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.

At the slightest hint of warm weather, there’s a kind of instinctive need to reevaluate our wine choices and start looking to lighter-bodied, more refreshing bottles than what we’ve been drinking to get us through the winter. For many, this means a glass of rosé. While Provence has gained the most popularity for the category, many other regions in France make standout examples. Today’s selections hail from the Rhône, the Loire, Savoie and Bordeaux, and are diverse in style, from bold and fruity to fresh and minerally.

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LES VIGNERONS DE TAVEL Tavel Cuvée Royale 2018 Score: 90 | $25

WS review: Forthright, offering a bold display of fresh cherry, strawberry coulis and damson plum flavors, ending with zip and focus on the stony finish. Drink now through 2020. 400 cases imported.—James Molesworth

Why it’s of note: Tavel is a historic rosé-producing region, and one of the only appellations in the world that is solely dedicated to rosé. It makes more extracted styles than your typical Provençal version. The Vignerons de Tavel cooperative, founded in the 1930s, has around 100 vintners working within it today. This Cuvée Royale bottling was made with grapes grown in the signature galets stones found in Southern Rhône vineyards.

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REGIS JOUAN Sancerre Rosé 2018 Score: 88 | $21

WS review: An expressive, racy style, featuring white cherry, rose water and sea salt accents. Bone-dry, with a bitter cherry pith note on the finish. Drink now. 200 cases imported.—Aleks Zecevic

Why it’s of note: While its Sauvignon Blancs are Sancerre’s best-known wines, the appellation also grows Pinot Noir, which makes rosé as well as some red wine. Régis Jouan is a fifth-generation winemaker based in the town of Sury-en-Vaux in the Loire Valley. This aromatic version is a great introduction to rosé Sancerre’s style. Pair it with smoked andouille sausage, or enjoy on its own as an aperitif.

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E. GUIGAL Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2018 Score: 87 | $19

WS review: Bright and easy, with strawberry and white cherry fruit flavors set on a rounded frame. Reveals a light stony echo on the finish. Drink now. 8,750 cases imported.—J.M.

Why it’s of note: Grenache is the pillar of red wines in the Southern Rhône, but it is also well-suited to rosé production throughout the valley. Its presence in a blend often adds bright fruit notes, including in this version from E. Guigal, a lauded producer who has been making wine throughout the Rhône since its founding in 1946.

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PHILIPPE VIALLET Vin de Savoie Rosé 2018 Score: 87 | $15

WS review: Friendly peach and white cherry notes glide through, with a light stony hint giving the finish just enough cut. Drink now. 4,300 cases imported.—J.M.

Why it’s of note: Philippe Viallet‘s family has been making wine in Savoie since 1966, in the town of Apremont. Today, Viallet strives to limit his winery’s environmental impact, through waste treatment, solar paneling and low-carbon architecture. This rosé is made from the Gamay grape, more typically seen in Beaujolais, and exemplifies Savoie’s easygoing style of rosé.

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CHÂTEAU LA FREYNELLE Bordeaux Rosé 2018 Score: 86 | $13

WS review: Fresh, offering white cherry and watermelon rind notes, with a flicker of herb on the open-knit finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported.—J.M.

Why it’s of note: Bordeaux, known today for its full-bodied reds, has a long history with “rosé” winemaking. Indeed, the British term “claret” for Bordeaux was coined when the region’s red wines were much paler in color—like a dark rosé, if you will. This (real) rosé is made by Véronique Barthe, Château La Freynelle‘s winemaker, which has more than 120 acres of red-grape vineyards in Entre-Deux-Mers, a region better known for its white wines.

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MICHEL GASSIER Costières de Nîmes Rosé Château de Nages Buti 2018 Score: 86 | $12

WS review: White cherry, strawberry core and savory notes mingle in this juicy, direct rosé. Drink now. 1,200 cases imported.—J.M.

Why it’s of note: This wallet-friendly rosé is a perfect picnic (and poolside when the time comes!) sipper, for wine drinkers who like juicy, fruity styles. The Gassier family, who are in their fourth generation of making wine, are behind this Château de Nages bottling. Its savory notes would pair well with cheese—think a Beaufort with a side of table grapes.

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CHÂTEAU VAL JOANIS Lubéron Rosé 2018 Score: 86 | $16

WS review: A light and bracing rosé, with watermelon rind and savory notes. Drink now. 2,000 cases imported.—J.M.

