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.

There are nearly 800 miles between California’s north and south borders, and more than 100 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in between. Many of those AVAs are situated near the state’s massive coastline, and thus are well-suited to Pinot Noir, which thrives in cooler locales. California’s vast reaches are on display in this week’s selection, highlighting a variety of Pinot Noir styles from several notable regions, each notching 90 points or higher in recent tastings.

Starting in the south, we have two wines from Sta. Rita Hills: one from Santa Barbara winery Brewer-Clifton, and the other from Napa-based Luna. Both wines go through whole-cluster fermentations and used barrels, yielding balanced expressions of the grape, with structure, earth and spice notes.

Slingshotting to the far north leads us to Masut’s Eagle Peak Pinot Noir. Brothers Jake and Ben Fetzer are among the few vintners with vines in this relatively new and mountainous appellation in Mendocino County. The high elevation of the area (between 800 and 3,200 feet) provides ample sun exposure, but also cooler nighttime temperatures, balancing fruit ripeness with fresh acidity. This results in rich and concentrated wines with crunchy acidity.

And don’t miss everything in between. Not far from Eagle Peak lies Anderson Valley, where Kendall-Jackson makes a ripe and fruity style. Flowers and CrossBarn offer exemplary coastal versions. Acacia and Morgan also highlight their particular climates with a generous and spicy Carneros Pinot, and a juicy and finely textured version from Santa Lucia Highlands, respectively.

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BREWER-CLIFTON

Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills

Score: 92 | $40

WS review: Zesty and well-sculpted, with forest floor notes to the dried fruit and spice flavors. Dried orange peel and clove accents on the supple finish, with hints of tar and paprika. Drink now through 2023. 2,000 cases made.—Kim Marcus

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FLOWERS

Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Score: 92 | $50

WS review: Big and rich, with flavors of plum tart, dried strawberry and red currant, supported by crunchy acidity. Cedar and hot stone notes emerge on the pure-tasting, minerally finish. Drink now through 2024. 23,000 cases made.—K.M.

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LUNA

Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Winemaker’s Reserve

Score: 92 | $45

WS review: Delicate, complex and lengthens out nicely with a mix of underbrush and dried berry flavors that are supported by firm acidity. Rich finish has dried meat and cedary accents, with some creamy hints. Drink now through 2023. 1,081 cases made.—K.M.

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MASUT

Pinot Noir Eagle Peak Estate Vineyard

Score: 92 | $40

WS review: Lithe, pure and rich-tasting, with concentrated dark plum, currant and cherry pastry flavors, supported by crunchy acidity. Intense violet notes emerge midpalate, leading to a spicy finish that lingers with slate and spice details. Drink now through 2023. 2,450 cases made.—K.M.

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CROSSBARN

Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Score: 91 | $37

WS review: Crisp and well-structured, with a sinewy texture to the ripe cherry and dried berry flavors. The inky finish offers hints of pepper and mocha. Drink now through 2023. 12,600 cases made.—K.M.

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MORGAN

Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands Twelve Clones

Score: 91 | $35

WS review: Lithe, with juicy richness to the raspberry, dried cherry and red currant flavors. Offers crunchy minerality midpalate, with a finely textured, minerally finish. Drink now through 2024. 10,498 cases made.—K.M.

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ACACIA

Pinot Noir Carneros

Score: 90 | $28

WS review: Lively and balanced, featuring touches of richness to the raspberry tart, red plum and dark currant flavors. Creamy midpalate, with a finish filled with sandalwood and Asian spice notes. Drink now through 2022. 90,000 cases made.—K.M.

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KENDALL-JACKSON

Pinot Noir Anderson Valley Grand Reserve

Score: 90 | $26

WS review: Ripe, featuring dark plum, blackberry tart and dark currant flavors, framed by concentrated Asian spice notes. Dark chocolate and mocha details emerge on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 3,707 cases made.—K.M.

That slow sizzle, the smell in the air as meat meets fire … there’s nothing quite like grilling on an open flame in the summertime. Barbecue fare demands hearty, zesty reds, like these California Rhône-style reds. Get the scores and tasting notes!

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.

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.

Many people think of the wine regions in South America as relatively new, but winemaking in this area dates to the 16th century, when monks were making wine from Mission grapes. But it wasn’t until the late 1800s that Vitis vinifera plantings of grapes such as Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon took root in countries like Chile and Argentina. Both countries have come into their own as prolific sources for quality, great-value wines. Today’s selection highlights a mixed bag from both large and small producers, showcasing how both Chile and Argentina, with their multitude of microclimates, can make wines from a variety of grapes.

