New Wine Investment: Highlights 2024 with Wine Spectator Choices
Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list for 2024 features the best of nearly 10,500 wines reviewed this year. From iconic vintages to emerging labels, these wines excel in quality, value, and availability for wine investment. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 wines and how to enjoy them.
At Stewart Hill Wines, we were thrilled to see our favourite ganache grape come in 4th and 7th!
We wanted to look at the Top Ten 2024, from the point of view of newcomers to wine.
First: The Selection
These 10 of 100 chosen, are listed with extracts from the taste and feel description!
Next: we look at how the process works.
Viña Don Melchor – Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto Puente Alto Vineyard 2021
Offering …”a base of graphite and cassis notes that gather around elegant layers of dried rosemary and white pepper. The…core of raspberry and plum flavors…and touches of cocoa.”
Score 96 | Price $175
Beaulieu Vineyard – Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Georges de Latour Private Reserve 2021
“This is packed with dark, winey flavors of black currant and blackberry…with alder, sweet tobacco, warm paving stone and black licorice notes, while a violet accent fills the background.”
Score 95 | Price $170
Antinori Toscana Tignanello 2021
“Laced with pure cherry, strawberry, graphite and tobacco aromas and flavors, this red is beautifully supported by a backbone of vibrant acidity… framed by vanilla and toasty oak… and an orange-tinged finish…”
Score 97 | Price $180
Faust Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021
“Broad in feel, with a ganache note draped over black currant, blackberry and steeped cherry. Licorice root and alder smoke flavors check in on the finish…ending with a flash of violet.”
Score 94 | Price $65
Chimney Rock – Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2021
“Super lush …creamy-textured açaí, mulberry and cassis notes…hints of violet, iris and anise, this offers a melted licorice note on the finish…”
Score 94 | Price $120
Drouhin Oregon Roserock Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2022
“…Detailed raspberry and cherry flavors accented by rose petal, brown baking spices and orange peel…”
Score 94 | Price $44
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Cru 2020
“Aromatic appeal, with dusty earth and singed incense notes covering a well of fresh cherry and red currant flavors. ”
Score 94 | Price $114
Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Eastside Road Neighbors 2022
“..Packed, featuring juicy and delicious mulberry, blackberry and cherry pâte de fruit notes that ripple with energy, while rose hip, rooibos tea and licorice snap accents fuel the finish.”
Score 95 | Price $72
G.D. Vajra Barolo Albe 2020
“This effusive red displays cherry, raspberry, rose, iron, juniper and hay flavors, …aftertaste of red fruit, mineral and floral elements.”
Score 94 | Price $42
Ramey Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2022
..”Mouthwatering white offers a fleshy, juicy mix of perfectly ripe peach, mango and lemon bar flavors, with fresh herbal accents of lemon verbena and vetiver… freshly grated ginger, tangerine and crunchy sea salt on the finish.”
Score 94 | Price $50
The Process:
For those new to wine selection, understanding how prestigious lists like Wine Spectator’s Top 100 are curated can offer valuable insight into what makes a wine truly special.
We can look into an overview of the process and the criteria that guide these selections:
Blind Tasting for Fair Evaluation
Tasters evaluate each wine without knowing its producer, price, or label. This ensures impartial scoring based solely on the wine’s intrinsic qualities like flavor, aroma, texture, and balance.
Quality and Score
Wines must score at least 90 points on Wine Spectator’s 100-point scale to be considered. The scoring system evaluates aspects such as complexity, harmony, and overall excellence.
Value
The relationship between price and quality is a key factor. Wines that deliver exceptional experiences at a lower price point are often highlighted. For example, many wines in the Top 100 cost $25 or less, making them more accessible.
Availability
To ensure wines on the list can reach a broad audience, availability is a significant factor. Wines with larger production volumes or those widely distributed in the U.S. have an advantage.
The “X-Factor”
Beyond scores and availability, the selection committee seeks wines with a compelling story or unique energy. This can include innovative winemaking techniques, outstanding vintages, or the representation of a distinct terroir or region.
Diversity in Style and Region
The list aims to provide a broad perspective on the wine world, including both established labels and emerging producers.
How to Use this toward the festive season:
Start with Highly Rated but Affordable Wines: Many wines on these lists are under $50, offering an approachable way to explore quality wines. Watch the videos at Wine Spectator on their choices for ideas and follow a great wine traveller to see what they find out!
Consider the Story:
Learn about the producer or the region; this adds depth to your tasting experience.
- Experiment Broadly:
Use these lists as a starting point to try wines from diverse regions, styles, and grapes.
- Ask for Advice:
At a wine shop, mention a Top 100 wine or its region, and staff can guide you to similar options.
By understanding these criteria, you can appreciate what makes a wine exceptional and begin to navigate the vast world of wine with confidence. For more detailed insights, check Wine Spectator’s official guidelines and tasting notes.
Tips for Choosing Wines from the Top 10
Explore Variety:
The list spans multiple regions and price points, from Bordeaux to Spain, to Napa.
Occasion Matching:
Choose wines like rosé or Pinot Noir for casual gatherings, while Grenache or Cabernet suits formal dinners.
Reference the details for Wines that improve significantly with time.
This year’s Top 10 reflects a mix of classic regions and innovative producers perfect for Wine Investment prospects.
Experiment with food and dessert pairings this season to discover the best in these exceptional wines.
For the full Top 100 list and more insights, visit Wine Spectator’s official site.