The Cellar Register · 500 Benchmark Red Wines

1Pétrus

Château Pétrus

Pomerol, Bordeaux · France

Pomerol's iconic clay-grown Merlot; plush, exotic, immensely long-lived.

Moueix-farmed buttonhole of blue clay on the Pomerol plateau; about 30,000 bottles and no second wine.

Classification: Pomerol (unclassified appellation)
Grapes: Merlot
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $4,000–5,500
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 10–40 years
Production: ~2,500 cases
Established: Estate from 1837
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1947, 1961, 1982, 1989, 1990, 2000, 2009, 2015

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Very rare

2Le Pin

Château Le Pin

Pomerol, Bordeaux · France

Micro-estate of roughly 2 ha; silky, perfumed, vanishingly scarce.

Jacques Thienpont's garage-scale estate founded 1979; barely 6,000 bottles a year.

Classification: Pomerol (unclassified appellation)
Grapes: Merlot
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $3,500–5,000
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 10–30 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: Thienpont from 1979
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1982, 1990, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016

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Very rare

3Château Lafite Rothschild

Pauillac, Bordeaux · France

First Growth benchmark for cedar, graphite and restraint.

Rothschild-owned since 1868; the label most requested in Asia's fine wine boom.

Classification: First Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 12.5–13.5%
Guide price: $900–1,300
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–50 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: Rothschild from 1868
Farming: Organic conversion
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1953, 1959, 1982, 1996, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2016

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Traded

4Château Latour

Pauillac, Bordeaux · France

Powerful, structured First Growth; released only when mature since 2012.

The Enclos vineyard above the Gironde; withdrew from en primeur in 2012 to sell mature stock only.

Classification: First Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $800–1,200
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 20–60 years
Production: ~11,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1670s
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1949, 1961, 1982, 1990, 1996, 2003, 2009, 2010

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Traded

5Château Margaux

Margaux, Bordeaux · France

The most perfumed of the First Growths; violets and fine tannin.

Palladian first growth revived by the Mentzelopoulos family from 1977; Paul Pontallier era defined its modern style.

Classification: First Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $700–1,100
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–50 years
Production: ~10,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1590s
Farming: Sustainable, part organic
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1953, 1983, 1990, 1996, 2000, 2009, 2015, 2016

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Traded

6Château Mouton Rothschild

Pauillac, Bordeaux · France

Opulent First Growth with artist-designed labels since 1945.

Promoted to First Growth in 1973, the only change ever made to the 1855 ranking; labels by Picasso, Chagall, Warhol.

Classification: First Growth, 1973
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $600–950
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~20,000 cases
Established: Rothschild from 1853
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1945, 1959, 1982, 1986, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2016

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Traded

7Château Haut-Brion

Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux · France

The oldest First Growth name; smoky, earthy, complete.

Praised by Samuel Pepys in 1663; Dillon family owned, the smallest First Growth estate.

Classification: First Growth, 1855
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $600–900
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–50 years
Production: ~10,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1533
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1945, 1959, 1961, 1989, 1990, 2009, 2010, 2015

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Traded

8Château Cheval Blanc

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux · France

Cabernet Franc at its most refined; the 1947 is legend.

Owned by LVMH and Albert Frère; the 1947 is widely called the greatest Bordeaux ever bottled.

Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé A
Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $800–1,200
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–45 years
Production: ~6,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1832
Farming: Organic, part biodynamic
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1947, 1949, 1990, 1998, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2015

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Traded

9Château Ausone

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux · France

Tiny limestone-terraced estate; mineral, intense, very scarce.

Roman-rooted 7 ha estate above the town, run by the Vauthier family; about 20,000 bottles.

Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé A
Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $700–1,100
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~1,800 cases
Established: Estate from 1700s
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1929, 1982, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015

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Very rare

10Château Lafleur

Pomerol, Bordeaux · France

Cult 4.5 ha Pomerol rivaling Pétrus in depth and price.

Guinaudeau family estate beside Pétrus; gravel over clay gives it a wilder, more mineral register.

Classification: Pomerol (unclassified appellation)
Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $900–1,400
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~1,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1872
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1945, 1947, 1982, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015

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Very rare

11Vieux Château Certan

Pomerol, Bordeaux · France

Aristocratic Pomerol of unusual finesse and lift.

Thienpont family since 1924; first growth of Pomerol in the pre-Pétrus era.

Classification: Pomerol (unclassified appellation)
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $300–450
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~2,500 cases
Established: Thienpont from 1924
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1948, 1990, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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Traded

12Château Trotanoy

Pomerol, Bordeaux · France

Moueix-farmed clay and gravel; dense, dark, long-ageing.

