Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

The Mâconnais region is in the southern part of Burgundy, where you can find great-quality Chardonnay at a fraction of the price of top sites farther north. The appellations of Pouilly-Fuissé, St.-Véran and the various villages of Mâcon, among others, are great bets. They express an array of fruit and great acidity, perfect with food or just sipping on a warm spring day.

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ALBERT BICHOT

Pouilly-Fuissé

Score: 90 | $30

WS review: Peach, anise, floral and lemon aromas and flavors are the hallmarks of this creamy white. Firmly structured and moderately long, with a sense of elegance and refinement. Drink now through 2023. 1,300 cases imported.—Bruce Sanderson

Why it’s of note: Albert Bichot sources grapes from hillside vineyards for this Pouilly-Fuissé. Some are steep, resulting in varied sun exposures and harvests that can last more than two weeks. The wine is vinified and aged in a mix of oak and stainless steel; the aging lasts 8 months, giving it a creamy texture and spice notes.

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LOUIS JADOT

Pouilly-Fuissé

Score: 90 | $28

WS review: This is supple and infused with peach, apple, vanilla and wet stone flavors. Beautifully balanced, offering powerful apple notes on the extended finish. Drink now through 2023. 53,000 cases imported.—B.S.

Why it’s of note: Louis Jadot is one of the most established maisons in Burgundy. This particularly wine is widely available, making it one of the more ubiquitous white Burgundies on the market. It’s aged for six months in French oak casks, imparting baking spice flavors and structure. Overall, it’s an easy-drinking white, perfect for outdoor barbecues or rooftop parties.

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CHÂTEAU DE LA GREFFIÈRE

Mâcon-La Roche Vineuse Sous Le Bois

Score: 89 | $16

WS review: This white reveals fine depth to the peach, melon, apple and mineral flavors. Succulent and refreshing on the lingering aftertaste. Drink now. 2,000 cases imported.—B.S.

Why it’s of note: Château de la Greffière has been in the Greuzard family for four generations. They also plant Aligoté, Pinot Noir and Gamay, as well as the Chardonnay that goes into this Mâcon bottling. The grapes come from the winery’s 30-acre vineyard, La Roche Vineuse, which has 30-year-old vines.

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LOUIS LATOUR

Pouilly-Fuissé

Score: 89 | $29

WS review: A rich version, this displays peach, apple pie, anise and baking spice flavors. Broad and powerful, with light tannins gracing the finish. Drink now through 2022. 25,000 cases made, 18,000 cases imported.—B.S.

Why it’s of note: Louis Latour is also one of the top and most prevalent producers of Burgundy. This Pouilly-Fuissé comes from 30-year-old vines; it’s fermented and aged in stainless steel vats, keeping it fresh and bright, and goes through full malolactic fermentation, giving it richness.

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DOMAINE GILLES NOBLET

Mâcon-Fuissé La Collonge

Score: 88 | $23

WS review: A mix of apple, lemon and earth flavors are appealing, kept focused by the bright acidity. Capped off by a juicy finish, this exhibits fine balance. Drink now. 1,500 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.—B.S.

Why it’s of note: Domaine Gilles Noblet is a family-owned winery that has been passed down for generations, focusing entirely on Chardonnay. This bottling’s grapes hail from the Fuissé commune, grown in clay-limestone vineyards. The wine was aged in stainless steel for eight to 12 months.

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RÉSERVE DES ROCHERS

Mâcon-Chaintré

Score: 88 | $17

WS review: This is linear in profile, offering lemon, apple, anise and baking spice flavors. Vibrant, with a touch of quinine and a tactile sensation on the finish. Drink now. 980 cases imported.—B.S.

Why it’s of note: Réserve des Rochers is named for the famous limestone cliffs, or roches, of the area. The winery adopts sustainable viticulture practices, led by winemaker Isabelle Adoir-Pécoud. The commune of Chaintré is in the far south of the Mâconnais, just north of Beaujolais, and has stony calcareous limestone soils, with some clay deposits.

