The 18 Best Wines In 2023 So Far

Having a go-to bottle to reach for when you're shopping makes the task of choosing wine simpler, but it can quickly become monotonous. Even the best options can feel common if you're picking them every time. Thankfully, wine is produced year-round across the globe, with new releases constantly popping up on the market. Between the northern and southern hemispheres, you're likely to find new bottles appearing at your local wine shop on a regular basis.

Already in the first few months of 2023, numerous hits have made it on our radar. Whether you're eager to try a young and fresh rosé with the arrival of spring or have been anticipating a bottle that has spent multiple years aging in a winery cellar, our selection will suit your needs. We've compiled our favorite white, rosé, red, and sparkling wines that have recently become accessible to consumers. Try a few or sip them all — you're sure to find new favorites!

Family-owned Bodegas Emilio Moro offers a range of styles that highlight the winery's ambition and constant development in the vineyard and cellar. With a focus on indigenous grapes from Ribera del Duero and El Bierzo vineyard areas, Emilio Moro's wines are a true testament to the variety of the Spanish terroir.

We're fans of Polvorete, one of the few white wines the winery produces, which is made with 100% godello grapes. Although the variety isn't well known outside of El Bierzo where the vineyards are located, this wine is one more reason to make a point to discover it. The label is designed by a prominent Spanish artist and offers a clue as to the vivacious nature of the contents.

A stainless steel fermentation keeps this wine bright, with a fruity quality that makes it especially palatable. Citrus and crisp mineral notes are present in every sip, along with a hint of acidity that makes a good match for food. Serve it with seafood or fish-centric dishes as you daydream about tasting more godello wines in Spain by the end of the year.

New Zealand is the place to go for some of the world's top sauvignon blanc wines, and Babich Wines has been a shining example of this for over a century. Since its beginning, the family-run winery has prioritized sustainability, care, and attention in the vineyard and cellar. As it gains increasing recognition internationally, Babich continues to prioritize a holistic approach that expresses the local terroir.

The Black Label sauvignon blanc is made with grapes sourced from its Marlborough vineyards. If you have yet to familiarize yourself with the island nation's wines, Marlborough is the area that put New Zealand sauvignon blanc on the global map. This white wine is bursting with flavor, with classic notes of passionfruit and gooseberry mingling alongside blackcurrant. A citrusy herbal streak keeps it crisp on the palate, making this a refreshing option with or without food. Serve it chilled with your favorite seafood dish or a salad loaded with spring produce.

A bold Spanish red wine is suitable for so many occasions, whether you're digging into a hearty dinner or cozying up by the fireplace. El Coto de Rioja prides itself on its ability to innovate while retaining tradition at heart. The winery owns some of the largest vineyards in the Rioja area and produces wine across a dozen smaller cellars. This allows winemakers to focus on specific features and perfect the conditions they want to achieve for each type of wine. Given the varied duration of maturation for Rioja wines, this level of classification is key to the flow of the winery.

Coto de Imaz Gran Reserva undergoes a lengthier aging period, resting for a minimum of five years in both oak barrels and bottles before being released to the public. The wine is made with a blend of tempranillo and graciano grapes, two essential varieties of the Rioja region. Through maturation, the wine has developed complex notes of fresh and dried fruits, as well as hints of leather, earth, and coconut. Smooth tannins and a rounded mouthfeel further reflect oak aging. Enjoy this generous wine with grilled red meat or pair it with a vegetarian option such as a mushroom and root vegetable dish.

You've heard of white, red, and rosé wines, and it's increasingly easy to find orange wine. That's it, right? Well, meet vin gris, aka gray wine. As it turns out, this is just a subset of rosé wine and describes the palest of pale hues, which ultimately kind of looks grayish. While there aren't too many specifications surrounding the style, a minimal maceration period is key. By reducing (and almost eliminating) the time that grape skins spend in contact with the juice, the resulting color is a shadow of its potential.