Jean-Pierre Moueix property since 1953; regarded as the closest thing to a junior Pétrus.

Classification: Pomerol (unclassified appellation)
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $250–400
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: Moueix from 1953
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1961, 1982, 1990, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016

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Traded

13Château L'Église-Clinet

Pomerol, Bordeaux · France

Old-vine Pomerol built by the late Denis Durantou; velvet depth.

Some vines pre-date the 1956 frost; Denis Durantou raised it to Pomerol's front rank before his death in 2020.

Classification: Pomerol (unclassified appellation)
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $250–400
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 12–35 years
Production: ~1,800 cases
Established: Estate from 1882
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1985, 1995, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016

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Traded

14Château Angélus

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux · France

Rich, modern Saint-Émilion from the famous bell-marked slope.

De Boüard family for eight generations; promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé A in 2012, later left the classification.

Classification: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $350–500
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 12–35 years
Production: ~8,000 cases
Established: Boüard from 1782
Farming: Organic conversion
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1989, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016

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Traded

15Château Pavie

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux · France

Powerful limestone-côte Saint-Émilion, transformed since 1998.

Gérard Perse acquired it in 1998 and rebuilt vineyard and cellar; Premier Grand Cru Classé A from 2012.

Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé A
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $300–450
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~6,000 cases
Established: Perse from 1998
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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Traded

16Château Figeac

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux · France

Gravel-grown, Cabernet-led elegance; promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé A in 2022.

Manoncourt family estate on Günz gravel; the most Médoc-like of Saint-Émilion's great names.

Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé A
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $250–400
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~9,000 cases
Established: Manoncourt from 1892
Farming: Organic conversion
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1949, 1982, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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Traded

17Château La Mission Haut-Brion

Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux · France

Haut-Brion's sibling across the road; darker and more muscular.

Facing Haut-Brion across the Pessac road; its 1955, 1959 and 1961 are among Bordeaux's monuments.

Classification: Cru Classé de Graves
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $400–600
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~6,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1540
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1955, 1959, 1961, 1989, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2015

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Traded

18Château Palmer

Margaux, Bordeaux · France

Biodynamic Margaux of velvet texture; the 1961 is historic.

Named for a Wellington-era British general; roughly equal Merlot and Cabernet, farmed biodynamically since 2014.

Classification: Third Growth, 1855
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $300–400
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–45 years
Production: ~9,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1814
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1961, 1983, 1989, 1999, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016

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Traded

19Château Léoville Las Cases

Saint-Julien, Bordeaux · France

'Super Second' bordering Latour; austere young, grand with age.

Delon family flagship; the Clos walled vineyard borders Latour and yields wine of comparable stature.

Classification: Second Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1638
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1982, 1986, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2016

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Retail

20Château Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux · France

Exotic, spice-laden Saint-Estèphe behind the pagoda façade.

Founded by Louis Gaspard d'Estournel, the 'Maharajah of Saint-Estèphe'; Michel Reybier owned since 2000.

Classification: Second Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $180–260
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1811
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1982, 1990, 1995, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2016, 2019

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Retail

21Château Montrose

Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux · France

Riverside Cabernet of formidable structure; decades of life.

Bouygues family owned; its 1990 and 2009 both drew perfect scores.

Classification: Second Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $180–260
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~18,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1815
Farming: Organic conversion
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1959, 1989, 1990, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2016, 2019

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Retail

22Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

Pauillac, Bordeaux · France

Silky, Merlot-inflected Pauillac of consistent brilliance.

Shaped by May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, now Roederer owned; the most graceful of the Pauillac seconds.

Classification: Second Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $180–260
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–45 years
Production: ~14,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1850
Farming: Biodynamic conversion
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1982, 1986, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2016

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Retail

23Château Pichon Baron

Château Pichon Longueville Baron

Pauillac, Bordeaux · France

Classic cassis-and-cigar-box Pauillac opposite the Comtesse.

AXA Millésimes property behind the fairy-tale château; sharply improved from the late 1980s.

Classification: Second Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~14,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1694
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1989, 1990, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016

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Retail

24Château Ducru-Beaucaillou

Saint-Julien, Bordeaux · France

Polished 'beautiful pebbles' Saint-Julien in the grand style.

Borie family estate on deep Garonne gravel beside the river; the 1961 is a Saint-Julien legend.

Classification: Second Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $180–260
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: Borie from 1941
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1961, 1982, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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Retail

25Château Lynch-Bages

Pauillac, Bordeaux · France

The collector's favourite Fifth Growth; generous and reliable.

