This extraordinary $16 French rosé proves that 2020 was a good year for pink

This gorgeous wine comes from one of the leading producers of Muscadet, also a major proponent of biodynamic winemaking. The Orthogneiss cuvée offers aromas of white flowers, toasted almonds and various spices, combined with a full mouthfeel and a lovely, refreshing hint of citrus on the finish. Pair this with shellfish, curries or southeast Asian dishes. Certified organic and biodynamic. ABV: 12 percent.

Imported and distributed by Georgian House of Greater Washington: Available in the District at Batch 13, Georgetown Wine & Spirits, Cleveland Park Wine and Spirits, Maxwell Park (Shaw), Potomac Wine & Spirits, Reverie. Available in Maryland at Wine Source in Baltimore.

GREAT VALUE

Ridgeback Wines Lion Hound 2018

Paarl, South Africa, $17

This is a Bordeaux-style blend with a decidedly New World, fruit-forward accent. Spicy and juicy, with flavors of raspberry, tart cherry and boysenberry compote, all tart and sweet at the same time, with a hint of smoky leather in the background. Pair it with grilled steak, then savor the rest around the fire pit as the night grows cool. ABV: 14 percent.

Imported and distributed by Artisans & Vines, distributed in Virginia by LK Wine Tours and Sales: Available in the District at Calvert Woodley, Rodman’s. Available in Maryland at Absolutely Wine or Spirits, Iron Bridge Wine Co. in Columbia; Balducci’s, Beer Wine & Co., Bradley Food & Beverage, Georgetown Square Wine and Beer in Bethesda; Bethesda Co-Op in Cabin John; Crescent Wine & Spirits in Bowie; Downtown Crown Wine and Beer and Finewine.com in Gaithersburg; Elkridge Furnace Inn in Elkridge; Franklins Restaurant, Brewery and General Store in Hyattsville; Greenbelt Co-Op in Greenbelt; Knowles Station Wine & Co., Old Town Market in Kensington; Potomac Grocer in Potomac; Red: Wine, Beer & Spirits in Clarksville; Rodman’s (White Flint); Spin the Bottle Wine Co. in Frederick; Takoma Park-Silver Spring Co-Op in Takoma Park; Wells Discount Liquors, Wine Source in Baltimore; Town Center Market in Riverdale Park; Village Green Spirit Shop, Wine Bin in Ellicott City. Available in Virginia at Balducci’s (Alexandria, McLean).

Escudo Rojo Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2018

Maipo Valley, Chile, $19

This juicy, exuberant cabernet hails from the Baron Philippe de Rothschild family of wineries, best known for the Bordeaux first growth chateau Mouton-Rothschild. This Chilean cousin features spicy flavors of blackberries and black currants. It’s a bit “crunchy” in texture, a term wine lovers use to describe a wine that has snap and perhaps needs a little time in bottle to smooth out. ABV: 14 percent.

Imported and distributed by M. Touton Selection: Available in the District at Capital Supreme Market, Central Liquors, Cork & Fork, Grand Liquor, Harvard Liquors, MacArthur Beverages, Mimi’s Convenience Mart, Pearson’s, Rodman’s, Samber Market, Sherry’s Fine Wine & Spirits, Southeast Market, Streets Market (14th Street NW, Cleveland Park), Virginia Market, Wide World of Wines. Available in Maryland at Berry Liquors in Waldorf, Bradley Food & Beverage in Bethesda, Crescent Wine & Spirits in Bowie; Downtown Crown Wine and Beer, Finewine.com in Gaithersburg; Eastport Liquors, Jalapeños in Annapolis; Franklins Restaurant, Brewery and General Store, Maryland News Center in Hyattsville; Frederick Wine House and Old Farm Liquors in Frederick; Harvest Thyme Tavern in Davidsonville; Olde Soloman’s Wine & Spirits in Edgewater; Petite Cellars in Ellicott City, Rodman’s (White Flint); T&T Wine Shop in Rockville; Town Hall Liquor in College Park; Wheaton Winery in Wheaton; Wine Source in Baltimore. Available in Virginia at Crystal City Wine Shop in Arlington; Leesburg Gourmet in Leesburg; Plaza Latina Market in Falls Church.

Availability information is based on distributor records. Wines might not be in stock at every listed store and might be sold at additional stores. Prices are approximate. Check Winesearcher.com to verify availability, or ask a favorite wine store to order through a distributor.