The Top 100 Wines of 2021
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Top 100

The Year's Most Exciting Wines!

We've unveiled the full list, including the Top 10 Wines and Wine of the Year. See details and videos on our editors' picks

Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2021 graphicThe Year's Most Exciting Wines!

Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2021 graphicThe Year's Most Exciting Wines!

Insider

Top-Shelf Holiday Pairing Recs: 97-Point Barolo and Côte-Rôtie

40 classic and outstanding editors' picks, including a $30, 92-point Oregon Pinot Noir

There's a world of wines for every course of a holiday meal.Top-Shelf Holiday Pairing Recs: 97-Point Barolo and Côte-Rôtie

There's a world of wines for every course of a holiday meal.Top-Shelf Holiday Pairing Recs: 97-Point Barolo and Côte-Rôtie

Wine IQ

What Am I Tasting?

This lively red shows cherry, toast and vanilla flavors with orange peel acidity... Play the game!

Vineyard rowsWhat Am I Tasting?

Vineyard rowsWhat Am I Tasting?

Unfiltered

Dom Pérignon Donates $570,000 to Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation

Plus, Napa grapegrowers Andy and Betty Beckstoffer donate $1 million to Cal Poly's wine program

Lady Gaga enjoys a glass of Dom Pérignon in style.Dom Pérignon Donates $570,000 to Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation

Lady Gaga enjoys a glass of Dom Pérignon in style.Dom Pérignon Donates $570,000 to Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation

Wine Talk

Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary

The investor and Shark Tank star is also a wine lover and has partnered with one of California's larger wine companies on a new venture

Linda and Kevin O'Leary enjoy wine while visiting Napa's Clos Pegase, owned by their business partner Vintage Wine Estates.Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary

Linda and Kevin O'Leary enjoy wine while visiting Napa's Clos Pegase, owned by their business partner Vintage Wine Estates.Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary

Sommelier Roundtable

Pairings for Fall Desserts

Seven somms from Restaurant Award winners share beverage picks fit for the sweets of the season

Take your pick: Cider, wine and spirits are among the pie-suited pairings recommended by these expert sommeliers, just in time for Thanksgiving.Pairings for Fall Desserts

Take your pick: Cider, wine and spirits are among the pie-suited pairings recommended by these expert sommeliers, just in time for Thanksgiving.Pairings for Fall Desserts

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Join Us for Instagram Live Chats!

Dec. 1, 3 p.m. ET: Maximilian Riedel, CEO, Riedel
Dec. 8, 3 p.m. ET: Sommelier Yannick Benjamin

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Tastings and Reviews

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Tastings and Reviews

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Break traditions, broaden your palate and pour something different at this year's Thanksgiving table.

Break traditions, broaden your palate and pour something different at this year's Thanksgiving table.

15 Thrilling Global Wines for Thanksgiving

Find something different to pour with these new reviews of Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo and more from California, Italy, France and beyond, up to 92 points

Nov 22, 2021

Trailblazing Douro vintners Cristiano van Zeller and Joana Lemos made one of the year’s top reds.

Trailblazing Douro vintners Cristiano van Zeller and Joana Lemos made one of the year’s top reds.

Tasting Report: Portugal

Innovations in Portugal’s Douro Valley are lifting quality across the country

Nov 30, 2021

There's a worldwide selection of delicious red wines to pair with turkey and classic Thanksgiving side dishes.

There's a worldwide selection of delicious red wines to pair with turkey and classic Thanksgiving side dishes.

16 Thanksgiving Reds Besides Beaujolais Nouveau

Get ready to feast with these new reviews of turkey-friendly Pinot Noir, Chianti and more from around the world, up to 95 points and priced $35 or less

Nov 18, 2021

Image for the article titled:Daily Wine Picks

Image for the article titled:Daily Wine Picks

Daily Wine Picks

Free Access: Recently reviewed wines for all tastes and budgets—under $15, great buys and special-occasion picks!

Bodega Catena Zapata in Argentina's Mendoza region

Bodega Catena Zapata in Argentina's Mendoza region

Dec. 31 Advance: Classic-Rated Chardonnay, Malbec, Pinot Noir and More

Member preview of Best Values, Smart Buys, Collectibles and Highly Recommended wines, including an $18, 91-point French Syrah

Dec 31, 2021

Releases from Stags' Leap Vineyard are among the top rated California Merlots reviewed in 2020. (Carolyn Corley Burgess)

Releases from Stags' Leap Vineyard are among the top rated California Merlots reviewed in 2020. (Carolyn Corley Burgess)

Vintage Charts: California Merlot

Updated for 2018

Dec 15, 2021

Château Margaux’s new deputy managing director, Alexis Leven-Mentzelopoulos, joined his family’s Bordeaux estate two years ago.

Château Margaux’s new deputy managing director, Alexis Leven-Mentzelopoulos, joined his family’s Bordeaux estate two years ago.

A New Generation Masters the Magic of Margaux

The benchmark 2010 vintage headlines a lineup from the Bordeaux first-growth going back to 1996

Oct 27, 2021

The 2018 vintage has overtaken 2016 as the leader for Napa Valley Cabernets, with rich, dark and detailed wines that clearly transmit their <i>terroirs</i>.

The 2018 vintage has overtaken 2016 as the leader for Napa Valley Cabernets, with rich, dark and detailed wines that clearly transmit their <i>terroirs</i>.

Tasting Report: California Cabernet

The 2018 vintage in Napa sets a new bar

Nov 15, 2021

Sponsored 2-Bottle Tasting Series

Thematic Tasting Videos from Wine Spectator Grand Award Winning Sommeliers

Explore Little Book with Freddie Noe

Special Edition Bourbon Time Tasting: Little Book Chapter 05: The Invitation

Let's Have a Toast

Special Edition Bourbon Time Tasting: Basil Hayden Toast & Knob Creek Rye

Jefferson's Bourbon

Special Edition Whisky Advocate Tasting: Jefferson's Oceans & Straight Rye

Maker's Mark House Style

Special Edition Bourbon Time Tasting: Maker's Mark Original & Maker's Mark 101

Join the Legacy of a Napa Valley Legend

Judgment of Paris 45th Anniversary: Stag's Leap Wine Cellars ARTEMIS & S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon

Taste the Nuances Nebbiolo

Marchesi di Barolo Sbirolo Langhe Nebbiolo 2018 & Sarmassa Barolo 2015

Blackened American Whiskey

Special Edition Whisky Advocate Tasting: Blackened Original & Cask Strength

Explore Cabernet Through an Original Napa Winery

Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 & Lot 1 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Explore Bottled in Bond

Special Edition Bourbon Time Tasting: Old Overholt & Old Tub

Taste the Cool Climate of the Historic Carneros

Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

Taste the Santa Lucia Highlands

Hahn SLH Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

Explore High-Altitude Malbec

Zuccardi Q & Jose Zuccardi Malbec

Comprehend this Delicious Conundrum

Conundrum White & Red

Taste Signature Benchmark Blends

Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry & Penfolds Bin 389

Taste the Santa Rta. Hills

Sanford Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

Two Great Wines, One Family Legacy

Terlato Pinot Grigio & Chimney Rock Cabernet

A Double Dram of Dewar's

Special Edition Whisky Advocate Tasting: Dewar's 15 & 21 Year Old

Make the Holidays Sparkle

Ferrari Brut Trentodoc & Ferrari Rosé Trentodoc

Top 100 Wines of 2020

Ask Dr. Vinny

Ask Dr. Vinny

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Image for the article titled: Does food cooked with wine taste like wine?

Image for the article titled: Does food cooked with wine taste like wine?

Does food cooked with wine taste like wine?

Nov 22, 2021

Image for the article titled: My basement wine cellar flooded. Are my wines ruined?

My basement wine cellar flooded. Are my wines ruined?

Nov 15, 2021

Image for the article titled: Are sulfates and sulfites in wine the same thing?

Are sulfates and sulfites in wine the same thing?

Nov 8, 2021

Image for the article titled: What does it mean to say a wine is "full-bodied"?

What does it mean to say a wine is "full-bodied"?

Nov 1, 2021

Image for the article titled: Is it OK to store wine in Styrofoam shipping containers?

Is it OK to store wine in Styrofoam shipping containers?

Oct 25, 2021

Wine IQ

Wine IQ

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If you're looking for a host gift or a treat for a special someone, check out this list of essentials and indulgences our staff doesn't want to live without.

If you're looking for a host gift or a treat for a special someone, check out this list of essentials and indulgences our staff doesn't want to live without.

Seasonal Entertaining

2021 Holiday Gift Guide: Editors' Favorites for Wining and Dining at Home

The Wine Spectator team recommends go-to wine gadgets, pantry staples, party foods, cooking tools and more

Vineyards

Vineyards

What Am I Tasting?

This lively red shows cherry, toast and vanilla flavors with orange peel acidity ... Play the game!

Bodega Catena Zapata winemaker Lauren Catena

Bodega Catena Zapata winemaker Lauren Catena

Quiz: Star Winemakers Part 2

Worldwide, acclaimed winemakers are making bottles worth celebrating. Do you know them? Take our quiz!

Videos

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Video

Exclusive: Cellar Talk with Dwyane Wade

NBA legend, Napa vintner and new U.C. Davis board member Dwyane Wade joins senior editor MaryAnn Worobiec in Wine Spectator's Napa office for a deep dive into Wade's journey into wine appreciation and then production, as well as what he hopes to accomplish as an ambassador for the wine industry.

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Exclusive: Cellar Talk with Dwyane Wade

Exclusive: Cellar Talk with Dwyane Wade

NBA legend, Napa vintner and new U.C. Davis board member Dwyane Wade joins senior editor MaryAnn Worobiec in Wine Spectator's Napa office for a deep dive into Wade's journey into wine appreciation and then production, as well as what he hopes to accomplish as an ambassador for the wine industry.

Nov 19, 2021

Exclusive: Cellar Talk with Dwyane Wade — Exclusive: Cellar Talk with Dwyane Wade

NBA legend, Napa vintner and new U.C. Davis board member Dwyane Wade joins …
Nov 19, 2021

In the Vineyard at Mondavi's To Kalon, with Nova Cadamatre — In the Vineyard at Mondavi's To Kalon, with …

Join Robert Mondavi Winery director of winemaking Nova Cadamatre for this …
Nov 12, 2021

Spotlight on Cristie Kerr — Spotlight on Cristie Kerr

Star golfer turned vintner Cristie Kerr is the subject of Wine Spectator's Oct. …
Aug 30, 2021

How to Make a Wood-Fired Brick Pizza Oven — How to Make a Wood-Fired Brick Pizza Oven

It's hard to beat your local brick-oven pizzeria when it comes to crowd-pleasin…
Aug 25, 2021

In the Vineyard at Stony Hill — In the Vineyard at Stony Hill

Decades ago, the historic Stony Hill winery built its name on flinty Chardonnay …
Sep 15, 2021

How to Build a Better Cheese Board — How to Build a Better Cheese Board

Nothing draws a crowd like a beautiful charcuterie board overflowing with fine …
Jul 26, 2021

News

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News

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Winemaker Todd Graff, left, will stay on at Frank Family while co-founder Rich Frank shifts to being a vineyard owner.

Winemaker Todd Graff, left, will stay on at Frank Family while co-founder Rich Frank shifts to being a vineyard owner.

SND: Treasury Wine Estates Buys Frank Family Vineyards, Expanding Napa Holdings

The $315 million deal further shifts the Aussie wine giant into premium brands

Nov 18, 2021

Chef Christopher Kostow will showcase his restaurant's style through a local lens for two nights at Montage Los Cabos, a luxury resort that hosted a pop-up from chef Dominique Crenn earlier this year.

Chef Christopher Kostow will showcase his restaurant's style through a local lens for two nights at Montage Los Cabos, a luxury resort that hosted a pop-up from chef Dominique Crenn earlier this year.

