Rosé isn't just about warm weather refreshment. It's a great all-rounder, suited to any situation, any season and a wide variety of foods. The 2018 crop of Australian rosés currently on the shelves show the improvements that have taken place with this friendly wine style in recent years. Pinot noir is capable of giving special distinction to pink wines, but good local examples are spread across a broad range of grape varieties. Think pink.

Bellvale Gippsland Rosé 2018, $23-$25

Score 95

Is this Australia's best rosé? This pale, coppery pink Gippsland pinot noir has real complexity. Subtle strawberry and cream aromas, perfumed varietal touches, smokey and foresty notes lead into a seamless, soft, ripely flavoured palate of richness and lingering, slightly fruit-sweet presence. Quite delicious. Screw cap; 12.5 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink over two years.

Stockists include Melbourne Wine Store, St Kilda Road (Vic); or from Bellvale at bellvalewine.com.au.

TarraWarra Yarra Valley Pinot Noir Rosé 2018, $23-$25

Score 91

Pale salmon-pink in colour, this dry Yarra pinot rosé offers subtle red fruit and floral scents with hints of herb and spice. It's easy-textured in the mouth, light yet not lacking intensity or length, with no sharp edges and attractive drinkability. Screw cap; 13 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? No need.

Stockists include Kent Street Cellars, Sydney (NSW); Leo's Fine Wine & Food, Kew (Vic).

La Linea Tempranillo Rosé 2018, $24

Score 89

Pale in colour as fashion dictates, this Adelaide Hills dry rosé has red cherry and spice on the nose with a savoury tempranillo undercurrent. It's finely textured and nicely balanced across the palate, with likeable flavour and a mouth-watering tang to finish. Screw cap; 12.5 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink over the next year or so.

Stockists include Armadale Cellars (Vic); Five Ways Cellars, Paddington (NSW).