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JOSEPH DROUHIN

St.-Véran

Score: 87 | $19

WS review: This white hits the right notes, from the apple and lemon flavors to the fine balance and length. Open and ready to enjoy. Drink now. 9,000 cases imported.—B.S.

Why it’s of note: Before St.-Véran became its own appellation, this wine may have been labeled “Beaujolais Blanc,” because the land overlaps with the northern part of the region. Maison Joseph Drouhin buys grapes and must from vineyard partners for this wine. The aging process is hands-on for the Drouhin team, with several tastings and technical analysis throughout six to eight months to ensure quality.

Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

Who says you need a special occasion to drink sparkling wine? With a breadth of new and exciting options to try, bubbly lovers everywhere should be drinking what they want, when they want it. Whether it’s for Sunday brunch, a pre-dinner palate cleanser, or just making it through Monday, we all deserve to be spark(l)ing more joy in our lives. Here are six unique bubblies from Italy, France and Australia.

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MIRABELLA Brut Rosé Franciacorta NV Score: 92 | $29

WS review: An expressive rosé, with mouthwatering acidity and a satiny mousse, this offers flavors of ripe nectarine, candied ginger, pomegranate and star anise, underscored by chalky mineral notes. Drink now through 2024. 600 cases imported.—Alison Napjus

Why it’s of note: Located in Italy’s northern Lombardy region, Mirabella was founded by pioneer winemakers Teresio Schiavi and Giacomo Cavalli in 1980. The winery uses renewable energy sources in the cellar and farms with low environmental impact. This brut rosé is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco grapes made in the méthode traditionelle, which is what makes Franciacorta stand out from other Italian bubblies.

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CLETO CHIARLI E FIGLI Secco Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro Vigneto Cialdini 2017 Score: 90 | $16

WS review: A mouthwatering Lambrusco, with a firm backbone of acidity and appealing notes of cherry blossom, candied black raspberry and pomegranate fruit, accented by tobacco and spice details, all riding the lively bead. Drink now. 1,300 cases imported.—A.N.

Why it’s of note: Established in 1860 by Cleto Chiarli, this winery is the oldest known producer of Lambrusco and is now run by Cleto’s great-grandsons, Mauro and Anselmo. Lambrusco is a traditional sparkling red wine from Emilia-Romagna made by charmat method (there are also less common rosé and white versions). This bottling’s grapes were macerated for 36 hours, giving the wine its deep color. Its dry profile would pair nicely with a cheese and charcuterie platter.

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GERVAIS GOBILLARD Brut Rosé Champagne NV Score: 90 | $40

WS review: A well-knit rosé, with a creamy mousse carrying hints of herb and smoke and flavors of crunchy white peach and Meyer lemon zest. Drink now. 1,500 cases imported.—A.N.

Why it’s of note: The Gobillard family has been making Champagne in the village of Hautvillers for three generations, starting with Gervais Gobillard. The family now makes wine under this namesake brand, as well as J.M. Gobillard, named after his late son, Jean-Marie, and run by his three grandchildren. This non-vintage rosé blends the traditional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, grown on Champagne’s signature chalk and limestone soils.

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LE ROCHER DES VIOLETTES Montlouis Sur Loire Pétillant Originel 2015 Score: 89 | $21

WS review: Crisp and mineral-driven, with delicate flavors of cardamom, blood orange and graham cracker. The mousse is fine and the acidity is very vibrant, making this a great aperitif. Drink now. 400 cases imported.—Aleks Zecevic

Why it’s of note: Le Rocher des Violettes winemaker Xavier Weisskopf makes pétillant originel, which is the regulated name for a pétillant naturel made in the appellation of Montlouis Sur Loire. This bubbly’s Chenin Blanc grapes come from vines that are more than 40 years old, grown in clay-limestone soil. There is no added yeast or sugar allowed under this designation; fermentation is stopped early and the wine is bottled so the remaining natural sugars can spark a second fermentation in the bottle.

