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.
This week's selection speaks to Australia's many strengths. There's a diversity of varieties and styles from climates warm and cool. They are all priced at $22 or less, and many of them are widely distributed.
When I started covering Australia, I quickly came to understand that referring to a wine as "Australian" isn't any more informative than telling someone that a Napa Cabernet or a Finger Lakes Riesling is "American." After all, the United States and Australia have similar landmasses, and I hope one day the discussion around Australian wines will be elevated to celebrate its myriad terroirs.
In the meantime, let me introduce you to a handful of the more than 60 winegrowing regions in the country, as well as seven great grapes that thrive in these distinct regions.
Pinot Noirs from Victoria are an emerging category. Many winemakers are taking advantage of the area's cool climate to make examples with freshness and savory flavors, like the earthy and spicy McPherson Pinot Noir Victoria 2017. Fans of refreshing whites should learn about Clare Valley Rieslings, like this dry version from Jim Barry, which is crisp and clean with vibrant fruit flavors.
I believe Sémillons are one of Australia's best-kept secrets. I love the examples from Hunter Valley, where the grape has made a name for itself, but Torbreck's Barossa bottling also shows how great Sémillon can be, showing off intense lanolin and smoke notes that complement the peach and pear flavors.
Margaret River is home to distinctive Chardonnays and Cabernets. I love the savory flair of the Cabernets here, like the Robert Oatley, which has smoked paprika and cumin notes.
MCPHERSON Pinot Noir Victoria 2017
The wild strawberry, blood orange and rhubarb flavors show a spicy green side, with forest floor and sassafras notes. The structure is appealingly dense. Drink now. 1,200 cases imported.
TORBRECK Sémillon Barossa Valley Woodcutter's 2017
Savory, lanolin and beeswax notes add a succulent edge to the core of peach and pear flavors, set on a medium body, turning to smoke and spice details on the finish. Drink now through 2028. 750 cases imported.
JIM BARRY Riesling Clare Valley Lodge Hill 2018
A clean, vibrant mix of pear, nectarine and pineapple flavors. Extremely refreshing on a crisp frame. Drink now. 300 cases imported.
FOWLES Sauvignon Blanc Victoria Farm To Table 2018
Bright and lemony, this is set on a crisp, light frame, with plenty of intensity and details of lemon thyme and dried ginger. Drink now. 5,000 cases imported.
HOPE ESTATE Shiraz Geographe The Ripper 2015
Polished tannins create a plush backdrop for currant, cassis and plum flavors in this red, with touches of cedar and anise detail lingering in the background. Finds plenty of harmony on the finish. Drink now through 2028. 3,000 cases imported.
ROBERT OATLEY Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Signature Series 2017
Cedar, smoked paprika and cumin notes are fragrant in this red, and an appealing accent to the plush plum and cherry flavors on a polished frame. Drink now. 5,000 cases imported.
WAKEFIELD Chardonnay South Australia Promised Land 2017
The peach, citrus and marmalade flavors are light, tangy and refreshing, with an appealing note of lemon curd that lingers on the finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported.