Wine Spectator Magazine recently released their Top 100 Wines of 2015. It is always interesting to review the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list to see what made the list, didn’t make the list and how many of the wines you may have tried throughout 2015.
This year’s Top 100 list had wines from thirteen countries:
– Argentina
– Australia
– Austria
– Chile
– France
– Germany
– Greece
– Italy
– New Zealand
– Portugal
– South Africa
– Spain
– United States
The number of countries represented indicates the global nature of wine.
I can’t think of any wine varietal that wasn’t represented this year:
– Cabernet Sauvignon
– Pinot Noir
– Brunello
– Chardonnay
– Tempranillo
– Valpolicella
– Burgundy
– Bordeaux
– Champagne
– Syrah
– Zinfandel
– Sauvignon Blanc
– Petite Syrah
– Rhone
– Port
– Rioja
– Pinot Grigio
– Riesling
– Malbec
– Merlot
– Barolo
– Grenache
– Madeira
– Chenin Blanc
– Chianti
Within the United States, 18 wines from California were represented as was 1 from New York, 5 from Oregon and 5 from Washington.
The #1 and #2 wines were both Cabernet Sauvignon with #1 (Peter Michael’s “Au Paradis”) from California and #2 (Quilceda Creek’s “Columbia Valley”) from Washington.
The Wine Spectator’s 2015 Top 100 List ranges in price from $10 a bottle for the #39 Real Companhia Velha (Portugal) to $195 for the #1 Peter Michael Au Paradis (California).
As I reviewed this year’s Top 100 list I was surprised how few (5) California Cabernet Sauvignon’s made the list. While I understand the list is global and this was an outstanding year for many varietals, the 2012 California Cabernet Sauvignon’s are outstanding. In my opinion, all of the following 2012 California Cabernet Sauvignon’s would have been worthy additions to this year’s Top 100 list:
– 2012 Odette Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
– 2012 Tor Tierra Roja Cabernet Sauvignon
– 2012 Bevan Cellars Wildfoote Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
– 2012 Ramey Pedregal Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
– 2012 Lewis Cellars Cuvee L Cabernet Sauvignon
I always enjoy going on the hunt for wines that make the list. Sometimes it is relatively easy to locate the wine and other times, it is almost impossible. My favorites on this year’s list are:
– #4 2010 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino (Italy)
– #5 2012 Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains (California)
– #9 2012 Clos Fourtet St. Emilion (France)
– #20 2013 Meiomi Pinot Noir Monterey-Sonoma-Santa Barbara Counties (California)
– #35 2013 Rombauer Chardonnay (California)
– #52 2012 Brancaia Toscana Ilatraia (Italy)
– #56 Cune Rioja Imperial Reserva (Spain)
– #75 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose (France)
– #76 Leeuwin Chardonnay Margaret River Art Series (Australia)
If you have an interest in the Wine Spectator’s 2015 Top 100 list, you can review it online at WineSpectator.com or pick up the Top 100 issue of Wine Spectator Magazine.