Chef Christopher Kostow’s Charter Oak Comes to Cabo

The Napa restaurant will host a two-night dinner series with wine pairings at a Mexican resort. Plus, chef Michael Mina’s Bungalow Kitchen opens in the Bay Area, and New York’s Gotham Bar & Grill is back again

Nov 18, 2021

Hanging out at a wine bar can help us catch up with friends and relax. But researchers found that it can also raise our state of consciousness for the better.

Hanging out at a wine bar can help us catch up with friends and relax. But researchers found that it can also raise our state of consciousness for the better.

Can a Glass of Wine Lead to Increased Consciousness?

A team of researchers surveyed wine bar guests and explored how a glass of red wine may increase awareness and pleasure

Nov 16, 2021

Chef Emeril poses with the six-liter bottle that brought in half of his event's live auction total; his annual fundraiser celebrated its 17th year.

Chef Emeril poses with the six-liter bottle that brought in half of his event's live auction total; his annual fundraiser celebrated its 17th year.

Million-Dollar Wine Bottle Helps Boost Carnivale du Vin to a Record-Breaking $3.75 Million for Charity

Chef Emeril Lagasse's 17th annual New Orleans event raised its highest total ever, thanks to a $1 million wine lot

Nov 12, 2021

Harvesters pick fruit in Pomerol in September; many French regions saw lower yields this year thanks to frost and hail.

Harvesters pick fruit in Pomerol in September; many French regions saw lower yields this year thanks to frost and hail.

World Wine Crop Drops Dramatically

Rough years for France, Italy and Spain lead to a third consecutive below-average year, but vintners say the long-term threat of climate change is far worse than short-term disruptions

Nov 11, 2021

Maximilian Riedel chats with news editor Mitch Frank on Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 3 p.m. ET.

Maximilian Riedel chats with news editor Mitch Frank on Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 3 p.m. ET.

Instagram Live Chats: View Wine Spectator's Upcoming Schedule

Our next two episodes feature Riedel CEO Maximilian Riedel and New York restaurateur Yannick Benjamin

Eric Jensen will remain at Booker Vineyard as head of the winemaking team.

Eric Jensen will remain at Booker Vineyard as head of the winemaking team.

Exclusive: Constellation Acquires Eric Jensen's Booker Vineyard Portfolio in Full

Deal further solidifies the wine giant's fine wine focus and its confidence in Paso Robles

Nov 10, 2021

Grapes wait on the vine for harvest in Champagne's Aube region. The area was particularly hard hit by frost.

Grapes wait on the vine for harvest in Champagne's Aube region. The area was particularly hard hit by frost.

Will the World Run Out of Champagne? Don't Panic

Hail, frost and mildew meant the 2021 growing season was the toughest in years, but quality is high and reserve wines will ensure there is no Champagne shortage

Nov 8, 2021

Holiday Entertaining

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Holiday Entertaining

While veal isn't the usual protein for Thanksgiving, this preparation still goes seamlessly with all the staple side dishes of the holiday.

While veal isn't the usual protein for Thanksgiving, this preparation still goes seamlessly with all the staple side dishes of the holiday.

Seasonal Entertaining

This Thanksgiving, Skip the Turkey for Gabriel Kreuther’s Stuffed Veal

Even die-hard traditionalists will be tempted by this rich and festive feast from the Alsace-born chef, with 17 red wine pairing picks from France and Oregon

Bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau

Bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau

Tasting Reports

Wines for the Holiday Table

Reviews of Beaujolais Nouveau, Nouveau alternatives, values, crowd-pleasers and more

Take your pick: Cider, wine and spirits are among the pie-suited pairings recommended by these expert sommeliers, just in time for Thanksgiving.

Take your pick: Cider, wine and spirits are among the pie-suited pairings recommended by these expert sommeliers, just in time for Thanksgiving.

Sommelier Roundtable

Sommelier Roundtable: Pairings for Fall Desserts

Seven somms from Restaurant Award winners share beverage picks fit for the sweets of the season

From the Magazine

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The Top 100

Wine is a long game, requiring unwavering dedication and boundless energy to reach the pinnacle. Our Wine of the Year is a prime example. A benchmark for its region and capturing the essence of its …

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