A curiosity, the outstanding 2009 Vin de Pays Blanc (100% Clairette) possesses copious aromas of spring flowers, quince, crushed rocks, rose petals and honeysuckle. This long, rich white over-delivers for a vin de pays. It would be fun to insert these white wines in a blind tasting with more expensive white Burgundies and top-end Chardonnays from around the world.This is the home estate of Emmanuel Reynaud, who has been producing the wines of Rayas since 1997. A relatively large estate of nearly 100 acres, Domaine des Tours fashions some remarkable value priced reds and whites.Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400

The 2007 Vin de Pays blanc, which is 100% Clairette, offers delicious notes of flowers, grapefruit and white peaches. Medium-bodied, fresh and lively, it should be enjoyed over the next year. At his home estate, Emmanuel Reynaud (who has been producing the Rayas wines since 1997) has nearly 100 acres of vineyards from which he makes a wonderful array of value-priced reds and whites.Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400