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Sweet Spot

June 05, 2020 16 min read

Across the New World, producers deliver the perfect balance of quality to price

Three Pines

By Keith Newton

From the Apr 30, 2020, issue of Wine Spectator Magazine

Affordability is always relative. It all depends on the category and what you're willing or able to spend for a certain level of quality. The price tag for a particular Napa Cabernet Sauvignon might seem like a bargain to some while inducing sticker shock in others. But there's a middle ground we can all agree on—when the quality is high enough and the price point low enough, we know we've hit the bulls-eye.

That's the inspiration behind this roundup of 100 New World values, all of them rated 88 to 93 points, priced between $15 and $30, and produced in large enough quantities to be widely available. This is the range where you don't need to spend a lot of money to find distinctive and expressive reds and whites—wines that are affordable for their categories yet still offer complex flavors, varietal character, and a sense of place.

The selection included here is grouped by grape variety, covering every major region and style of the New World. Among reds, there are Cabernets from Australia, Argentina, South Africa, and Washington; Pinot Noirs from California, Oregon, and New Zealand; and a host of other varieties from across the globe, from Australian Shiraz to Argentine Malbec to Chilean Carmenère to Uruguayan Tannat. The whites offer a striking range of options as well, including an array of Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs from a number of different regions, along with a collection of unique Rhône-style whites from California and Oregon. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find something here that's right on target.

REDS

Many New World wine regions are blessed with warm climates ideal for ripening flavorful red wines. Yet as tastes have evolved, more and more vintners are searching for greater elegance in their reds. The results of these developments are on full display in the wines included in this selection. Syrah and Grenache, for example, provide an excellent showcase of the balance winemakers are looking for. From rich Shirazes to traditional GSMs to more innovative blends that add Bordeaux varieties into the mix, producers are making delicious, well-priced versions in a range of styles, while changing the very idea of what a Rhône-style red can be.

Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends

92 | $25 | WATERBROOK| Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain AVA Series 2016 |Washington| A dense and lively core is wrapped in a polished exterior that shines with notes of black cherry, bittersweet mocha, and stony minerality. (T.F.)

92 | $30 | TWO HANDS| Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale Sexy Beast 2018 |Australia| Features precision and balance, with wild blueberry, huckleberry and black currant flavors that show details of peppermint tea, red licorice, and fresh sage. (M.W.)

91 | $27 | STARK-CONDÉ  | Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch 2017 |South Africa| Quite elegant, with dark plum and currant notes that are lively and balanced thanks to bright acidity that together with soft tannins gives this support and depth. (A.Z.)

91 | $28 | SLEIGHT OF HAND| The Conjurer Columbia Valley 2017 |Washington| Sleekly layered and polished, with vibrant black cherry, clove, and orange blossom accents, finishing with fine-grained tannins. (T.F.)

91 | $30 | MOLLYDOOKER| Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale The Maitre D' 2018 |Australia| Aromatic and intense, with whiffs of mahogany and palo santo swirling around chocolate-covered coffee bean and blackberry preserves at the core. (M.W.)

90 | $21 | PENDULUM| Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2017 |Washington| A svelte and precise version, featuring expressive black cherry, espresso and dusty spice flavors that end with fine-grained tannins. (T.F.)

89 | $15 | CANOE RIDGE| Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills The Expedition 2017 |Washington| Open-knit and sleek, with zesty currant and dried herb flavors that finish with refined tannins. (T.F.)

89 | $17 | VINACEOUS| Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Raconteur 2017 |Australia| Herb-tinged currant and cherry flavors are fresh and appealingly savory, leaning into green tea and spice notes on the finish. Shows plenty of focus. (M.W.)

89 | $20 | BROWNE| Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Heritage 2017 |Washington| Supple and approachable, with juicy black cherry and toasty spice flavors that glide on the finish. (T.F.)

89 | $20 | PROEMIO| Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Single Vineyard Reserve 2017 |Argentina| Dark fruit and spice flavors are svelte and well-structured in this robust style, accented by rich, smoky notes. Hot stone accents linger. (K.M.)

88 | $20 | VIÑA COBOS| Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Felino 2018 |Argentina| Dark currant and olive flavors are backed by medium-grained tannins and fresh acidity in this savory style. (K.M.)