Why it’s of note: Lubéron is an appellation located between the Rhône and Provence; its rosés can show characteristics of both regions. It is hot down here, but breezes from the Mediterranean keep vines cool at night, preserving freshness in the resulting wines. Château Val Joanis is a beautiful estate with a French-style manicured garden. You can sip this racy rosé while imagining you’re there.

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.

Portugal’s Douro region is very well known for its bold, luscious dessert wines, but curious wine drinkers would do well to try its dry reds. These wines, typically blends of multiple indigenous varieties, are often rich and dark-fruited, making them good drinking companions for a good piece of grilled meat. Today’s selection provides a glimpse at what Douro has to offer, in a range of styles and prices.

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QUINTA DO PORTAL Douro Reserva 2016 Score: 91 | $30

WS review: An elegant red, with integrated layers of raspberry, cherry, licorice and floral flavors seamlessly infused with mineral, black tea and spice box details. Plush, full tannins frame lingering finish. Drink now through 2028. 500 cases imported.—Gillian Sciaretta

Why it’s of note: There is a strong sustainable-winemaking movement in Portugal. With Paulo Coutinho as its winemaker, Quinta do Portal is an adopter of these practices; their goal is to maintain their historic estate—and its partridge population—for the future. This aromatic Touriga Nacional–based blend is aged nine months in French oak.

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QUINTA DO VALE MEÃO Douro Meandro 2016 Score: 90 | $25

WS review: A muscular red, with olive and dried meat aromas flanking the dried raspberry and cherry flavors. Accents of spice, dried rosemary and iron detail the tannic finish. Best from 2020 through 2027. 2,000 cases imported.—G.S.

Why it’s of note: Many Douro estates have long histories, often with old vines that yield concentrated reds. Quinta do Vale Meão dates to 1877, and the vines that produced this Meandro bottling were planted in the 1980s by the Olazabal family. Fermented in stainless steel tanks, it is ageworthy and will show nicely with a little more time in bottle.

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QUINTA DE LA ROSA Douro 2017 Score: 89 | $20

WS review: Ripe raspberry, plum and currant notes are bold and up front in this juicy red, with licorice snap, spice and slate details. Plush finish. Drink now through 2023. 5,000 cases imported.—G.S.

Why it’s of note: Douro producers have attempted to reinvigorate interest in the region’s dry reds in recent years. The Bergquist family of Quinta de la Rosa, an estate established in 1815, was at the forefront of this revival. This juicy red is made partly from the estate’s Lamelas vineyard, which was planted in 1985.

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QUINTA DO VALLADO Douro 2016 Score: 89 | $23

WS review: Boysenberry, plum and mineral notes have a nice purity in this medium- to full-bodied red, with spice and dried herb details on the crisp, clean finish. Grippy tannins. Drink now through 2024. 2,000 cases imported.—G.S.

Why it’s of note: Douro producers traditionally co-planted several grapes in their vineyards, harvesting “field blends,” but some have recently replanted sites to single varieties. Quinta do Vallado is one that has undertaken this, while maintaining some older plots. This red is made from a combination of those younger replanted vineyards and vines that are around 70 years old.

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CASA FERREIRINHA Douro Papa Figos 2017 Score: 88 | $17

WS review: Concentrated blackberry tart and red plum notes fill this full-bodied red, with herb, slate and olive details adding depth. Black pepper elements edge the moderately tannic finish. Drink now through 2024. 3,000 cases imported.—G.S.

Why it’s of note: Casa Ferreirinha can trace its history back to 1751, when the original Ferreira estate was founded; the wines’ quality was furthered under the direction of Portuguese businesswoman Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira in the 19th century. Today, winemaker Luís Sottomayor oversees the estate. Papa Figos, named after the golden oriole, a rare regional bird, is sourced from the Quinta da Leda estate in the Douro Superior subregion, as well as from the high-altitude vineyards of some local growers.

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ADEGA DE VILA REAL Douro Premium 2015 Score: 88 | $12

WS review: A broad red, with dried raspberry, orange peel and roasted plum notes matched with cured meat, licorice and herb details. Chewy finish. Drink now through 2025. 4,500 cases imported.—G.S.

Why it’s of note: Adega de Vila Real is a cooperative of over 1,200 grapegrowers, overseen by winemaker Rui Roboredo Madeira. This 2015 has a few years on it, showing dried fruit but with an accessible profile. It would pair nicely with smoked sausage, like Portugal’s farinheira or chouriço.

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.

Chenin Blanc is central to South Africa’s winemaking. In fact, South Africa is the largest grower of Chenin in the world, surpassing the grape’s original home of France. South Africa offers a wide range of styles of the grape, from dry and refreshing to rich and sweet, with some sparklers for good measure. The country has incredible natural beauty, but if you can’t make it there, today’s selection has you covered with different expressions of what Chenin has to offer.

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MULLINEUX Old Vines Swartland White 2017 Score: 92 | $33

WS review: A ripe, creamy style, with melon, pear and heather notes gliding along, inlaid with light brioche and lemon curd accents. Ends with a flash of honeysuckle that leaves a bright, mouthwatering echo. Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Viognier and Sémillon. Drink now through 2022. 300 cases imported.—James Molesworth

Why it’s of note: Chenin Blanc’s vines are vigorous and high-yielding, but as they age, they produce fewer berries, concentrating the aromas of the final wine. This aromatic white from sustainable producer Mullineux demonstrates this, tapping Chenin from vines as old as 65 years, sourced from just three parcels.

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BELLINGHAM Chenin Blanc Coastal Region The Bernard Series Old Vine Limited Release 2017 Score: 91 | $25

WS review: A medium-bodied, stylish version, with toasted hazelnut aromas and flavors that glide along, while hints of pine and white pepper underscore the Bosc pear and quince notes. This turns savory midpalate, as mineral details echo on the well-defined finish. For the fans of the style. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. Best from 2021 through 2027. 650 cases imported.—J.M.

Why it’s of note: This white from Bellingham, one of South Africa’s oldest estates, shows several hallmark Chenin characteristics, such as its orchard, mineral and nutty notes. This producer is focused on maintaining biodiversity and a low-carbon footprint.

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DELAIRE GRAFF Chenin Blanc Swartland Reserve 2017 Score: 89 | $22

WS review: Orange blossom, persimmon and spicy mineral flavors are underscored by electric acidity and mineral undertones. Shows focus, with good length and harmony overall. Sea salt accents linger on the finish. Drink now through 2025. 300 cases imported.—J.M.

Why it’s of note: There are several microclimates in Swartland, but it is generally hot and dry. Bush vines, like those used to make this Delaire Graff reserve Chenin, do notably well in these conditions, and can yield concentrated, mineral versions of the grape.

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LIEVLAND Chenin Blanc Paarl Old Vines 2017 Score: 88 | $19

WS review: Notes of toast and salted butter enhance this Chenin, which also features details of white peach at the core. Lively and flavorful, with a mouthwatering finish. Drink now. 250 cases imported.—J.M.

Why it’s of note: Chenin is incredibly versatile and sings the characteristics of specific sites. This expression from Lievland was sourced from just two vineyards, including vines from the Eenzaamheid estate, which has been owned by Paarl’s Briers-Louw family for seven generations.

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CEDERBERG Floriography Blooming White Western Cape 2017 Score: 87 | $13

WS review: Off-dry, with flavors of elderflower and passion fruit mingling at the core, this is velvety in texture, with just enough acidity. Vanilla bean notes emerge on the finish. Chenin Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Weisser Riesling and others. Drink now. 4,000 cases imported.—J.M.

Why it’s of note: Chenin makes lauded sweet wines from France’s Loire Valley to South Africa’s Western Cape, with varying levels of sweetness; this Cederberg white falls into the off-dry style. The bottling was named for the impressive bloom of wildflowers that grow each summer in South Africa’s arid Namaqualand region.

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ESSAY WINES Chenin Blanc Coastal Region 2018 Score: 86 | $10

WS review: This is marked by flavors of yellow apple and lively acidity. Savory mineral details emerge on the moderately long finish. Drink now. 3,000 cases imported.—J.M.

Why it’s of note: Chenin is also used as a blending grape throughout the New World, where it adds acidity and complexity to whites based on Chardonnay or Rhône varieties, most commonly. Here, Essay Wines‘ Chenin is blended with Viognier and Roussanne. It would make a great pairing with a mild cheese like halloumi.

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.