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ALTOCEDRO Cabernet Sauvignon La Consulta Año Cero 2018 Score: 91 | $18

WS review: Rich, ripe and filled with luscious dark fruit and spice flavors, including kirsch, plum and cherry, turning creamy midpalate. Medium-grained tannins show on the finish, which is filled with dark chocolate and mocha hints. Drink now through 2023. From Argentina. 560 cases imported.—K.M.

Why it’s of note: Winemaker Karim Mussi Saffie grew up alongside his father’s business brokering bulk wine. In 1999, he decided to start his own wine venture, focusing on quality rather than quantity. Altocedro is a boutique operation, making wines from old-vine vineyards in Mendoza’s higher elevations. The wines are often aged in concrete vats to retain fruit aromas and flavors, before finishing in oak; they show more purity of fruit rather than oak influence.

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CADUS WINES Malbec Mendoza Blend De Alturas 2014 Score: 91 | $30

WS review: This is loaded with blueberry, blackberry and dark currant flavors that are rich and well-spiced. Chocolate mousse notes lead into a lusciously creamy finish. Drink now through 2024. From Argentina. 790 cases imported.—K.M.

Why it’s of note: Cadus began in the cellars of Nieto Senetiner, one of Argentina’s oldest estates, before evolving into its own independent label, focused on small-production wines from Mendoza’s provinces. The Blend de Alturas comes from three sites—Los Arboles and Chacayes in Uco Valley, and Alto Agrelo in Luján de Cuyo—each lending to this rich and well-spiced Malbec.

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MONTGRAS Syrah Colchagua Valley Antu 2016 Score: 90 | $25

WS review: Dense, brooding and powerful, featuring plenty of smoky accents to the ripe dark plum and baked cherry flavors. Powerful Asian spice notes emerge midplate, revealing a long finish that is rich with dark chocolate and tobacco leaf details. Drink now through 2024. From Chile. 1,000 cases imported.—K.M.

Why it’s of note: Founded in 1993, Montgras has quickly become one of Chile’s largest family-owned wineries. Its Antu range highlights terroirs from different single vineyards. The Syrah hails from a vineyard planted on mountain slopes in Colchagua Valley, southwest of Santiago. Poor soils and a slightly cooler climate yield a concentrated and complex wine.

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VIÑA GARCÉS SILVA Pinot Noir Leyda Valley Amayna 2016 Score: 90 | $35

WS review: Crushed red fruit flavors are accented by graphite notes in this firm, fleshy version. Chocolate nib and floral details show on the finish. Drink now through 2022. From Chile. 500 cases imported.—K.M.

Why it’s of note: The Garcés Silva family was among the first to invest in Leyda Valley, a subregion of San Antonio known for being very cool. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, just 7 miles away, makes it an ideal spot for growing Pinot Noir, as grapes ripen slowly while acidity levels remain high, resulting in wines that are fresh and elegant.

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LAPOSTOLLE Merlot Colchagua Valley Cuvée Alexandre Apalta Vineyard 2015 Score: 89 | $25

WS review: Notes of dried mint and savory spice accent the concentrated dark plum and cherry tart flavors. Dark chocolate and Asian spice hints emerge on the finish. Drink now through 2022. From Chile. 504 cases imported.—K.M.

Why it’s of note: Grapes for this Lapostolle wine come from the winery’s Apalta Vineyard, located in the center of Colchagua Valley. Situated between two mountain ranges, sun exposure is tempered in both the morning and evening, extending the growing season in this almost semi-arid climate. Slow maturation leads to high concentration and expressive flavors, like we see in this Merlot.

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VIÑA MONTES Carmenère Colchagua Valley Alpha 2017 Score: 88 | $22

WS review: Lots of loamy notes accent the mocha, ground coffee and roasted plum flavors. The ripe finish features green herbal accents and firm tannins. Drink now. From Chile. 1,000 cases imported.—K.M.

Why it’s of note: Since its founding in 1988, Viña Montes has become a leading force in Chilean wine, exporting to more than 100 countries today. A little over half of the wine is aged in used French oak barrels, retaining the natural ripe fruit and herb flavors of Carmenère, while the new oak shows its influence with hints of mocha and coffee.