Cazes family since 1939; 'the poor man's Mouton' that outperforms its 1855 rank every decade.

Classification: Fifth Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $120–180
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~25,000 cases
Established: Cazes from 1939
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1982, 1985, 1989, 1990, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2016

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Retail

26Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Romanée-Conti Grand Cru

Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy · France

The most celebrated red wine on earth; about 5,000 bottles a year.

A 1.8 ha walled monopole farmed biodynamically; sold only in mixed DRC cases. A 1945 bottle fetched $812,500 at auction in March 2026.

Classification: Grand Cru, Monopole
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 12.5–13.5%
Guide price: $25,000–35,000
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–50 years
Production: ~450 cases
Established: Monopole from 1869
Farming: Biodynamic
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1945, 1978, 1990, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2019

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Very rare

27Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, La Tâche Grand Cru

Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy · France

DRC monopole of spice, incense and extraordinary length.

6 ha monopole below Romanée-Conti; often the critics' pick of the range for sheer complexity.

Classification: Grand Cru, Monopole
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 12.5–13.5%
Guide price: $6,000–9,000
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–45 years
Production: ~1,800 cases
Established: Monopole from 1933
Farming: Biodynamic
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1962, 1978, 1990, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2019

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Very rare

28Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Richebourg Grand Cru

Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy · France

The most opulent wine in the DRC range.

DRC farms 3.5 ha of this grand cru; the richest, most enveloping wine in the stable.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 12.5–13.5%
Guide price: $4,000–6,000
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–45 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: Holding from 1869
Farming: Biodynamic
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1949, 1978, 1990, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2015, 2019

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Very rare

29Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru

Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy · France

The most delicate and floral of the DRC grands crus.

Leased from the Marey-Monge family since 1966 and later purchased; incense-scented and filigreed.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 12.5–13.5%
Guide price: $3,500–5,500
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–45 years
Production: ~900 cases
Established: Holding from 1966
Farming: Biodynamic
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1978, 1990, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2018, 2019

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Very rare

30Domaine Leroy, Musigny Grand Cru

Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy · France

Lalou Bize-Leroy's biodynamic rarity; the world's most expensive wine by average price.

Bize-Leroy's 0.27 ha parcel, biodynamic since 1988; a few hundred bottles make it the costliest wine on any list.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 12.5–13.5%
Guide price: $40,000+
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–50 years
Production: ~100 cases
Established: Domaine from 1988
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1990, 1993, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2018

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Very rare

31Domaine Leroy, Chambertin Grand Cru

Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy · France

Minute biodynamic yields; among the priciest wines traded.

Leroy's holdings in Gevrey's grandest cru; yields cut to levels most growers consider ruinous.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 12.5–13.5%
Guide price: $20,000+
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~200 cases
Established: Domaine from 1988
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1990, 1993, 1999, 2005, 2012, 2015, 2018

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Very rare

32Domaine Georges & Christophe Roumier, Musigny Grand Cru

Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy · France

Roughly 380 bottles a year; a collector's grail.

A 0.1 ha sliver producing roughly 380 bottles a year; Christophe Roumier's rarest wine.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $18,000–22,000
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~80 cases
Established: Domaine from 1924
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1990, 1993, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2019

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Very rare

33Domaine Armand Rousseau, Chambertin Grand Cru

Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy · France

The reference Chambertin; regal, complete Pinot Noir.

Rousseau holds 2.2 ha of Chambertin; cellar in Gevrey run by the family since 1909.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $4,000–6,000
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: Domaine from 1909
Farming: Sustainable, part organic
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1959, 1990, 1993, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2019

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Very rare

34Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé, Musigny Vieilles Vignes

Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy · France

The largest holder of Musigny; lace-textured old-vine cuvée.

The domaine owns 7 of Musigny's 10 ha; vines under 25 years are declassified out of this cuvée.

Classification: Grand Cru, Vieilles Vignes
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $1,500–2,500
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~1,100 cases
Established: Family from 1450
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1945, 1990, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2020

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Allocation

35Domaine Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier, Musigny Grand Cru

Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy · France

Ethereal, weightless Musigny from a tiny parcel.

Frédéric Mugnier left a flying career to run the family's Château de Chambolle vines; 1.14 ha of Musigny.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $4,000–6,000
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~120 cases
Established: Family from 1863
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1999, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2020

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Very rare

36Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair, La Romanée Grand Cru

Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy · France

The smallest grand cru monopole in Burgundy; 0.85 ha.

The vicomte's family recovered the 0.85 ha La Romanée monopole in 2002; Burgundy's smallest grand cru.