Pinot Noir

92 | $25 | ROCO| Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Gravel Road 2017 |Oregon| This vibrant and well-structured red offers refined cherry, stony mineral, and green tea accents that build richness and polish toward fine-grained tannins. (T.F.)

92 | $29 | PATRICIA GREEN| Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Reserve 2018 |Oregon| Offers refinement and presence, with expressive raspberry and pomegranate flavors, laced with fresh violet and orange blossom notes, building richness. (T.F.)

91 | $26 | J.K. CARRIERE| Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Provocateur 2017 |Oregon| This refined and tightly focused red offers an expressive beam of cherry, savory spice, and black tea flavors that finish with fine-grained tannins. (T.F.)

91 | $30 | J. CHRISTOPHER| Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains Basalte 2016 |Oregon| Opens with sleek and gentle raspberry and rose petal notes, slowly gathering tension, structure and stony minerality toward fine-grained tannins. (T.F.)

91 | $30 | J. CHRISTOPHER| Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Volcanique 2016 |Oregon| Graceful and supple, with nuanced raspberry and orange peel flavors, accented by stony minerality on the lingering finish. (T.F.)

 91 | $30 | SINEANN| Pinot Noir Central Otago Pisa Terrace 2018 |New Zealand| Pure fruit flavors of cranberry, cherry, and strawberry are accented by black tea and fresh earth notes, with touches of blood orange, vanilla bean, and green tea. (M.W.)

90 | $22 | BROADLEY| Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2018 |Oregon| Pretty cherry blossom aromas open to sleek and refined raspberry and cinnamon tea flavors that speed toward snappy tannins. (T.F.)

90 | $24 | ROTH| Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2017 |California| Plush, with spicy accents to the flavors of cherry compote, red plum, and dried raspberry. Notes of sandalwood show midpalate, leading to minerally details on the finish. (K.M.)

90 | $25 | RURAL| Pinot Noir Eagle Peak 2018 | California| This offers a fine balance between the engaging minerally notes and lithe red fruit, berry, and spice flavors. Silky tannins are matched to sandalwood accents on the burnished finish. (K.M.)

90 | $30 | SAN SIMEON| Pinot Noir Monterey Estate Reserve 2018 |California| Well-structured, with fresh acidity supporting the vibrant cherry and raspberry flavors. Tangerine hints extend into the taut finish, with notes of slate and spice. (K.M.)

90 | $30 | THE FOUR GRACES| Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2018 |Oregon| Svelte and vibrant, with focused raspberry and pomegranate flavors, laced with black tea and sandalwood notes. (T.F.)

88 | $18 | ANGELINE| Pinot Noir Mendocino County Reserve 2018 |California| Taut, with gunflint accents to the flavors of dried red fruit and spice, showing green herb hints on the flinty finish. (K.M.)

88 | $20 |BROWNE| Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Heritage 2017 |Oregon| Sleek and tangy, offering lively cherry and green tea flavors. (T.F.)

88 | $20 | INTERCEPT| Pinot Noir Monterey County Charles Woodson's 2017 |California| Richly spiced, with smoky notes to the ripe cherry and mulberry flavors, showing savory cut midpalate. (K.M.)

Syrah, Grenache & Blends

93 | $30 | TWO HANDS| Shiraz McLaren Vale Angels' Share 2018 |Australia| Framboise, cherry, and currant flavors are intense and focused, with a complex beam of rosemary and cigar box notes, backed by dense tannins that add rich density. (M.W.)

92 | $26 | ALMA DE CATTLEYA| Sonoma County 2017 |California| A handsome red, well-built and polished, with expressive blackberry, peppered meat, and licorice flavors that gather richness toward refined tannins. Syrah blend. (T.F.)

92 | $29 | SANS LIEGE| The Offering Santa Barbara County 2017 |California| A brooding core is wrapped in a polished, zesty texture, offering flavors of blackberry, cured meat and smoky cracked pepper. Grenache blend. (T.F.)

92 | $30 | PENFOLDS| Shiraz South Australia Bin 28 Kalimna 2017 |Australia| Impressive for the concentrated notes of blackberry, cassis, and framboise, with touches of dried violet, black walnut, and black pepper. Dense tannins. (M.W.)

90 | $20 | ANDREW MURRAY| Syrah Santa Ynez Valley Tous Les Jours 2017 |California| Sleek and polished, with elegantly layered raspberry, orange peel and licorice flavors that turn up the peppery elements on the finish. (T.F.)