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FOX IN THE HEN HOUSE Sparkling Shiraz Australia 2016 Score: 88 | $17

WS review: This robust version offers a spicy mix of cola, blackberry, beetroot and rhubarb flavors, with notes of chai on the frothy finish. Drink now. 500 cases imported.—MaryAnn Worobiec

Why it’s of note: Fox in the Hen House is a project by winemaker Bruce Clugston, the cofounder of Australian company Wineinc, with the aim of making quality wine at affordable prices. For this sparkling red, Shiraz grapes are fermented on their skins for 10 days and the wine is aged in barrel for six months before carbonation is added. The result is a fruity, refreshing sparkler perfect for a backyard barbecue.

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KUENTZ-BAS Brut Crémant d’Alsace Tradition NV Score: 88 | $24

WS review: Star fruit and yellow apple fruit flavors are accented by hints of ground ginger, marzipan and wet stone in this fresh sparkler, with a lively bead. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported.—A.N.

Why it’s of note: Owner Jean-Baptiste Adam and winemaker Samuel Tottoli introduced organic and biodynamic practices to Kuentz-Bas in 2004, when the former purchased it from the founding family. This crémant is made with Pinot Noir and Auxerrois grapes that were fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged for around six months on their lees. Racking takes place in accordance with moon cycles, per biodynamic philosophy, and the second fermentation in bottle occurred over 10 months. This crémant is great for lovers of French styles who are looking for a lower sticker price than Champagne.

Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

The wine world is vast, and choosing a wine for a special occasion, or even just a Tuesday, can often be a daunting task. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a go-to wine to keep in the house for everyday enjoyment, or one to pop open when guests come over. We’re here to help! You’ll want something that is high quality but affordable, interesting yet approachable. Here is a diverse selection of reds and whites from across the globe, made from various grapes. All of these wines scored 90 points or higher and cost $18 or less. They’re sure to please everyone at your table.

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PETRA Toscana Zingari 2015 Score: 92 | $15

WS review: The bright, ripe cherry and plum fruit flavors offset the savory tobacco, earth and herb notes in this plump red. Balanced despite the exuberant tannins, while vivid acidity keeps the long aftertaste focused. Merlot, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot and Syrah. Best from 2022 through 2033. 6,000 cases imported.—Bruce Sanderson

Why it’s of note: This Petra cuvée is a great choice for Italian wine lovers. A super Tuscan, it’s made with equal parts Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Vittorio Moretti and his daughter Francesca, who run the winery, are experimenting with vinification techniques, including the use of a French micro-oxygenation machine that is said to help soften the structure and the more intense flavors in the wine.

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MERCER Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills 2016 Score: 91 | $17

WS review: Broad-shouldered, with a core of refined blackberry, orange peel and sage flavors that take on structure toward big but polished tannins. Best from 2020 through 2026. 9,795 cases made.—Tim Fish

Why it’s of note: From Columbia Valley in southern Washington State, this Mercer red offers a mix of classic Cabernet characteristics that are found in both California and Left Bank Bordeaux examples. The climate in this region is drier than the Médoc but cooler than Napa Valley, yielding a unique expression of the grape. The 2016 growing season was cool, which gave the grapes extra time to develop on the vines.

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NORFOLK RISE Shiraz Mount Benson 2017 Score: 90 | $18

WS review: Supple and juicy on an open-knit frame, this is very distinctive. Pure blueberry and white pepper notes are transparent and fresh, showing purity and clarity through the finish. Drink now through 2029. 1,000 cases imported.—MaryAnn Worobiec

Why it’s of note: Lovers of bold, spicy red wines: Look no further. Norfolk Rise, made by Kreglinger Wine Estates, is located in South Australia’s Limestone Coast and capitalizes on the unique terroir of Mount Benson, one of the smaller subzones of the region. This red has classic Australian Shiraz characteristics. It was aged in a mix of neutral and new French oak.