Classification: Grand Cru, Monopole
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $5,000–8,000
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–45 years
Production: ~250 cases
Established: Family from 1815
Farming: Biodynamic
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020

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Very rare

37Domaine Dujac, Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

Morey-Saint-Denis, Burgundy · France

Whole-cluster perfume and savoury depth; a modern classic.

Founded by Jacques Seysses in 1967; whole-cluster fermentation gives its signature spice.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $1,200–1,800
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–35 years
Production: ~350 cases
Established: Domaine from 1967
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1990, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2020

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Allocation

38Domaine Méo-Camuzet, Richebourg Grand Cru

Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy · France

Sumptuous Richebourg from vines once farmed by Henri Jayer.

Jean-Nicolas Méo trained beside Henri Jayer, whose former parcels anchor the domaine.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $2,500–3,500
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–35 years
Production: ~250 cases
Established: Domaine from 1920
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1990, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2020

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Very rare

39Domaine Ponsot, Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes

Morey-Saint-Denis, Burgundy · France

Late-picked, sulphur-shy grand cru of singular character.

Ponsot bottles among the latest-picked wines in Burgundy, without added sulphur at bottling.

Classification: Grand Cru, Vieilles Vignes
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $800–1,200
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Domaine from 1872
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1990, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2019

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Allocation

40E. Guigal, Côte-Rôtie La Mouline

Côte-Rôtie, Rhône · France

The most seductive of Guigal's 'La La' single vineyards.

From 1966 vines in the Côte Blonde with up to 11% Viognier; around 5,000 bottles.

Classification: Côte-Rôtie AOC, single vineyard
Grapes: Syrah, Viognier
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $450–650
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: House from 1946
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1976, 1985, 1988, 1999, 2003, 2010, 2015, 2019

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Allocation

41E. Guigal, Côte-Rôtie La Landonne

Côte-Rôtie, Rhône · France

The darkest and most tannic of the 'La Las'; built for decades.

Côte Brune parcel assembled row by row from 1972; pure Syrah, 40 months in new oak.

Classification: Côte-Rôtie AOC, single vineyard
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $450–650
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: House from 1946
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1985, 1988, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2019

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Allocation

42E. Guigal, Côte-Rôtie La Turque

Côte-Rôtie, Rhône · France

The youngest 'La La'; exotic mid-point of the trio.

First vintage 1985; completes the trio that made Guigal the most awarded producer in Parker's history.

Classification: Côte-Rôtie AOC, single vineyard
Grapes: Syrah, Viognier
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $450–650
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~350 cases
Established: House from 1946
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1985, 1988, 1999, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2019

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Allocation

43Domaine Jean-Louis Chave, Hermitage Rouge

Hermitage, Rhône · France

Sixteen generations on the hill; the definitive Hermitage.

Chave family on the hill since 1481; blended across seven climats for completeness.

Classification: Hermitage AOC
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $350–550
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: Family from 1481
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1978, 1990, 1995, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2019

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Allocation

44Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Hermitage La Chapelle

Hermitage, Rhône · France

The 1961 remains one of the most prized wines ever made.

From the chapel-crowned crest of the hill; the 1961 routinely ranks among the greatest wines ever made.

Classification: Hermitage AOC
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $250–400
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~4,000 cases
Established: House from 1834
Farming: Organic conversion
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1961, 1978, 1990, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2019

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45Château Rayas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône · France

Sand-grown, Burgundian Grenache of cult status and scarcity.

Emmanuel Reynaud continues his uncle Jacques's shuttered, eccentric regime; pale, haunting Grenache from cool sand.

Classification: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Grapes: Grenache
Alcohol: 14.5–15.5%
Guide price: $1,500–2,500
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–45 years
Production: ~1,200 cases
Established: Estate from 1880
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1978, 1990, 1995, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2016

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Very rare

46Château de Beaucastel, Hommage à Jacques Perrin

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône · France

Great-vintage-only cuvée of old-vine Mourvèdre depth.

Made only in exceptional years since 1989 in memory of Jacques Perrin; roughly 60% old-vine Mourvèdre.

Classification: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Grapes: Mourvèdre-led blend
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $450–700
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 25–50 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: First vintage 1989
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 4 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1989, 1990, 1998, 2007, 2010, 2016, 2019

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Allocation

47Clos des Papes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône · France

Benchmark blended Châteauneuf of purity and balance.

Avril family since 1600; all thirteen permitted varieties, aged in old wood only.

Classification: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Grapes: Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $120–180
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: Avril family from 1902
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1990, 1998, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2016, 2019

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Retail

48Tenuta San Guido, Sassicaia

Bolgheri, Tuscany · Italy

The original Super Tuscan; Italy's most traded fine wine.