90 | $20 | MCPRICE MYERS| High On The Hog Central Coast 2017 |California| Bold and zesty, with lively black raspberry, bitter chocolate, and licorice flavors that build muscle toward broad-shouldered tannins. Grenache blend. (T.F.)

90 | $20 | WITS END| Shiraz McLaren Vale Luna 2017 |Australia| Juicy and vibrant, showing plenty of verve to the blueberry, wild blackberry, and kirsch flavors, with black walnut, cedar and clove notes, plus a hint of savory minerality. Harmonious. (M.W.)

90 | $25 | LUKE| Syrah Wahluke Slope 2017 |Washington| Zesty and plump, with easygoing fruit, this red offers blackberry and pepper flavors that build richness toward polished tannins. (T.F.)

90 | $25 | TENSHEN| Santa Barbara County 2018 |California| Vibrant and zesty, with medium-bodied wild berry, toasted spice, and licorice flavors that finish with vibrant tannins. Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Merlot, and Mourvèdre. (T.F.)

90 | $28 | MARGERUM| M5 Santa Barbara County 2018 |California| Fresh and plump, with youthful fruit, offering bright cherry, and smoked spice flavors that take on elegant layers, finishing with polished tannins. Grenache blend. (T.F.)

90 | $30 | MOLLYDOOKER| Shiraz South Australia The Boxer 2018 |Australia| Juicy notes of ripe black cherry and spiced plum are thick and velvety, oozing with baking spices, tobacco, and Earl Grey tea. Concentrated and complex. (M.W.)

89 | $15 | VIÑA SIEGEL| 1234 Reserva Colchagua Valley 2018 |Chile| Fleshy, with a tannic backbone to the dried plum, raspberry, and dark currant flavors. Bittersweet chocolate notes lead to dusty overtones on the finish. Syrah blend. (K.M.)

89 | $17 | A.A. BADENHORST FAMILYSecateurs Red Swartland 2016 |South Africa| Lively and well-balanced, this ripe red is a true crowd-pleaser, but also shows complexity, with mulberry, dark cherry, and chocolate notes. Syrah blend. (A.Z.)

89 | $17 | VIÑA TARAPACÁ| Gran Reserva Maipo Valley 2017 |Chile| Savory dark fruit and spice flavors show cast-iron notes in this red, with rm acidity and tannins. Baker's chocolate and pepper hints emerge on the steely finish. Syrah blend. (K.M.)

89 | $20 | MCPRICE MYERS| Syrah Central Coast Right Hand Man 2017 |California| This version is zesty and fruit-forward, offering appealing flavors of raspberry, espresso, and spice. (T.F.)

89 | $23 | TAIT| The Ball Buster Barossa Valley 2016 |Australia| Robust, with wild blackberry and blueberry flavors, freshly clipped sage and rosemary details, and a cigar box aroma. Shiraz blend. (M.W.)

88 | $20 | GROUNDWORK| Syrah Santa Barbara County 2017 |California| Easygoing and plump, with zesty raspberry, smoked beef and pepper flavors that linger on the finish. (T.F.)

88 | $20 | QUPÉ| Syrah Central Coast 2017 |California| This version is snappy and fruit-forward, featuring supple black raspberry, pepper and mocha flavors. (T.F.)

Zinfandel & Blends

92 | $18 | GOLDSCHMIDT| Zinfandel Alexander Valley Fidelity Nick Goldschmidt Railyard 2018 |California| Supple and sleek, with polished, multilayered fruit, showing raspberry and toasty spice flavors that glide on the lasting finish. (T.F.)

91 | $20 | GOLDSCHMIDT| Zinfandel Alexander Valley Herald 2017 |California| This Zin is plump and jammy, delivering bold flavors of cherry, pepper and grilled sage flavors that take on structure on the snappy finish. (T.F.)

90 | $25 | BEDROCK| Zinfandel California Old Vine 2018 |California| A plump and zesty version, with lively raspberry and smoked pepper flavors that speed toward lively tannins. (T.F.)

90 | $25 | LAVA CAP| Zinfandel El Dorado County Reserve 2017 |California| Vibrant and appealingly briary, this shows lively dark cherry, grilled sage, and fresh pepper flavors. (T.F.)

