Top 50 Wines of 2023
Each year, we take a look back at some of the most memorable wines and vintages from the year. This year's top 50 is full of beautiful wines from all around the world that will impress any palate!
#1 Wine of the Year
2018 TOR, Noble Rot, Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley, California
Noble ROT is made on the model of Chateau d’Yquem. It is 7% Semillon and 93% Sauvignon Blanc, all hand-picked at nearly 40 brix, barrel-fermented, and then aged in small barrels. Only two barrels of this botrytised wine were made in 2018. The 2018 marks only the fifth time this wine has been produced following the 2006, 2008, 2010, 2014 vintages.
Ethereal on the nose with finessed notes of apricot, dried mango, passion fruit, mandarin, orange blossom water, honeysuckle, honey, ginger root with hints of vanilla buttercream.
A showstopper on the palate, unctuous and fleshy, luscious and balanced. Perfectly detailed with texture and palate weight balanced by the acidity. Sweet but nut cloying, decadent but not overblown. Mouthcoating flavors of mango, passion fruit, apricot and mandarin are penetrating and come with notes of orange blossom water, honeysuckle, ginger root, honey, and vanilla accents that linger through the long-balanced finish.
97 Points - $80
2
2019 Miner Family, Merlot Stagecoach Vineyard
Napa Valley, California
3
2020 Bodega Bouza, Tannat ‘A6 Parcela Unica
Canelones, Urugay
4
5
2018 Fontodi, Flaccianello della Pieve
Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT, Italy
2017 Brittan Vineyards, 'Block R'
McMinnville, Oregon
6
2016 Trimbach, Riesling, 'Frédéric Emile'
Alsace France
7
NV Pierre Péters, Grand Cru, 'L'Etonnant Monsieur Victor' MK 13
Champagne France
8
2015 Tommaso Bussola L'Errante
Veronese IGT, Italy
9
2019 Von Winning, Riesling 'Ozyetra'
Pfalz, Germany
10
2019 Tendril Wine Cellars, 'Pretender' (White)
Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley Oregon
#11 2021 Calvet, Saint-Joseph
#12 2019 Antica Terra, Pinot Noir ‘Ceras’
#13 2018 Elephant Hill, ‘Stone’ Cabernet Sauvignon
#14 2018 Marrone, Borolo Pichemej
#15 2012 Valenciso, Rioja Reserva ‘10 Años Después’
#16 2017 Tendril, Pinot Noir ‘Tight Rope’
#17 2018 La Caccia di San Giovanni Toscana Rosso
#18 2002 Arlaux, Champagne ‘Rare’
#19 2016 Enzo Boglietti, Barolo Fossati
#20 2015 Raventos, Manuel Negra
#21 2020 Emilio Moro, Malleolus
#22 2020 Dupont-Fahn, Bourgogne Blanc ‘Chaumes des Perrières’
#23 NV Fratelli Muratori Franciacorta Villa Crespia,
‘Brolese’ Extra Brut Rosé
#24 NV Herederos de Argüeso, Jerez-Xérès-Sherry 1822 Amontillado Contubernio
#25 NV Henri Giraud, Champagne ‘Dame-Jane’
#26 2012 Michel Mailliard, Champagne ‘Cuvée Prestige’
#27 2017 Travaglini, Gattinara Riserva
#28 2020 Brittan Vineyards, Pinot Noir ‘Cygnus’
#29 2018 Vega Sicilia, Valbuena
#30 2019 Open Claim, Pinot Noir ’19’s 25’
#31 NV André Jacquart, Champagne Premier Cru Experience Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Vertus
#32 2021 Domaine des Closiers, Saumur-Champigny ‘Les Closiers’
#33 2020 Henri Jouan, Coteaux Bourguignons Vieilles Vignes
#34 2021 Alphonse Mellot, Sancerre ‘Le Paradis’
#35 2016 Domaine Sigalas, Assyrtiko Nychteri
#36 2015 Gran Moraine, Blanc de Blancs
#37 2019 D.W.L., Pinot Noir ‘Volume I Chapter Three The Antagonist’ Lia’s Vineyard
#38 2020 J. Moreau & Fils Saint-Bris
#39 2021 Dossier, Flagship Syrah
#40 2021 Bodegas Zarate, Rías Baixas ‘Fontecon’ Tinto
#41 2019 David Paige, Pinot Blanc
#42 2012 Gravner, Breg Bianco
#43 2021 Alvaro Palacios, Priorat ‘Finca Dofí’
#44 2017 Eric Morgat, La Croisee Des Chenins
#45 2021 Fattoria Rodáno, ‘Mon Nené’
#46 2021 Raen Winery, Pinot Noir ‘Royal St. Robert’
#47 Meneres, 40 Year Old Tawny Port
#48 2020 Rebholz Chardonnay "R"
#49 2021 Herman Story, Pinot Noir ‘Smash City’
#50 2021 Ruca Malén, ‘Capitulo Dos Corte De Blancs’