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 many, rosé represents sunshine in a bottle. The sun is still just shyly peeking through in some parts of the country, but quit looking out the window for a sign and start stocking up on these rosés already.

Rosé on the go? Yes please! The canned wine category continues to soar thanks in part to refreshing versions like this rosé from Ferdinand, which is floral and snappy and is made to travel anywhere in its 375ml container.

Vaughn Duffy delivers a 90-pointer here. It’s made entirely from Carignane sourced from 80-year-old vines in Mendocino’s Ukiah Valley. Carol Shelton also uses Carignane, blended with Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, for her deep-colored rosé.

Big-production versions from La Crema, Kendall-Jackson, Martin Ray and Layer Cake are widely available throughout the U.S. and are attractively priced—in case you need another excuse to buy a bottle … or 12.

VAUGHN DUFFY Carignane Mendocino County Rosé 2018 Score: 90 | $20
Sleek and delicately spirited, with floral watermelon and peach flavors that dance on a long finish. Drink now. 420 cases made.—Tim Fish

LA CREMA Pinot Noir Monterey Rosé 2018 Score: 89 | $25
A spirited version, with expressive strawberry blossom aromas and delicate watermelon and spice flavors. Drink now. 34,734 cases made.—T.F.

PISONI Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands Rosé Lucy 2018 Score: 89 | $19
Sleek and refined, yet lively, with strawberry, spice and dried orange flavors that linger on the finish. Drink now. 1,041 cases made.—T.F.

KENDALL-JACKSON Rosé Vintner’s Reserve California 2018 Score: 88 | $17
Crisp and graceful, with apricot and watermelon flavors. Drink now. 90,847 cases made.—T.F.

MARTIN RAY Pinot Noir Sonoma County Rosé 2018 Score: 88 | $16
Crisp and delicately zesty with strawberry and spice flavors. 12,000 cases made.—T.F.

CAROL SHELTON Rosé Wild Thing Rendezvous Mendocino County 2018 Score: 88 | $16
Festive and refreshing, with zesty cherry and spice flavors. Carignane, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now. 2,831 cases made.—T.F.

FERDINAND Rosé California 2018 Score: 87 | $9/375ml
Floral watermelon and orange zest aromas open to crisp and snappy flavors. Drink now. 700 cases made.—T.F.

LAYER CAKE Rosé California 2017 Score: 87 | $13
Delicate and floral, with strawberry and peach pit accents. Pinot Noir and Syrah. Drink now. 17,483 cases made.—T.F.

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.

Senior editor Kim Marcus, our lead taster for California Chardonnay, has tasted nearly 500 different bottlings over the past year. This week, we’ve selected seven stellar examples from across the state, from the Sonoma Coast to Santa Barbara’s Sta. Rita Hills.

Mayacamas is perched on Napa’s Mount Veeder, a unique location for growing Chardonnay. The AVA has the coolest temperatures in Napa, save for Carneros, which borders Mount Veeder. Vines grow on steep slopes in this rugged, mountainous terrain, whose afternoon shade further extends an already lengthy growing season. These conditions give liveliness to the wines, and Mayacamas capitalizes on this, fermenting with little new oak or malolactic fermentation. The result is a vibrant and fresh Chardonnay that has become Mayacamas’ hallmark style.

Duckhorn Wine Company’s Migration is made in a contrasting style to that of Mayacamas, showing more oak influence from the 10 months of aging spent in 35 percent new oak barrels. Additionally, 75 percent of the juice goes through malolactic fermentation, yielding a plush and creamy style.

There are diverse choices if you’re looking for value, too: Buehler‘s buttery and rich style, and Hahn‘s minerally, herbal version both clock in at $20 or less and are widely available.

MAYACAMAS Chardonnay Mount Veeder 2017 Score: 92 | $50
Vibrantly fresh, with well-proportioned flavors of McIntosh apple, Asian pear and dried quince, backed by fresh acidity. The minerally finish lingers with good snap. Drink now through 2024. 2,500 cases made.—Kim Marcus

MIGRATION Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2017 Score: 92 | $40
Offers a plush mouthfeel, with creamy richness to the ripe pear, apple tart and dried apricot flavors. Unctuous midpalate, revealing dried ginger and honeyed notes on the long finish. Drink now through 2025. 5,000 cases made.—K.M.