90 | $25 | TURLEY| Zinfandel California Old Vines 2017 |California| Sleek and briary, offering generous black cherry, licorice, and toasty spices. (T.F.)

90 | $26 | SEGHESIO| Zinfandel Sonoma County Sonoma 2018 |California| Generous, with fresh fruit, accented by cherry jam, dried sage, and white pepper flavors, lingering on a sleek finish. (T.F.)

88 | $15 | SHEBANG!| Thirteenth Cuvée California NV |California| A snappy little red, zesty and fruit-forward, with endearing cherry, smoky anise, and pepper flavors. Zinfandel and Syrah. (T.F.)

88 | $15 | SHOOTING STAR| Zinfandel Lake County 2017 |California| This Zin is snappy and fresh, featuring lively flavors of raspberry and dried sage. (T.F.)

88 | $18 | TERRA D'ORO| Zinfandel Amador County 2017 |California| Zesty and user-friendly, with snappy wild berry and briary underbrush accents that finish with lively tannins. (T.F.)

88 | $20 | RENWOOD| Zinfandel Amador County Premier Old Vine 2017 |California| An easygoing version, with sleek fruit, offering black cherry, and savory pepper flavors. (T.F.)

More From the U.S.

90 | $18 | PEDRONCELLI| Merlot Dry Creek Valley Bench Vineyards 2017 |California| A well-structured red, with a firm backbone of acidity to the dried dark currant, dark cherry and dried berry flavors. Cedary accents show midpalate. (K.M.)

90 | $24 | RAYMOND| Merlot Napa Valley Reserve Selection 2017 |California| A dense red, with mocha and spice notes to the ripe dark fruit flavors, while cocoa bean hints linger on the rich finish, with plenty of chocolate accents. (K.M.)

90 | $25 | ANDIS| Painted Fields Sierra Foothills 2017 |California| Mocha, tar and Asian spice notes accent the rich, concentrated dark chocolate, raspberry and blackberry flavors. Minerally freshness shows on the finish. Malbec blend. (K.M.)

90 | $30 | TAMARACK| Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley 2017 |Washington| This is sleekly layered, with precise cherry, lead pencil, and dusty dill flavors that persist toward refined tannins. (T.F.)

89 | $20 | TAMARACK| Firehouse Red Columbia Valley 2016 |Washington| Vibrant and oral cherry aromas open to easygoing but perky flavors of toasty herb and spice. Merlot blend. (T.F.)

89 | $22 | KUNDE FAMILY| Merlot Sonoma Valley 2016 |California| Fleshy, offering a deep well of dark fruit and spice flavors that are well-knit. The savory finish features notes of underbrush, green herbs, and chocolate. (K.M.)

88 | $18 | SEVEN FALLS| Merlot Wahluke Slope 2015 |Washington| This version is tense and focused, featuring moderate flavors of black cherry and fresh tobacco. (T.F.)

More From South America

91 | $17 | CONCHA Y TORO| Carmenère Peumo Serie Riberas Gran Reserva 2018 |Chile| Svelte and focused, showing fresh-crushed plum, cardamom, and dark cherry flavors. Taut midpalate, this lengthens out nicely on the finish. (K.M.)

91 | $30 | BODEGA GARZÓN| Tannat Uruguay Single Vineyard 2017 |Uruguay| Offers a savory, well-structured mix of dried dark fruit and spice flavors, matched to intense minerality. Peppery notes emerge on the finish, with dried green herbal accents. Pure and lithe. (K.M.)

90 | $17 | TINTONEGRO| Malbec Uco Valley 2018 |Argentina| Lively and juicy, with peppery hints to the lively raspberry and plum flavors that are backed by fresh acidity. An interesting hint of dried beef emerges midpalate. (K.M.)

89 | $20 | VIÑA MAIPO| Carmenère Peumo Gran Devoción Gran Reserva 2018 |Chile| Lithe, with intense dried savory notes to the juicy red plum, currant and spiced cherry flavors. The fresh, crisp finish lingers with zesty minerality. (K.M.)

88 | $20 | LAMADRID| Bonarda Agrelo Reserva 2017 |Argentina| Muscular and tannic flavors of dark plum and dried fig are flanked by notes of smoked cherry wood in this brooding style. Asian spice fills the dense finish. (K.M.)

