2016 Smith-Madrone Riesling ($37)
The Smith brothers have been making seriously complex Alsace-style rieslings on Napa’s Spring Mountain since 1977. The latest release is superb.
2017 Scar of the Sea Chardonnay Seven Leagues Santa Maria Valley ($38)
The foggy Santa Maria Valley north of Santa Barbara is a primo source for cool, bright chardonnays like this creamy-textured one from an under-the-radar young winemaker.
2017 Bodega Chacra Chardonnay Mainque ($49)
Two great winemakers—Piero Incisa della Rocchetta and Burgundy superstar Jean-Marc Roulot—collaborated on this debut vintage of a pure, richly fruity, elegant white from Patagonia.
Rosé Is a Year-Round Thing
2018 Masciarelli Villa Gemma Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo ($12)
Dark-hued, this cherryish, serious Italian rosato from the montepulciano grape has enough weight and flavor for winter drinking – and at a bargain price.
2018 Patrick Lambert Chinon Rosé ($14)
Aromas of wild strawberries, pretty berry flavors, and a succulent texture mark this rose made from cabernet franc in the Loire Valley.
2018 Attems Pinot Grigio Ramato Rosé ($18)
Ramato refers to the pinkish-copper color because the wine sees longer contact with skins during fermentation. It’s a savory-tasting food wine with character.
2018 Idlewild The Flower Flora and Fauna Rosé ($25)
From Mendocino, this lively, tangy pink wine is a blend of three Italian grape varieties.
Light and Rich Reds
2017 Veramonte Pinot Noir ($11)
It’s hard to find any wine worth drinking for this price, much less a pinot noir. This scented, fruity example from Chile’s cool Casablanca Valley is a great party pour.
NV Bedrock Shebang Red ($15)
Bold and bright, this California blend of zinfandel and more than seven other varieties from old vineyards is consistently satisfying.
2015 Quinta Do Chocapalha ($19)
Star winemaker Sandra Tavares makes this violet-scented, softly plush blend from four Portuguese varieties at her family’s property outside Lisbon.