Spring Wines From Australia, USA, Argentina, South Africa, France

The following wines produced on the continents of Oceania, America, Africa and Europe are ideal for spring—with crisp or brilliant acidity balanced with pronounced fruit and elegance. Three are whites, one is sweet and four are hearty reds that bridge winter to spring.

Australia –

Penfolds. Bin 407. Cabernet Sauvignon. 2022. 94-95 points.

This 14% alcohol wine includes aromas of dark red plums, raspberries, pencil lead, mocha, eucalyptus, mint, cedar, coconut and eucalyptus. Astringent attack followed by a dense, chewy and edgy mid palate rich with flavors of fudge, chocolate and black cherries; on the finish—toffee, brownies and an explosion of red cherries. This is a captivating mystery, with delicate red fruits blanketing firm but suave tannins. Layered and rich—a Saint-Émilion of the southern hemisphere.

United States –

Penfolds. Bin 704. Napa Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon. 2021. 96 points.

A slice of Australia in America. Aromas of raspberry and strawberry jam, malt balls, red cherries and teak. A juicy, invigorating wine with dense, complex mid palate flavors that include brownies, black cherries and black currants. Layered and well buoyed by fresh acidity. Subtle and silky tannins in a delicious matrix of dark, chewy flavors. Consider pairing with barbecued beef or with a vegetarian pumpkin truffle ravioli.

Argentina –

Zuccardi. Vino de Paraje. Fósil. Uco Valley, Argentina. 2023. 92 points.

Chardonnay from grapes grown in San Pablo. 13% alcohol. Aromas of citrics that include lime and lemons, as well as wet granite and slight mango and mint. Crisp, fresh and tangy acidity and a finish both creamy and enticing. Serve with buttered scallops or a pineapple upside down cake dessert.

Zuccardi. Finca Canal Uco. Pasaje Altamira, Mendoza, Argentina. 2021. 93+ points.

Malbec. Dusky aromas of dry earth, gorse, red cherries and red plums with some burning sage. Delicate and delicious mid palate with soft tannins; layered and creamy flavors of red and black fruit flavors enveloped by firm acidity. Pair with a beef broth, grilled tuna steak or with cheese ravioli.

South Africa –

Klein Constantia. Vin de Constance. 2021. 99 points.

Aromas of honey, nutmeg, sage, mandarins, ginger and queen of the night. Coherent beam of a rainbow of flavors; luscious and focused stream of nectar. Medium bodied with brilliant acidity folded around tropical flavors as well as candy cane. Brilliant. Shared this with a Dutch sommelier in Minervois in France who recommends pairing it with duck liver and figs.

Klein Constantia. Clara Sauvignon Blanc. 2023. 94+ points.

Named after the American heiress who purchased Klein Constantia in 1913. Classic grapefruit aromas as well as some peach and honey, dry granite and minerality. A fresh, crisp, classy and elevated Sauvignon with rich flavors and brisk acidity. Includes nectarines and tangerines mid palate and a slight gooseberry finish. Pair with Dover sole with lemon.

France –

Domaine Jones. La Perle Rare. Fitou. 2021. 92+-93 points.

From the Languedoc Roussillon region of France. Barrel aged 100% Syrah from Katie Jones. Creamy cherry and chocolate chip aromas, with stroganoff, cassis. A hearty, dark and chewy mouthful with flavors of German chocolate cake and soy and a raspberry parfait on the finish. Tannins enfolded into hefty dark fruit and mocha flavors, highlighted by firm acidity. Lovely. Pair with a beef and carrot stew or with vegetarian samosas.

Lulu Trotteur. La Rencontre. Vin de France. 2023. 92+ points.

A 70/30 Gros Manseng/Sauvignon Blanc blend from Anne-Sophie Labourdette in Bordeaux, creator of ‘vins audacieux,’ or audacious wines. Consider the original blend of grapes—one from the base of the Pyrenees peaks and one characteristic of Bordeaux. Subtle and syrupy first nose, followed by aromas of honey dew melon as well as honey, limes, guava and mandarins. A brisk and edgy attack followed by an engaging and dynamic mid palate—with tension between acidity and fruit and flavors of oranges, strawberries, green apples as well as spearmint on the finish. Artisanal, energetic and gastronomic. Serve with scallops or with buttered white fish.