Vin gris is commonly made with pinot noir grapes, which offer sufficient pigmentation to imbue some color with barely any skin contact. Robert Sinskey Vineyards in Napa consists of various agricultural areas, including Los Carneros where its organic pinot noir vines grow. A quick press in the cellar yields a delicately colored wine that is brimming with flavor. Notes of red berries, guava, peach, and citrus brighten up every sip, while floral aromas round it out. Its simultaneous complexity and levity make it a versatile wine to pair with a wide range of foods. From light snacks to grilled fare, as well as spicy cuisines and seafood dishes, this vin gris fits it all.

Habit Wine is the result of passion and effort, and those endeavors have certainly paid off. Winemaker and owner Jeff Fischer takes a decidedly hands-on approach, producing wine with fruit sourced across Santa Barbara Valley. The grapes are grown organically, hand-harvested, and fermented with native yeasts. Overall, the minimal intervention in the cellar allows the fruit to speak for itself, and this rosé grenache sure has a lot to express.

Thanks to a stainless steel fermentation, the wine remains vibrant and fresh, with fruity notes and a pleasant acidity on the palate. Notes of red fruits with a hint of spice mingle together, keeping every sip exciting and balanced. You'll want to get your hands on a bottle (or more) as soon as possible since the recent production only counts 112 cases. Pair it with a charcuterie board and picnic spread, or sip it chilled as you soak up the warmer weather.

It's easy to get in the habit of drinking the same few white wine varieties, but you'll be rewarded for trying something different. Viognier originated in the Northern Rhône Valley in France, so it's no surprise that it has been planted in Paso Robles, home to The Rhone Rangers, a group of winemakers eager to spread varieties from the French region. 

San Simeon viognier is from San Antonio Winery, the largest and oldest winery in Los Angeles which now owns vineyards across the state. The wine is produced from vines in Paso Robles, which offers a suitable climate for this aromatic grape. Daytime sunlight allows it to ripen sufficiently, while cooler nighttime temperatures maintain the acidity intact, a key characteristic of a well-made viognier wine. Peach, tropical fruits, and white flowers jump out of the glass, with notes of honey and minerality culminating in a full body with a long finish. You'll want to pair this sumptuous white wine with a sweet and spicy seafood pasta or a mildly spiced poultry dish.

Although Oregon's wine industry is well-established at present, it is still fairly novel. Sokol Blosser counts among the pioneers in the region, having planted its first vines half a century ago. The sustainable and family-run winery promotes the local terroir through its range of wines, which comprises primarily pinot noir in the reds. With various vineyards across the Willamette Valley, the nuances are expressed in each bottle of pinot.

The winery recently purchased Kalita Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton, and this pinot noir release is the first harvest. The wine is aged in oak barrels for almost a year, resulting in deep and rich flavors. Notes of dark fruits like black cherries and blackberries are enhanced by an element of spice, while earthy aromas and a hint of coffee tie up this intense wine. Serve it with mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, or roasted poultry, or sip it to complement a square of dark chocolate. Grab a bottle and be the first among your friends to try the fruits of yet another vineyard managed by Sokol Blosser.

Riesling is boxed into a category of sweet wines from Germany, but that's selling it very short. The grape is incredibly versatile and grows across the world, including in Australia. Yes, the land of bold shiraz is earning itself a notable reputation with its riesling wines, primarily from the Clare and Eden Valleys in the south. Jim Barry winery is located in the former, also home to the Riesling Trail for wine lovers who are equally fond of cycling and hiking.

The family-owned business oversees close to 20 vineyard sites, offering consumers a taste of the local complexities. Its Watervale riesling is a prime example and has been in the winery's portfolio for over 50 years. Optimal conditions allow the fruit to ripen fully while maintaining its characteristic acidity. Notes of lemon and grapefruit along with delicate aromas of white flowers round out this flavorful wine. A mineral streak brightens every mouthwatering sip, making this a refreshingly vibrant option to bring to the table. Serve it with seafood or creamy preparations; it will cut right through and cleanse your palate.

The small team behind The Hobo Wine Company is passionate about wine and the multitude of expressions it takes on. Part craft part business, the winery leases vineyards that seek a holistic approach to viticulture, with organic, biodynamic, and sustainable practices. In the cellar, "unforced winemaking" is the target, in order to highlight the qualities that make every bottle unique.

A large proportion of the world's chenin blanc vines are in South Africa and France, but California is discovering the magic of this versatile grape. Folk Machine chenin blanc is the winery's take on the variety, inspired by travels to the Loire Valley where it is impossible to avoid. The wine displays a characteristic acidity, balanced by a rich texture on the palate from its fermentation in both stainless steel and concrete egg. Citrus and stone fruit aromas and a stony minerality make this wine an excellent pairing with seafood, mild cheeses, and spicy dishes.

England is becoming an ever-exciting source of sparkling wines, with an upward trajectory as regions to the south become too warm to guarantee suitable acidity for the grapes. Trotton Estate Vineyards is owned by a husband and wife who dreamed of producing a traditional method sparkling wine from French grapes on English soil. With the experience of two talented French winemakers, the Spectacular sparkling brut was released following five years of production and maturation.

The result has surpassed the expectations of everyone involved, and the bubbly wine was even chosen over certain bottles of Champagne in various blind tastings. Made with a classic blend of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier, this wine certainly follows the path of the famous French wine. Lengthy aging on the lees (dead yeast cells) is evident in the toasty biscuity aromas on the nose. With minimal residual sugar, every sip is creamy, refreshing, and utterly crisp. Served with or without food, you'll want to pour a glass of British bubbles to celebrate something big or simply because it's Tuesday.

South African wine includes a wide array of styles, though pinot noir might not be the first that comes to mind. Haute Cabrière is familiar with the variety, as it features prominently in the winery's range of sparkling and still wines. Located in the Franschhoek Valley, the farm itself dates back to the 1600s. More recently in the early '80s, the winery was founded by the von Armin family. The terroir makes the area well-suited for vines, in particular, pinot noir and chardonnay.

The Haute Collection highlights specific vineyard blocks in optimal years, truly showcasing the region's qualities. The pinot noir displays a prized plot, with a low yield that intensifies the fruit notes. The wine was aged in new oak, adding complexity to the fruity character. Aromas of plums and cherries shine through, with a delicate earthiness to round it out. Serve this charming pinot with roast duck, venison, or a mushroom-based dish.

Famed California producers Steve and Jill Klein Matthiasson are farmers first and foremost. Their agricultural background and work ethic are evident in their vineyard sites sprawled around Napa. With typical varieties like chardonnay and merlot, as well as less common grapes like ribolla gialla and schioppettino, the couple is exploring the multitude of possibilities available in the local terroir.

The recently released 2022 rosé is just the bottle you'll want to have chilling in the fridge as temperatures start to increase. Made with a blend of grenache, mourvèdre, counoise, and barbera, the combination is a unique twist on southern French styles. Delicate fruit notes with a hint of minerality and balanced acidity mingle in this rosé that's remarkably easy to drink. A citrus background brightens up every sip, making this a winning bottle to enjoy chilled on a sunny day or with a dish featuring fresh spring produce, like green peas and salad greens.

True respect and appreciation for the surrounding land are at the heart of Maysara's philosophy. Located in McMinnville, Oregon, the vineyards are farmed with biodynamic principles, allowing them to flourish to their full potential. The resulting wines feature these attributes and are a favorite for pinot gris and noir lovers.

The Arsheen pinot gris is a fine example of these qualities, fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel and concrete eggs to allow the natural flavors to shine. Aromas of pear, green apple, citrus, and stone fruit are present on the nose, with a delicate hint of spice that makes each sip stand out. Thanks to the crisp acidity, this pinot gris is both refreshing and complex in taste. Enjoy this wine solo by the glass or serve it with assorted dishes like pork, poultry, and charcuterie. The aromatic profile makes a solid pairing with spicy dishes as well.

Australian shiraz is a recognizable style of wine, which makes it extra great to find a bottle that stands out from the pack. Charlotte Dalton has been making wine around the world for almost 20 years, and the result is a unique perspective on the varieties she grows in South Australia. Not to mention, her philosophy that wine is meant to evoke joy is perceivable in her soulful wines.