Centuries ago, Gamay production was moved south from Burgundy to the Beaujolais region. Since then, Gamay has grown deep roots in Beaujolais, and the region now has 10 subappellations called crus that make wines with their own distinct character. Today’s cuvées come from six different crus in diverse styles, showing a range of spice and ripe fruit flavors. As it turns out, one grape from a single region in France can have something for everyone.

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DOMAINE BLAIN Côte de Brouilly Les Jumeaux 2016 Score: 91 | $44

WS review: Shows elegance and purity to the cherry and currant notes, flanked by mineral, Earl Grey tea, licorice and forest floor aromas in this light-bodied red. Savory spice, wood spice and pomegranate details echo on the long, lightly tannic finish. Drink now through 2023. 242 cases imported.—Gillian Sciaretta

Why it’s of note: Côte de Brouilly is among Beaujolais’ smallest appellations, and makes wines that are structured but elegant. This aromatic red from siblings Lucie and Marc-Antonin Blain is made partly from 50-year-old vines; the domaine’s vineyards are planted on the slopes of the inactive Mont Brouilly volcano.

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LOUIS JADOT Morgon Château des Jacques 2016 Score: 91 | $27

WS review: Fresh and concentrated, with a supple profile boasting cherry compote, raspberry-infused tea and marjoram notes that are seamless and charming. Undertones of violet, mocha and mineral gain traction on the long finish. Drink now through 2024. 275 cases imported.—G.S.

Why it’s of note: Reputable grower-négociant Louis Jadot is better known for its Burgundy bottlings, but the wine company makes reds in Beaujolais too: They’ve owned the Château des Jacques property for 18 years. This bottling is powerful and ageworthy, emulating the style Morgon is known for. Cured boar sausage would make a great food pairing.

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DOMAINE LABRUYÈRE Moulin-à-Vent Coeur de Terroirs Vieilles Vignes 2016 Score: 90 | $26

WS review: Light-bodied but richly layered, this plump red sports notes of cherry preserves and raspberry compote that are interwoven with mocha, licorice and floral accents. Hints of tea, mineral and dried orange peel linger on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 70 cases imported.—G.S.

Why it’s of note: Like Morgon, the Moulin-à-Vent cru is known for its rich, structured reds. Domaine Labruyère is one of the appellation’s oldest wineries, and practices sustainable farming. The lush Coeur de Terroirs is made from the estate’s most valued vineyards.

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STÉPHANE AVIRON Chénas Vieilles Vignes 2016 Score: 89 | $21

WS review: Aromas of rose petal and cinnamon intertwine with the cherry, peach and currant flavors in this elegant, light-bodied red. Integrated tannins support the tea, plum and spice details on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 300 cases imported.—G.S.

Why it’s of note: This light-bodied version from Stéphane Aviron has a floral character that is a notable trait of Chénas reds. Aviron farms sustainably, employing some biodynamic practices, and sources from old vines—the one that made this Chénas Vieilles Vignes bottling average 100 years of age.

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JOSEPH BURRIER Fleurie Château de Beauregard Poncié 2016 Score: 89 | $30

WS review: Savory undertones of grilled thyme, fresh earth and smoky mineral flank the steeped cherry and raspberry fruit flavors of this sleek, light-bodied red. Details of fresh leather, licorice and savory spice echo on the lightly tannic finish. Drink now through 2023. 430 cases imported.—G.S.

Why it’s of note: While some Beaujolais is packed with fresh, ripe fruit, this example from Joseph Burrier focuses more on savory and spice details. It hails from the Poncié sector of the Fleurie appellation. For an outside-the-box food pairing, think Peking duck.

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GEORGES DUBOEUF Juliénas Château des Poupets 2017 Score: 87 | $20

WS review: A fresh and easy sipper, with raspberry and cherry fruit flavors marked by licorice and spice accents. Offers plush, light tannins. Drink now through 2021. 110 cases imported.—G.S.

Why it’s of note: Georges Duboeuf is Beaujolais’ largest producer and négociant. Its name is inextricably linked with the region—Duboeuf is responsible for the wild popularity of Beaujolais Nouveau. The family also works with estate vineyards and those of regional growers from the cru appellations. This quaffable Juliénas comes from a 7-acre vineyard owned by the Jorcin family. Stock up on it for a year-round sipper.

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.