WHITES

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the wines that dominate the landscape when it comes to affordable whites, yet there is impressive diversity within the categories. California producers eschewing oak in their Chardonnays are making fresh and vibrant wines, while vintners in Washington offer lively flavors and sleek proles, and those in South Africa deliver a flavorful balance of oak and fruit. Though less familiar, a handful of other wines are also making themselves known as great sources for value, including Rhône-style whites, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, and more.

Chardonnay

92 | $25 | GLENELLY| Chardonnay Stellenbosch Estate Reserve 2018 |South Africa| Expressive and profound, beautifully balancing oak with fruit and oral favors. Notes of apple, mint, heather, and butter mingle in harmony, supported by vivid acidity, picking up a bit of crunch toward the finish. (A.Z.)

92 | $30 | HARTFORD COURT| Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2018 |California| Luscious and rich, this white is full of creamy white fruit flavors flanked by buttery accents. Spicy plushness lingers into the finish, with some honeyed notes. (K.M.)

90 | $22 | LUKE| Chardonnay Ancient Lakes Of Columbia Valley 2018 |Washington| A sleek and lively version, delivering frisky pear, kiwifruit, and grapefruit flavors that glide on the long finish. (T.F.)

89 | $17 | PEDRONCELLI| Chardonnay Dry Creek Valley Unoaked Signature Selection 2018 |California| Pear tart and red peach flavors show notes of honeysuckle in this white, with hints of lemongrass on the fresh, spicy finish. (K.M.)

89 | $18 | SEVEN FALLS| Chardonnay Wahluke Slope 2017 |Washington| Polished and pretty, featuring lively flavors of honeysuckle and pear that dance on the supple finish. (T.F.)

89 | $20 | DE WETSHOF| Chardonnay Robertson Bon Vallon 2019 |South Africa| There's vibrant acidity behind the lemon and apple flavors in this elegant, well-knit white. The smooth texture and good focus give this charm and intrigue. (A.Z.)

89 | $20 | INTERCEPT| Chardonnay Paso Robles Charles Woodson's 2018 |California| Snappy and fresh-tasting, with lemongrass and dried basil notes to the green apple and ripe citrus flavors. (K.M.)

89 | $23 | LA CREMA| Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2018 |California| A lithe resinous aspect accents apple and lemon curd flavors, tied together by fresh acidity, with a crisp, spicy finish. (K.M.)

88 | $15 | TOAD HOLLOW| Chardonnay Mendocino County Unoaked Francine's Selection 2018 | California| Fruity, with well-knit flavors of peach, ripe pear, and apple, showing plenty of spice. (K.M.)

88 | $19 | ANCIENT PEAKS| Chardonnay Santa Margarita Ranch 2018 |California| This has a crisp structure, with notes of dried savory herbs to the green peach and fresh-cut apple flavors. (K.M.)

88 | $20 | CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE| Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills Canoe Ridge Estate 2017 |Washington| Sleek and pretty, with delicate pear and tropical fruit flavors, laced with spice. (T.F.)

88 | $20 | HITCH| Chardonnay Edna Valley 2018 |California| Juicy, with rm acidity behind the dried apricot, apple, and green pear flavors, showing plenty of minerality midpalate. (K.M.)

Rhône-Style Whites

92 | $25 | SAN SIMEON| Viognier Paso Robles Stefano Vineyard 2018 |California| Powerful and elegant, with peach cobbler, ripe melon and dried apricot flavors that are rich and concentrated, set on a lithe frame, with bright and juicy acidity. (M.W.)

91 | $24 | CAROL SHELTON| Coquille Blanc Paso Robles 2018 |California| This is charming and complex, with flavors of Meyer lemon, honeydew melon, chamomile and marzipan on a plump frame, showing nice restraint. Grenache Blanc blend. (M.W.)

91 | $30 | PENNER-ASH| Viognier Oregon 2018 |Oregon| A pretty wine, with bold aromas of honeysuckle that lead to crisp yet oily-textured apricot, spiced nut, and orange peel flavors. (T.F.)

90 | $25 | TABLAS CREEK| Patelin de Tablas Blanc Paso Robles 2018 |California| Harmonious, with flavors of juicy peach, yellow apple and ripe melon leading to green tea, dried pineapple, and lemon sherbet details. Grenache Blanc blend. (M.W.)