CHAMISAL Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills 2017 Score: 91 | $35
Dried pineapple and mango notes flank the concentrated apple pastry and lemon meringue flavors. Well-structured, offering a creamy finish that lingers with plenty of spice. Drink now through 2024. 1,850 cases made.—K.M.

SONOMA-LOEB Chardonnay Carneros Private Reserve 2017 Score: 91 | $27
Fresh, with mouthfilling savoriness and hints of minerality to the dried apple, glazed pear and pastry flavors. The broad finish is oak- and butter-filled. Drink now through 2023. 3,500 cases made.—K.M.

J. WILKES Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley 2017 Score: 90 | $22
A spicy and fruity version, with a luscious mix of peach cobbler and apple pastry flavors that are supported by fresh acidity. The minerally finish lingers with savory hints. Drink now through 2023. 2,500 cases made.—K.M.

BUEHLER Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2017 Score: 89 | $20
Hints of dried ginger accent the baked apple, pear and mango flavors, imbued with a buttery richness. Spicy on the finish, with some pastry details. Drink now through 2023. 14,400 cases made.—K.M.

HAHN Chardonnay Monterey County 2017 Score: 87 | $15
Notes of graphite and dried green herb accent the ripe apple and dried pear flavors. Finishes with hints of wet stone. Drink now. 35,000 cases made.—K.M.

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.

There are a few common threads running through today’s selection of wines: They’re all from Sonoma County, they all notch 90 points or higher, and they have notable spice.

Aromas and flavors of spice in wine can come in many forms. It can manifest as notes of peppercorn, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, anise, ginger …. Some grapes have a natural spiciness to them, while others obtain their spice character from aging or fermenting in oak barrels.

Here we have three Pinot Noirs, two Chardonnays and two Zinfandels—a variety known for its spicy zestiness. Rodney Strong strikes twice with a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; both are filled with fruit flavors that complement those spice notes. And if you compare the two Zinfandels, you might find that the white pepper note in Carol Shelton‘s Peaceland Vineyard bottling points to the grape’s DNA, whereas Kirkland Signature‘s toasted spice flavors likely result from new oak influence.

ROUTESTOCK Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 116 2017 Score: 91 | $23
This offers creamy raspberry, currant and wild plum flavors, supported by medium-grained tannins. The spicy finish lingers with chocolate notes and hints of mint. Drink now through 2023. 5,024 cases made.—Kim Marcus

CAROL SHELTON Zinfandel Fountaingrove District Peaceland Vineyard 2016 Score: 91 | $36
Snappy and well-built, with lively cherry and cranberry flavors, laced with bay leaf and white pepper accents, finishing on a crisp, vibrant note. Drink now through 2026. 566 cases made.—Tim Fish

RODNEY STRONG Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2016 Score: 91 | $25
Refined, featuring lithe flavors of cherry tart and raspberry, with hints of nutmeg, all supported by medium-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Chocolate, spice and cream details emerge on the rich finish. Drink now through 2024. 67,500 cases made.—K.M.

KIRKLAND SIGNATURE Zinfandel Sonoma County Old Vine 2016 Score: 90 | $10
Vibrant and zesty, this lacks complexity but remains jammed with up-front black cherry and toasted spice flavors that finish with a lively snap. Drink now through 2024. 42,000 cases made.—T.F.

KUNDE FAMILY Chardonnay Sonoma Valley Wildwood Vineyard 2017 Score: 90 | $30
Well-structured, with crunchy acidity backing the ripe apple and baked pear flavors. The lusciously spiced finish features buttery richness. Drink now through 2023. 1,160 cases made.—K.M.

PALI WINE CO. Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Riviera 2017 Score: 90 | $25
Ripe, with mocha and espresso accents to the concentrated dark fruit and Asian spice flavors. Dark chocolate notes lengthen out nicely on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 7,366 cases made.—K.M.

RODNEY STRONG Chardonnay Chalk Hill 2016 Score: 90 | $22
Juicy and lusciously fruity, with roasted tropical fruit, apple pastry and pear tart flavors. Buttery and spicy accents show on the vibrant finish. Drink now through 2022. 63,750 cases made.—K.M.

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.

Argentina continues to climb the wine-region ranks, and is now a sizable contributor to wine production and exports on the global stage. This is in large part thanks to its rich, fruity Malbecs, many of which are affordably priced. While the origins of the variety can be traced back to southern France, it’s become Argentina’s signature grape. All but one of the Malbecs in today’s selection hail from Mendoza, where nearly three-quarters of Argentina’s vineyards are; the other comes from Cafayate Valley, also a top region in the country.