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RAVOIRE & FILS Côtes du Rhône White Rhône to the Bone 2017 Score: 90 | $15

WS review: Bright makrut lime, green apple and star fruit flavors race through here, with verbena and salted butter notes providing for a thirst-slaking finish. Grenache Blanc and Viognier. Drink now through 2021. 850 cases imported.—James Molesworth

Why it’s of note: This bottling from Ravoire & Fils is a good one for Chardonnay fans looking to try something new, with its mix of butter and zippy fruit flavors. Winemaker Pierre Vieillescazes, with the help of consultant Philippe Cambie, blends Grenache Blanc and Viognier grapes from Southern Rhône vineyards to create this refreshing white. After a cold, direct press, fermentation occurred on the lees over 10 days. The wine remained in contact with the lees as it aged for six months in stainless steel.

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VIÑA SANTA CAROLINA Pinot Noir Leyda Valley Carolina Reserva 2018 Score: 90 | $12

WS review: There’s good weight to the finely textured flavors of dark cherry, raspberry and beef tartare in this red, which is creamy and spicy on the rich finish. Drink now through 2022. 6,818 cases imported.—Kim Marcus

Why it’s of note: Just inland from the Pacific Ocean and west of Chile’s capital of Santiago, the Leyda Valley benefits from the cool ocean influence and the area’s latitude. This combination makes its terroir perfectly suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Although wine production here is fairly new, starting in the 1990s, the appellation’s reputation for high-quality wines has grown rapidly. The grapes for this Viña Santa Carolina Pinot were hand-harvested, the juice was fermented in open vats that allow it to be pumped over the skins, and it was then aged for six months in French oak. This one’s for lovers of Pinot with a little more oomph.

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TESCH Riesling Nahe Löhrer Berg 2017 Score: 90 | $17

WS review: Fine and graceful, this shows a filigreed profile, with notes of cardamom and coriander framing the core of passion fruit and tangerine flavors. Silky in texture and firm in structure, with prominent but well-integrated acidity for balance. Drink now through 2026. 400 cases imported.—Aleks Zecevic

Why it’s of note: The grapes for this Tesch Riesling hail from the Löhrer Berg vineyard, one of the oldest in the Nahe region. The vines are over 40 years old and grow in loamy, gravelly soils with excellent drainage. German Rieslings range in sweetness levels; this version is made in a dry style, known as “trocken.”

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THREE BROOMS Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Single Vineyard 2018 Score: 90 | $17

WS review: Pear, pineapple and ruby grapefruit flavors are vibrant and refreshing, showing purity and intensity on the long, intense finish. Drink now. 12,000 cases imported.—M.W.

Why it’s of note: Simon and Vanessa Barker run Barker’s Marque Wines in New Zealand, whose portfolio includes this Three Brooms single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. The winery practices sustainable farming and winemaking. The natural flavors of Sauvignon Blanc and the unique Marlborough terroir shine through this white. More traditional techniques are also incorporated into the winemaking, like bâtonnage and the use of French yeast.

Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

Valentine’s Day is fast-approaching and whether you’re single, in a relationship or it’s complicated, you deserve some sweetness Feb. 14. Cards can give you paper cuts and roses have thorns—and sometimes your sweetheart is deathly allergic to chocolate because they’re a dog. But wine is always a safe bet. Whether you’re spoiling yourself or a loved one next week, here are six decadent dessert wines, each with a suggested sweet treat to match, and some knowledge you can impress your date with. Enjoy!

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SELBACH-OSTER Riesling Auslese Mosel Wehlener Sonnenuhr 2017 Score: 92 | $33

WS review: This graceful auslese offers dried apricot, elderflower liqueur, honey and citrus notes bonded to a bright, racy structure. Ripe and sweet, but supple and almost weightless. Terrific length. Drink now through 2035. 105 cases imported.—Aleks Zecevic

Why it’s of note: Rougly translated as “select harvest,” auslese is one of six designations of the German Prädikat system, which determines grape ripeness levels. Auslese wines are considered on the cusp of dessert-wine threshold; they have sweetness and luscious flavors, but still maintain fierce acidity, like this version from Selbach-Oster.

Try it with: pineapple upside-down cake

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ZYMÈ Veneto Passito Bianco Tranaltri 2015 Score: 91 | $45 / 375ml

WS review: This sweetie is more off-dry in style than full-on sweet and unctuous, with bright acidity enlivening the rich range of graham cracker, orange confit, dried apricot and praline flavors that linger on the lightly mouthwatering finish. Trebbiano Toscano and Garganega. Drink now through 2023. 75 cases imported.—Alison Napjus

Why it’s of note: Passito is a style of dessert wine, traditional to northern Italy, made from grapes that are dried on straw mats. Zymè‘s Tranaltri is only made in select vintages, from Trebbiano and Garganega grapes that are dried naturally over the course of four months before fermentation. The wine then ages for around three years in small casks.

Try it with: gorgonzola with truffle honey

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DOW Tawny Port 10 Year Old NV Score: 90 | $36

WS review: A plump and rich style, with buckwheat, cinnamon, fruitcake and mulled plum notes nicely melded together. Offers a round, open finish. Shows a bit more oomph than range, but very tasty. Drink now. 3,200 cases imported.—James Molesworth

Why it’s of note: Made from indigenous Portuguese varieties, Port is fortified with a neutral grape spirit; this raises the alcohol content of the wine and stops the fermentation process, leaving higher levels of residual sugar. Ports are made in different styles, the most approachable of which is tawny Port, like this Dow bottling. Tawnies are aged in cask as opposed to bottle, where it’s exposed to oxygen over time, giving the final wine a light hue and nutty, oxidized flavors.

Try it with: blueberry streusel

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WAGNER Riesling Finger Lakes Ice 2017 Score: 90 | $25

WS review: Ripe and rich, featuring peach, mango and nectarine flavors, lined with hints of orange custard and heather honey. The unctuous finish shows good energy for balance. Drink now through 2026. 1,546 cases made.—J.M.

Why it’s of note: Ice wine is made from grapes that are left to freeze while still on the vine, turning water inside to ice. When the grapes are picked and pressed, only the juice is extracted, resulting in a high concentration of sugars. This Wagner Riesling, from the Finger Lakes region in New York, is then fermented in stainless steel tanks before being bottled.

Try it with: peach cobbler

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DI MAJO NORANTE Moscato Molise Apianae 2015 Score: 89 | $22 / 500ml

WS review: This is burnished gold in hue, featuring exotic hints of coconut and mango, layered with honeyed apricot and candied almond notes, accented by citrus peel acidity. Up front and appealing, with a subtle finish. Drink now. 150 cases imported.—A.N.

Why it’s of note: Similar to the passito method, this wine is made from dried grapes, but here the drying takes place before the picking. This example from Di Majo Norante is named after the latin for bees, “api,” which are said to be attracted to Moscato. The grapes go through cold maceration and ferment slowly over the course of 20 to 25 days; the wine ages for two years in barrel and an additional six months in bottle.

Try it with: mango lassi parfait

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JORGE ORDOÑEZ & CO. Málaga No. 1 Selección Especial 2016 Score: 89 | $18 / 375ml

WS review: Honeysuckle and lime blossom aromas lead to spiced orange, bergamot and vanilla flavors in this expressive white. The juicy sweetness is balanced by fresh acidity. Muscat. Drink now. 400 cases imported.—Thomas Matthews

Why it’s of note: If you like Italian Moscato, you should meet its sweet Spanish cousin with Egyptian roots: Muscat of Alexandria. This Jorge Ordoñez wine employs late-harvest grapes from the Málaga region on the southern coast of Spain. After a rigorous sorting process, fermentation takes place in stainless steel, where the juice then ages for eight months on its lees.

Try it with: Key lime pie

Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

Bordeaux is easily one of the most highly regarded winemaking regions in the world. When you hear about Bordeaux, you probably think of the big first-growth reds that come with big first-growth price tags. But these châteaus are in the minority: There are numerous great-value wines from across the region waiting to be discovered. Here are six great picks, all between $13 and $20.

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CHÂTEAU GUIRAUD Bordeaux White Le G 2017 Score: 90 | $20

WS Review: Plump and friendly, with tangerine, peach and nectarine notes forming the core. The rounded finish has a flattering hint, along with a thread of quinine that keeps this honest. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now through 2020. 1,200 cases imported.—James Molesworth

Why It’s of Note: Château Guiraud is actually a Sauternes producer that makes fantastic dessert wines, but the domaine’s dry white is also worth seeking out. It’s a blend of equal parts Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, is made using organic farming practices and is aged in oak for seven months.

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CHÂTEAU ARGADENS Bordeaux White 2017 Score: 88 | $15

WS Review: This is very lively, with zippy lemon, white peach and gooseberry fruit flavors, laced with thyme and fleur de sel notes. Offers a lemon zest dusting on the finish. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported.—J.M.

Why It’s of Note: Located in the vast Entre-Deux-Mers region, Château Argadens has been owned by Maison Sichel (parent company of Château Palmer, among many others) since 2002. The grapes of this Sauvignon Blanc–dominant blend are grown in clay-limestone soils; the wine shows the classic flavors of this white grape.

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DOURTHE Bordeaux La Grande Cuvée 2016 Score: 87 | $13

WS Review: Open and easy, with gently crushed plum and cherry fruit flavors lined with singed cedar and a tug of earth. Drink now through 2020. 3,000 cases imported.—J.M.

Why It’s of Note: Cabernet Sauvignon and a small percentage of Petit Verdot complement this Merlot-dominant blend from Dourthe. Founded in 1840, the company has grown substantially and now owns several estates in the Bordeaux area, including Château Belgrave in Haut-Médoc and Château La Garde in Pessac-Léognan. The regional Bordeaux AOC is a good source for value wines; this bottling is a steal at $13.

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CHÂTEAU HAUT RIAN Bordeaux White 2017 Score: 87 | $12

WS Review: Brisk, with savory and thyme notes pulling a core of lemon peel and white peach along. Pithy finish. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now. 4,000 cases imported.—J.M.

Why It’s of Note: Michel and Isabelle Dietrich bought Château Haut Rian in 1988, after six years living in Clare Valley in Australia. They both have a winemaking background, Michel having grown up in Alsace and Isabelle in Champagne. Unlike the other two whites in this round-up, this bottling is made with a majority of Sémillon fermented in tank at low temperatures, with Sauvignon Blanc supporting.

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CHÂTEAU LAMOTHE VINCENT Bordeaux 2016 Score: 87 | $12

WS Review: The bright cherry and plum fruit is unencumbered, with flecks of briar and vanilla on the friendly finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported.—J.M.

Why It’s of Note: This Château Lamothe Vincent red is made with grapes from three parcels located in the Entre-Deux-Mers region. The traditional Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blend is aged on its lees for nine months in stainless steel vats as well as French oak, which gives the wine its vanilla note.

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CHÂTEAU LANDEREAU Bordeaux Supérieur 2016 Score: 87 | $13

WS Review: Fresh and direct, with polished cherry and cassis flavors lined with light floral and vanilla hints. Not big, but pure and balanced. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now. 500 cases imported.—J.M.

Why It’s of Note: Château Landereau was founded in 1959 and is currently run by third-generation owner Bruno Baylet. He makes this blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc under the Bordeaux Supérieur appellation using sustainable farming practices. The wine spends 12 months aging in tank and oak barrels before being bottled.

Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

Before we all go into full hibernation mode and stock up on Cabernet and Zinfandel for the winter, let’s consider pairing possibilities for the upcoming holidays. A classic Thanksgiving choice is Chardonnay. Yes, we all have that one sister or uncle who turns their nose up at Chardonnay because of that one wine they disliked eight years ago. But don’t fret: The wines in today’s selection are crowd-pleasers and made in diverse styles, and not only will they be great alongside turkey, they’ll also pair well with a variety of Thanksgiving side dishes. Plus, they’re bound to win over any “ABC (Anything but Chardonnay)” relatives.