Australia and New Zealand are both world-class wine regions in the Southern Hemisphere, but each country has its own set of distinctive regions, styles, varieties and talented winemakers. Today’s selection, with wines from six different grapes, will give you a head start on your journey through the styles of Australia and New Zealand. Pick up a Cabernet or Shiraz to get you through the cold weather, or opt for a juicy white wine while pretending it’s summer just like in the Southern Hemisphere right now.

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DUCK HUNTER Pinot Noir Marlborough 2018 Score: 91 | $30

WS Review: Supple and elegant, offering fresh strawberry and cranberry flavors that mingle well with mineral and fresh herb accents. A note of matcha lingers on the finish, with powdery tannins. From New Zealand. Drink now. 1,932 cases imported.—MaryAnn Worobiec

Why It’s of Note: Duck Hunter is a new winery, tapping the talents of winemaker Kim Crawford, one of New Zealand’s most recognized names. Pinot Noir is New Zealand’s premier red grape, which does well in the country’s cool climates like Central Otago, Martinborough and Marlborough, where this bottling hails from.

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BEN HAINES Chardonnay Yarra Valley 2017 Score: 90 | $25

WS Review: Soft and supple, featuring notes of crème fraîche and butterscotch and a vivid, juicy thread of pear and citrus flavors set on a light, elegant frame, with spice details on the finish. From Australia. Drink now. 150 cases imported.—M.W.

Why It’s of Note: Winemaker Ben Haines pays close attention to the vineyards he sources his grapes from, showcasing distinct terroirs and microclimates in his wines, which have a focus on red and white Rhône varieties. This Chardonnay from Yarra Valley is made from two sites in Upper Yarra and Coldstream.

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PENFOLDS Shiraz South Australia Bin 28 Kalimna 2016 Score: 90 | $30

WS Review: The cherry and plum flavors have good intensity and appealing traction from dense tannins and notes of black licorice and tobacco. The tannins firm up further on the appealingly chewy finish, where details of clay and dried olive emerge. From Australia. Drink now through 2029. 9,560 cases imported.—M.W.

Why It’s of Note: Penfolds started making their now-cult cuvée, Grange, in 1952, and the winery has since drawn significant attention to Australia’s wine scene, especially to the potential of its Shiraz. Now overseen by winemaker Peter Gago, Penfolds makes a range of diverse reds from Cabernet, Mourvèdre and, of course, Shiraz. The Bin 28 Kalimna is a full-bodied, dense style that would pair very well with a rib-eye steak.

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CHATEAU TANUNDA Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Grand Barossa 2017 Score: 89 | $23

WS Review: Dense, with sink-your-teeth-into-them tannins and a juicy subtext to the wild blackberry, blueberry and huckleberry flavors. Matcha, cedar and campfire details emerge on the finish. From Australia. Drink now through 2029. 2,000 cases imported.—M.W.

Why It’s of Note: Founded in the late 19th century, Chateau Tanunda is a notable winery in the Barossa valley, a region known for its powerful reds, including Cabernet Sauvignon. Under John Geber’s ownership since the 1990s, Tanunda now focuses on low-intervention winemaking. This hearty Cabernet was made with wild yeasts and spent 18 months in French oak before release.

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SEASIDE CELLARS Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 Score: 89 | $15

WS Review: Fragrant, with focused notes of lemon thyme and lime zest. Fleshy melon and mango details add extra dimension on a juicy frame. From New Zealand. Drink now. 12,500 cases imported.—M.W.

Why It’s of Note: With over 55,000 acres planted, Sauvignon Blanc is by far New Zealand’s most-planted grape, and has brought international attention to the island nation’s wines. Producers here make juicy, fruit-driven styles of Sauvignon, particularly from the South Island. This includes this Marlborough bottling from Seaside Cellars, an international winemaking project that focuses on vineyards with maritime influence. The company also does advocacy for clean ocean water.

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WAKEFIELD Riesling Clare Valley 2017 Score: 88 | $17

WS Review: Lean and crisp, showing oomph to the lime, pear and Meyer lemon flavors, with a mouthwatering finish. From Australia. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported.—M.W.

Why It’s of Note: Family-owned Wakefield aims to make wine while maintaining environmental biodiversity and sustainability in the Clare Valley, where the continental climate is perfect for Riesling. This crisp white shows a distinct lime note common among Australian Rieslings, and would pair well with hard cheeses—think parmesan from Tasmania’s Ashgrove Cheese.

