I'm a big fan of handbuilt wheelsets with standard parts. Like Tzvia says, no $10 spokes that take 2 weeks to come in. I'm getting ready to build a wheelset (or pay someone else to- the jury's still out on my courage level!), and it will be XTR M975 hubs with Mavic 717s or DT XR400s for rims (recommendations here?). Should come in just under 1800 g, depending on spoke choice, and will be plenty light for me.

DH had a set of road wheels built by Bicycle Wheel Warehouse, and is very happy with them. IMO, they're a good choice if you don't have anyone local who builds wheels.