90 | $30 | TABLAS CREEK| Grenache Blanc Adelaida District 2018 |California| Mouthwatering, showing focus and transparency, with pear, fresh ginger, and apricot flavors on a juicy frame. (M.W.)

Sauvignon Blanc

93 | $28 | GAMBLE FAMILY| Sauvignon Blanc Yountville Gamble Vineyard 2018 |California| Notes of candied ginger and marmalade show a whiff of beeswax, leading to fresh Asian pear, white grapefruit, and peach flavors. Appealingly precise. (M.W.)

93 | $24 | QUIVIRA| Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley Fig Tree Vineyard 2018 |California| Verbena, beeswax, and matcha green tea notes give way to a succulent, polished core of lemon curd, lanolin, and quince flavors. Powerfully intense and focused. (M.W.)

92 | $20 | BANSHEE| Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County 2018 |California| Distinctive and extremely fragrant, with jasmine and lemon thyme notes. Crisp and juicy pear, Key lime, dried mango, and tangerine flavors gain momentum on the long finish. (M.W.)

91 | $20 | GROOT CONSTANTIA| Sauvignon Blanc Constantia 2018 |South Africa| A beautifully knit white, with gooseberry, juniper and quinine notes, all linked by vivid acidity. Silky in texture and harmonious, with a mineral element. (A.Z.)

90 | $15 | TIKI| Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2018 |New Zealand| Offers a fresh mix of green apple, ruby grapefruit and lemon curd flavors, polished and intense. Mouthwatering on the finish, showing a hint of matcha green tea. (M.W.)

90 | $20 | INVIVO| Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough X, Sarah Jessica Parker 2019 |New Zealand| Succulent and refreshing, with Key lime, preserved ginger and green apple candy flavors that are intense and focused, followed by a juicy finish. (M.W.)

90 | $22 | KENWOOD| Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma Coast Six Ridges 2018 |California| Tangy citrus and peach flavors show notes of beeswax and lanolin that add a savory accent to the intense core of juicy fruit. Finishes crisp. (M.W.)

89 | $15 | MULDERBOSCH| Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch 2018 |South Africa| This bright version leans more toward stone fruit flavors, with white peach, dandelion and sea salt notes streaking along, showing hints of vanilla spice midpalate. (A.Z.)

89 | $19 | QUIVIRA| Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley 2018 |California| Orange blossom, marmalade, and lemongrass aromas are light on their feet, with a crisp, sleek core of Key lime and tangerine flavors, while a lemon sherbet note lingers. (M.W.)

89 | $20 | NOBILO| Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Icon 2018 |New Zealand| This white has good intensity to the peach, citrus, and Key lime flavors on a bright, fresh frame. Appealing for its focus and long finish. (M.W.)

More From the U.S.

91 | $19 | FORGE| Riesling Seneca Lake Dry Classique 2018 |New York| A distinctive version, with notes of mustard ower, yellow apple, quince and jasmine mixed together. (J.M.)

89 | $15 | CANOE RIDGE| Pinot Gris Horse Heaven Hills The Expedition 2018 |Washington| Vibrant and sleek, with fresh orange blossom and kiwifruit accents, finishing with polished flavors. (T.F.)

89 | $16 | MONTINORE| Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 2018 |Oregon| Sleek and delicate, with brisk acidity, evoking orange blossom and cantaloupe. (T.F.)

89 | $17 | WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS| Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 2018 |Oregon| Floral and pretty, with delicate apple blossom and honeydew flavors that glide on the long finish. (T.F.)

89 | $22 | L'ECOLE NO. 41| Luminesce Seven Hills Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2018 |Washington| Vibrant and zesty, showing lemon, honeysuckle, and hay notes, with a crisp finish. Sémillon blend. (T.F.)

More From Around the World

90 | $30 | BODEGA GARZÓN| Albariño Uruguay Single Vineyard 2018 |Uruguay| Richly spiced, with lemon curd accents to the ripe melon, citrus and apple flavors. Well-structured. (K.M.)

89 | $19 | LIEVLAND| Chenin Blanc Paar l Old Vines 2018 |South Africa| Offers a silky texture and mouthwatering acidity, with toasted hazelnut accents to the quince, heather and mineral notes. (A.Z.)

88 | $15 | MULDERBOSCH| Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch Op Hout 2018 |South Africa| A lighter style, featuring lemon, ginger, and coriander notes. Shows minerality midpalate, with lively acidity. (A.Z.)