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CHAMONIX Chardonnay Franschhoek 2016 Score: 91 | $30

WS Review: Bold, with ginger and hazelnut aromas leading the way for ripe yellow apple, quince and pear flavors. This is well-toasted through the finish, but shows enough fruit and freshness for balance. A showy style that pulls it off. Drink now. 300 cases imported.—James Molesworth

Why it’s of note: This wine hails from just inland of the southwest coast of South Africa, in Franschhoek, where surrounding mountains shield the area from ocean influences as well as too much sun. The Chamonix winery believes in limited intervention in their winemaking. This Chardonnay was aged on its lees for 14 months, and is a great example of a New World white with bold, exotic fruit.

Try it with: shredded Brussels sprouts salad with toasted hazelnuts and Sherry vinaigrette

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LOUIS LATOUR Montagny La Grande Roche 2016 Score: 90 | $24

WS Review: A bright vein of acidity weaves throughout this white, sharpening the apple, white peach and light oyster shell flavors. Consistent from start to finish. Drink now through 2021. 4,200 cases imported.—Bruce Sanderson

Why it’s of note: For classic, Old World–style Chardonnay, there’s no better place to look than Burgundy in France. The Montagny appellation is in the Côte Chalonnaise, in the central part of the region. The grapes for this Louis Latour bottling were grown in limestone, chalk and clay soils. Fermentation and aging took place in stainless steel, resulting in a clean, crisp profile.

Try it with: oyster stuffing

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STOLLER Chardonnay Dundee Hills 2017 Score: 90 | $25

WS Review: Bright and fresh, featuring snappy pear and apricot flavors laced with orange peel and spiced cinnamon notes. Drink now. 6,550 cases made.—Tim Fish

Why it’s of note: The 2017 growing season was a little challenging in Oregon, but this Stoller Chardonnay stands out. It’s from Dundee Hills, one of the premier subregions of Willamette Valley. Despite no oak treatment, this white still shows some nice spice.

Try it with: candied yams

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CONCHA Y TORO Chardonnay Limarí Valley Marques de Casa Concha 2017 Score: 89 | $22

WS Review: Rich and finely textured, with chamomile accents to the fresh-cut apple, green peach and ripe citrus flavors. Spicy finish. Drink now through 2021. 1,600 cases imported.—Kim Marcus

Why it’s of note: Concha y Toro winemaker and technical director Marcelo Papa’s main goal is to create wines that truly reflect their terroir. Limarí Valley is in the northern half of Chile’s winemaking regions. Despite the area’s latitude, the nearby Pacific Ocean creates a cooling effect, resulting in the fresh citrus and orchard fruit that is associated with more moderate climates.

Try it with: chamomile-almond cake

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FIRRIATO Chardonnay Terre Siciliane Feudi Branciforti dei Bordonaro 2017 Score: 88 | $14

WS Review: Hints of oak spice and smoke accent the creamy profile of baked pineapple, mandarin orange and lime blossom in this lightly juicy and balanced, medium-bodied white. Drink now through 2021. 1,000 cases imported.—Alison Napjus

Why it’s of note: Although most Sicilian wines focus on indigenous grapes, many winemakers have branched out toward international varieties like Chardonnay. This version from Firriato is aged for two months in stainless steel, but has some oomph to it with spice and ripe and tropical fruit.

Try it with: ambrosia fruit salad

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LAMOREAUX LANDING Chardonnay Finger Lakes 2016 Score: 87 | $15

WS Review: Direct, with a beam of pear and green apple flavors guided by moderate butter and honeysuckle accents. Offers a rounded, friendly finish. Drink now. 1,525 cases made.—J.M.

Why it’s of note: Lamoreaux Landing, located on Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York, is dedicated to sustainable winemaking practices. While they have an unoaked Chardonnay in their portfolio, this bottling spends time in stainless steel and both French and American oak.

Try it with: buttery mashed potatoes

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BULLETIN PLACE Chardonnay South Eastern Australia Unoaked 2018 Score: 86 | $11

WS Review: The appealing flavors of tangy lemon and peach have plenty to say in a compact frame, with a crisp finish and a smooth texture. Drink now. 2,000 cases imported.—MaryAnn Worobiec

Why it’s of note: While Australia is best-known for its rich Shiraz reds, the country is vast and has multitudes of diverse climates and wine regions, allowing grapes like Chardonnay to thrive. This Bulletin Place bottling, at $11, is a great option for group dinners as you can stock up on several bottles without blowing the wine budget.