Love me Love you shiraz is a charming take on the grape, highlighting it in the best possible way. A velvety texture with juicy notes is balanced by subtle tannins, keeping this wine alive on the palate in every sip. Fruity notes of raspberries, blueberries, and plums are pleasantly contrasted by a hint of oak. Serve this rich wine with game meat, beef, or a smoky vegetarian chili. Or, give it a light chill and savor it solo in all of its splendor.

Field Recordings highlights different vineyard sites in each bottle, painting a nuanced image of the surrounding region. The Central Coast winery aims to share the bounty of this often underappreciated area. Super Gnario is its latest release, produced with two grapes that aren't regularly associated with California: nebbiolo and barbera. Nebbiolo features predominantly, proving that the star variety of Italy's prestigious Barolo wines is at home on this side of the Atlantic.

Made with grapes from the Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, the wine displays aromas of rustic cherry and red fruit, with an iron streak in the background. An herbaceous note is present on the palate, and minimal new oak aging adds some complexity to every sip. Pair this nebbiolo barbera blend with a subtly spiced meal, mushroom recipes, or a lightly grilled piece of beef. It also complements heartier pasta dishes with its balance of fruit and earth.

Certain grape varieties speak so strongly of a place that it is surprising to find them outside their element. That is the case with grüner veltliner, Austria's darling white wine grape. Nevertheless, it has found success in various places, including Edna Valley in San Luis Obispo County, California. Family-owned Talley Vineyards takes pride in its regional terroir, highlighting numerous varieties and styles. Its grüner veltliner adds a novel element to the familiar varietal wines it produces and is a welcome change for consumers ready to venture beyond chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.

Thanks to the cool surrounding climate of the valley, the wine expresses a bright and lively nature with crisp fruit aromas. The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and neutral oak barrels, allowing the variety's characteristics to shine through. Notes of stone fruit, citrus, and melon mingle with hints of rose and orange blossom. Grüner veltliner is known for being a great match for vegetable dishes that are tricky to pair. Serve it with salads, fresh asparagus, artichokes, or subtly spiced meals.

There's always room for bubbly in our fridge, and Nysa Vineyard in Oregon has an excellent option if you're looking for something special. Made with 100% pinot noir grapes (the only variety grown at the Willamette Valley vineyard), this sparkling Blanc de Noir is sure to satisfy fine wine lovers.

This isn't any ordinary bottle either; the bright and vivacious wine was aged for five years before being released at the start of 2023. Made with grapes harvested in 2017, the wine underwent a traditional method of sparkling fermentation before being disgorged to expel the dead yeast cells collected in the bottle.

Patience pays off, and all the time in the bottle gave this Blanc de Noir a rich and savory flavor profile, with toasted notes of brioche on the palate. At the same time, the wine is fresh and zesty, with fruity aromas of pear, green apple, and lime. Subtle floral notes and a mineral touch round it out for a sparkling wine that can easily give Champagne a run for its money. Enjoy it as an aperitif with salty snacks or serve it with light seafood options like oysters and sushi.

Old vine wines tend to offer a deeper more complex flavor profile and Big Basin Vineyards' old vine carignane is no different. The family-owned California winery consists of vineyards scattered along the central coastline at varying altitudes. The viticultural practices are organic, and all efforts seek to showcase aspects of the Santa Cruz and Gabilan Mountains where the vines grow.

The 2020 Wirz Vineyard old vine carignane is grown at an altitude of 1,000 feet, where dramatic shifts in day and nighttime temperatures maintain freshness and acidity in the fruit. Unlike most of the winery's 2020 vintage, these vines were thankfully shielded from the damaging effects of smoke from the wildfires. Instead, the heat and dry conditions of the season resulted in a rich and vibrant wine brimming with dark fruit aromas.

Cranberry, pomegranate, black currant, and blackberry are present, with a notable intensity balanced by the freshness from the high altitude. Tannins are displayed on the palate, countered by a pleasant juiciness that softens the bold taste. Serve this tasty wine with roasted or grilled meat dishes, like pork, poultry, or beef. Vegetarians will love pairing it with hearty root vegetables and savory spiced dishes.