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Cabernet Sauvignon has been the backbone of Chilean winemaking since it arrived in the country in the 19th century, when pre-phylloxera vines were brought in from Bordeaux. These hearty reds are now popular worldwide, known for their quality and accessible prices. We’ve rounded up several top examples of Cabernet from Chile in a variety of regions and styles. But they all share one very welcome characteristic: Not one is priced more than $20.

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APALTAGUA Cabernet Sauvignon Curicó Valley Envero Gran Reserva 2016 Score: 91 | $17

WS Review: Fine-edged flavors of currant, dried berry and dried herbs blend well in this lithe red. Graphite and slate accents show on the pure-tasting finish, with hints of dried mint. Drink now through 2024. 250 cases imported.—Kim Marcus

Why It’s of Note: Apaltagua makes wine from six different wine regions in Chile; this bottling hails from their La Pancora property in Curicó Valley. The winery is currently working on a plan for environmental sustainability, including projects to reduce its use of artificial fertilizers, and to enhance water efficiency.

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ODFJELL Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley Armador 2016 Score: 89 | $14

WS Review: Big, rich flavors of dark plum, green olive and dark currant feature hints of bacon and smoke. The sinewy finish is filled with dried savory accents. Drink now through 2023. 1,500 cases imported.—K.M.

Why It’s of Note: The Norwegian Odfjell family founded this winery 25 years ago. This Cabernet comes from the Maipo Valley, which is the hottest region of Chile’s Central Valley. It also has a lot of history: This is where Bordeaux varieties were first planted in Chile.

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LOS VASCOS Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Grande Reserve 2016 Score: 89 | $20

WS Review: Focused and minerally, with red plum, cherry and raspberry flavors, supported by fresh acidity. Green herbal and leafy notes show on the zesty finish. Drink now through 2023. 15,000 cases imported.—K.M.

Why It’s of Note: Los Vascos, named for its Basque origins, was purchased in 1988 by Bordeaux’s Domaines Barons de Rothschild, of Château Lafite Rothschild fame. Under their ownership and general manager Claudio Naranjo’s guidance, the winery makes great-value wines from its key vineyard at the foot of Mount Cañeten.

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VIÑA AQUITANIA Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley 2016 Score: 88 | $20

WS Review: Notes of vanilla and hot stone accent the dried berry and cherry flavors. Mineral and spice details show on the brambly finish. Drink now through 2022. 1,000 cases imported.—K.M.

Why It’s of Note: Viña Aquitania was founded in 1990 in the heart of Maipo Valley, in the region of Quebrada de Macul, by two veterans of Bordeaux winemaking: Bruno Prats, at that time the owner of Château Cos-d’Estournel, and the late Paul Pontallier, former director of Château Margaux; they were joined by Chilean agronomist Felipe de Solminihac and Bollinger alum Ghislain de Montgolfier. This Cabernet makes a fine pairing with smoked meats or braised game.

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VIÑA ESTAMPA Reserva Colchagua Valley 2016 Score: 88 | $15

WS Review: Dark plum and blackberry flavors dominate this ripe style. Baker’s chocolate and spice details show on the finish, with medium-grained tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2022. 2,500 cases imported.—K.M.

Why It’s of Note: This bottling from Viña Estampa exemplifies a lush, ripe style of Chilean Cabernet, here with a splash of Petit Verdot. High temperatures can be achieved in many of the country’s vineyards, notably in the mountain ranges like Colchagua’s, where sunlight influence is bolstered from well-positioned vines on slopes.

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VIÑA MONTES Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley Classic Series 2016 Score: 88 | $12

WS Review: Plush, with flavors of raspberry preserves backed by lively acidity and crisp, spicy accents. Notes of currant and dried green herbs show on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 20,000 cases imported.—K.M.

Why It’s of Note: Viña Montes was founded in 1987 by Aurelio Montes and Douglas Murray. They make wine from a variety of grapes, including Merlot, Syrah and, of course, Cabernet Sauvignon. Among their broad range, the Classic Series is a collection of wines for everyday drinking; they are priced accordingly, but the quality is consistently high.

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.

Australia is not a wine monolith: It’s a vast country that makes wines from a wide variety of regions, climates and grapes. Today’s selection explores this diversity with reds from four distinct grapes and a few in between. Whether you prefer a juicy Grenache or a robust Cabernet, Australia has something for you—no 22-hour flight required.