Try it with: biscuits with cranberry-citrus sauce

Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

For some, thinking of Chianti may trigger images of jug wine sold in a fiasco. But these Tuscan reds have come a long way in terms of quality, especially in the Classico and Rufina subzones. Richly structured, the wines can be drunk young but can also be aged for several years. They are great with food, whether you like liver and fava beans or more traditional Italian fare like pizza and pasta. These six wines all scored 90 points or higher and cost less then $35.

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QUERCIABELLA Chianti Classico 2015 Score: 92 | $33

WS Review: Rich, round and expressive, featuring black cherry, black currant, earth and iron aromas and flavors. The pure fruit notes are offset by distinctly Tuscan accents, with a hint of herbs on the finish. Fine balance. Best from 2020 through 2032. 2,250 cases imported.—Bruce Sanderson

Why It’s of Note: This Chianti Classico is the only one in our selection that is 100 percent Sangiovese. Querciabella has vines in the Gaiole, Greve, Panzano and Radda subzones, and all their wines are made using biodynamic viticulture practices.

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FATTORIA DI BASCIANO Chianti Rufina 2016 Score: 91 | $15

WS Review: A vibrant core of black cherry, black currant, cedar and tobacco flavors is framed by refined, if dusty, tannins in this red. In need of a bit of polishing in the bottle. Shows fine length. Best from 2021 through 2036. 2,000 cases imported.—B.S.

Why It’s of Note: Fattoria di Basciano, which dates to the early 1900s, is a family-run operation founded by Renzo Masi. This Chianti Rufina 2016 went through malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, and was aged for 12 months in barriques.

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LUIANO Chianti Classico 2016 Score: 91 | $20

WS Review: A lively version, offering a smooth texture and an elegant profile for the cherry, strawberry and floral notes. Well-integrated, with a moderate structure, this lingers with mineral and tobacco elements. Drink now through 2032. 2,500 cases imported.—B.S.

Why It’s of Note: This 2016 from Luiano is the only wine in today’s selection that makes use of international varieties, as opposed to Sangiovese and other indigenous varieties found in Chianti, like Canaiolo and Malvasia Nera. Although 90 percent of this wine’s blend is the traditional Sangiovese, there is also 5 percent Merlot and 5 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, both of which are native to France.

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SELVAPIANA Chianti Rufina 2016 Score: 91 | $18

WS Review: A focused style, with cherry and plum flavors accented by a smoky note. Juicy and balanced, leaving hints of earth and tobacco on the long finish. Drink now through 2033. 5,000 cases imported.—B.S.

Why It’s of Note: The Rufina subzone of the Chianti region is the smallest and highest in elevation; the wines here are notable for their often-high acidity. Selvapiana makes wines that are approachable when young, but capable of aging nicely over the next 10 to 15 years. At $18, this wine is a steal.

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VILLA CERNA Chianti Classico Primocolle 2015 Score: 91 | $20

WS Review: Totally Tuscan in character, this red boasts juniper, rosemary, wet earth and stone notes framing a core of black cherry and plum fruit flavors. Finishes dry and pleasantly astringent. Best from 2020 through 2033. 1,500 cases imported.—B.S.

Why It’s of Note: Located in the heart of Chianti Classico, Villa Cerna is owned by the Cecchi family. This Primocolle cuvée was fermented in stainless steel and then aged in oak for nine months and in bottle for three months before release.

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CASA EMMA Chianti Classico 2016 Score: 90 | $19

WS Review: This red combines a mix of pungent Tuscan scrub—juniper, rosemary and sage—with pure cherry, strawberry, earth and tobacco flavors. Shows fine harmony and length. Drink now through 2028. 2,100 cases imported.—B.S.

Why It’s of Note: Casa Emma‘s entry-level bottling is a great example of what the winery can offer. With classic Tuscan herbaceous flavors, this wine is a crowd-pleaser on its own and with food.