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BODEGA LUIGI BOSCA Malbec Mendoza Terroir Los Miradores 2016 Score: 91 | $30

WS review: Lusciously spiced, with dark cherry, blackberry and dark currant flavors swathed in rich cardamom and mocha accents. The plush finish is long and creamy. Drink now through 2024. 800 cases imported.—Kim Marcus

Why it’s of note: Los Miradores is one of eight vineyards Bodega Luigi Bosca highlights in their single-vineyard bottlings. This is their highest-altitude vineyard, planted at 3,700 feet above sea level in Tunuyán, within Uco Valley. The wine’s elegance and spice-filled core is typical of expressions from this area.

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CUVELIER LOS ANDES Malbec Uco Valley 2015 Score: 90 | $19

WS review: Pure and refreshing, with snappy red fruit and spice flavors that feature plenty of minerality. Reveals notes of pencil shavings and slate on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 2,400 cases imported.—K.M.

Why it’s of note: The Cuvelier family, owners of Bordeaux’s Château Léoville Poyferré and Château Le Crock, were drawn to Argentina when French enologist and winemaking consultant Michel Rolland invited them to take part in the Clos de los Siete project, which includes four French-owned wineries in Uco Valley. Bertrand and Jean-Guy Cuvelier later decided to build a winery of their own, giving birth to Cuvelier Los Andes. The vineyard was planted in 1999, and Rolland consults for the brand.

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PIATTELLI Malbec Cafayate Valley Grand Reserve 2016 Score: 90 | $20

WS review: Fresh and lively acidity supports the intense dark fruit, spice and cream flavors. The fruity finish is long and rich, featuring accents of flint and white pepper, with ample tannins. Drink now through 2024. 1,100 cases imported.—K.M.

Why it’s of note: Cafayate Valley is a unique appellation within the Salta wine region in northern Argentina. It has elevations exceeding 5,800 feet, with extensive sunlight and cool nights extending the growing season. This yields elegant wines that are ripe but remain balanced and structured, like this bottling from Piattelli.

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ALTA VISTA Malbec Mendoza Estate 2017 Score: 88 | $20

WS review: Interesting slate, flint and spice notes accent the dark fruit flavors. Firm tannins show on the slightly peppery finish. Drink now through 2021. 2,000 cases imported.—K.M.

Why it’s of note: Alta Vista was among the first Argentinian wineries to make single-vineyard Malbecs, but this dark and spicy blend sources grapes from various estate vineyards in Uco Valley. In total, Alta Vista farms and owns 516 acres throughout Mendoza.

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BODEGAS SALENTEIN Malbec Uco Valley Reserve 2017 Score: 88 | $19

WS review: Crisp, with fresh-crushed red fruit flavors that are supported by crunchy acidity. Cranberry zest detail emerges on the finish. Drink now through 2021. 5,000 cases imported.—K.M.

Why it’s of note: Guided by influential Argentinian winemaker José Galante, Bodegas Salentein is one of the largest estates in Uco Valley, with 2,000 acres of vines. Plantings range from 3,400 to 5,600 feet in elevation, offering various microclimates for their range of wines. The reserve bottling benefits from alluvial, stony soils, which yield crisp flavors and acidity.

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TINTONEGRO Malbec Uco Valley 2017 Score: 88 | $17

WS review: There are dried meat notes to the roasted plum and macerated cherry flavors of this red, with dried blueberry accents on the tannic finish. Drink now through 2022. 10,000 cases made.—K.M.

Why it’s of note: TintoNegro is a collaboration between Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach, who worked together at Bodega Catena Zapata for 15 years. Through his time as vineyard director at Catena, Sejanovich gained knowledge of a variety of Argentina terroirs, and chose Uco Valley for this wine with the intent to showcase a cool-climate Malbec.

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VIÑA DOÑA PAULA Malbec Uco Valley 2017 Score: 87 | $15

WS review: Sinewy, with sanguine notes to the dried red berry and red currant flavors. Underbrush hints on the finish. Drink now. 70,000 cases imported.—K.M.

Why it’s of note: Viña Doña Paula makes wine exclusively from estate fruit from their 1,700 acres of vines, which are split between four vineyards in various subregions of Mendoza. This bottling taps two of those vineyards, one with stony soils and one with sandy soils, yielding a distinctive wine.