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CHAPEL HILL Grenache McLaren Vale Bush Vine 2016 Score: 91 | $38

WS Review: A generous, fragrant and juicy mix of sandalwood, blackberry and wild raspberry flavors on a velvety frame, featuring notes of underbrush and black tea. Offers a juicy edge to the fruit core, with tannins firming on the finish. Drink now through 2030. 500 cases imported.—MaryAnn Worobiec

Why It’s of Note: While Grenache is better known for the wines of Spain and southern France, it has been grown in Australia since the 18th century, and was the country’s primary red grape until the 1960s. This Grenache from Chapel Hill offers a particularly rich version of the grape, and shows the influence of its time spent in French oak.

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HANDPICKED Pinot Noir Tasmania 2015 Score: 91 | $50

WS Review: An elegant, fresh expression of Pinot Noir, with wild strawberry, cherry and rhubarb flavors set against dried herb, loam and tobacco accents. The supple texture and harmonious finish are impressive. Drink now through 2023. 700 cases imported.—M.W.

Why It’s of Note: Tasmania has several unique climates across the island. The maritime climate of its eastern regions is perfectly suited to Pinot Noir. This expressive Pinot from Handpicked is made from fruit sourced in eastern Tasmania’s Tamar Valley and Pipers River areas.

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BOXHEAD Shiraz South Australia 2017 Score: 89 | $14

WS Review: Focused, with cassis and Earl Grey tea notes that have plenty of precision on a thick frame. White pepper and loam details linger. Drink now through 2027. 8,000 cases imported.—M.W.

Why It’s of Note: Shiraz is one of Australia’s most widely planted varieties, and has become the country’s signature grape. But there is no end to the diversity of styles made across the country. This version from McLaren Vale–based Boxhead leans toward spice and earth, and would be a perfect accompaniment to smoked charcuterie or roast lamb.

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MISFIT Cycle Buff Beauty South Australia 2017 Score: 89 | $18

WS Review: Bursting with notes of wild blueberry, this is appealing for the plush, velvety frame, showing plenty of charm, with a supple texture, vibrant focus and accents of black walnut and chai tea. Shiraz and Malbec. Drink now through 2030. 3,000 cases imported.—M.W.

Why It’s of Note: Malbec has had a tricky history in Australia. Many Malbec vines were uprooted there in the 20th century, leaving few acres by the mid-1990s. But there’s been a recent resurgence, with producers making single-variety Malbecs, or including it in blends. This blend from Misfit is predominantly Shiraz, but contains some Malbec sourced from a single vineyard in the Clare Valley.

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TWO HANDS Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale Sexy Beast 2017 Score: 89 | $30

WS Review: Juicy, vivid blackberry and blueberry flavors have an appealing juicy side in this red, with plenty of herb and fresh earth notes and a good dash of Kalamata olive detail. Fresh, with tight tannins on the finish, but plenty of verve. Drink now through 2030. 5,000 cases imported.—M.W.

Why It’s of Note: Michael Twelftree and Richard Mintz founded Two Hands in 1999. The winery works with multiple grapes, such as Sémillon and Shiraz, sourced from a wide range of sites. This Cabernet hails from several parcels in McLaren Vale.

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D’ARENBERG The Stump Jump Red McLaren Vale 2016 Score: 88 | $13

WS Review: Tangy berry and cherry flavors are juicy and crisp on a firm frame, with accents of toasted herb and cedar. Details of chai tea linger on the finish, where a fresh, loamy earth note picks up. Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2028. 8,000 cases imported.—M.W.

Why It’s of Note: Australia is well-known for its Rhône-style wines, including so-called “GSM” blends of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre, like this version from d’Arenberg. The winery was founded in 1912, and today sources its grapes exclusively from organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards. The Stump Jump would sing with flank steak and mushroom sauce.

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NINTH ISLAND Pinot Noir Tasmania 2017 Score: 88 | $26

WS Review: There’s a prominent herbal note that helps define this red, adding a green edge to the crisp cherry and pomegranate flavors, with toast and spice details coming in on the firm finish. Drink now through 2025. 1,000 cases imported.—M.W.

Why It’s of Note: Many styles of Pinot are made in Tasmania, with some highlighting the grape’s ripe fruit, and others aiming to draw out its spice and savory qualities, like this example from Ninth Island. It’s made from vineyards in Pipers Brook and on the Tamar River’s west bank.