 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Knight’s Valley (90), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (89), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Bancroft Ranch (90), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Chabot Vineyard (92), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Marston Vineyard (90+), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve (94), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Quarry Vineyard (88?), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Rancho del Oso (87), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Home Vineyard (93), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Steinhauer Vineyard (90), 2004 Chardonnay Napa (87), 2004 Chardonnay Private Reserve (92), 2004 Chardonnay Sbragia Limited Release (93). Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735

The flagship of a global empire, Beringer’s wines are consistently good, and also include some surprising values for shrewd consumers. The 2004 Riesling is one such wine. Coming from the Gamble Ranch in Yountville, a relatively cool site, the wine has terrific texture, notes of lemon oil and apple skin in a steely, dry style that has surprising texture and length. It’s a steal at the price, but needs to be consumed over the next year. Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735

The dry, peachy-scented 2003 Riesling is a medium-bodied, crisp, zesty white to enjoy over the next 1-2 years. Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735