Marchese Incisa della Rocchetta planted Cabernet by the sea in 1944; the 1985 became Italy's first cult collectible.

Classification: Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1968
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1985, 1988, 2006, 2008, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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49Masseto

Bolgheri, Tuscany · Italy

Italy's answer to Pétrus; single clay hillside of Merlot.

A 7 ha clay knoll identified within Ornellaia in 1986; now Frescobaldi's stand-alone flagship.

Classification: Toscana IGT
Grapes: Merlot
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $900–1,300
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~2,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1986
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2001, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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Very rare

50Ornellaia

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia

Bolgheri, Tuscany · Italy

Polished, generous Bolgheri estate of world standing.

Founded by Lodovico Antinori in 1981, now Frescobaldi; the estate that defined polished Bolgheri.

Classification: Bolgheri Superiore DOC
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~14,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1981
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1998, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019

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51Antinori, Solaia

Marchesi Antinori

Chianti Classico, Tuscany · Italy

Sun-facing Tignanello-estate parcel; dense and cedary.

First made 1978 from a 10 ha south-west parcel of the Tignanello vineyard.

Classification: Toscana IGT
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $350–450
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 12–35 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1978
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1997, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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52Antinori, Tignanello

Marchesi Antinori

Chianti Classico, Tuscany · Italy

The 1971 rewrote Italian wine law; still a benchmark.

Piero Antinori's 1971 rebellion against DOC rules created the Super Tuscan category outright.

Classification: Toscana IGT
Grapes: Sangiovese, Cabernet
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~20,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1971
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1997, 2001, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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Retail

53Gaja, Barbaresco

Barbaresco, Piedmont · Italy

The estate that modernised Piedmont; tar and roses refined.

Five generations in Barbaresco; Angelo Gaja introduced barriques and single-vineyard bottling to Piedmont.

Classification: Barbaresco DOCG
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~8,000 cases
Established: House from 1859
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1989, 1990, 1997, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019

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54Gaja, Sorì San Lorenzo

Barbaresco, Piedmont · Italy

Single-vineyard Langhe Nebbiolo of extraordinary precision.

First single-vineyard Barbaresco ever bottled (1967); a steep amphitheatre above the Tanaro.

Classification: Langhe DOC (Barbaresco cru)
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $500–700
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: First vintage 1967
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1989, 1990, 1997, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019

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Allocation

55Giacomo Conterno, Monfortino Barolo Riserva

Serralunga d'Alba, Piedmont · Italy

Italy's most revered traditional Barolo; released only in top years.

Made since the 1920s only in top years; up to seven years in large old botti before release.

Classification: Barolo DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $1,300–1,900
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 25–60 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: First Monfortino 1920
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 4 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1955, 1971, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015

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Very rare

56Bartolo Mascarello, Barolo

Barolo, Piedmont · Italy

Blended-vineyard traditionalist icon; fierce collector demand.

Maria Teresa Mascarello keeps her father's methods and hand-drawn labels; the 'no barrique, no Berlusconi' estate.

Classification: Barolo DOCG
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $500–800
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~1,200 cases
Established: Estate from 1919
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1989, 2001, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019

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Very rare

57Giuseppe Rinaldi, Barolo Brunate

Barolo, Piedmont · Italy

Artisan Barolo of perfume and grip; tiny quantities.

'Citrico' Rinaldi's cellar unchanged for a century; daughters Marta and Carlotta continue it.

Classification: Barolo DOCG
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $500–800
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: Estate from 1890
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2001, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2020

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Very rare

58Bruno Giacosa, Barolo Falletto Vigna Le Rocche Riserva

Serralunga d'Alba, Piedmont · Italy

The 'red label' riserva; Piedmont at its most aristocratic.

Giacosa's red-label riservas appear only in exceptional years; Le Rocche is the crown parcel of Falletto.

Classification: Barolo DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $800–1,200
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: House from 1900
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1989, 2000, 2004, 2007, 2012, 2014, 2016

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Very rare

59Vietti, Barolo Ravera

Novello, Piedmont · Italy

Modern-classic cru Barolo of energy and detail.

Currado family estate in Castiglione Falletto; Ravera in Novello is its coolest, most vertical cru.

Classification: Barolo DOCG
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Estate from 1873
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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Retail

60Giuseppe Quintarelli, Amarone della Valpolicella

Valpolicella, Veneto · Italy

Hand-written labels, decade-long élevage; Amarone's high altar.

Giuseppe Quintarelli dried grapes into January and aged seven years in cask; family continues unchanged.

Classification: Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
Grapes: Corvina blend
Alcohol: 16–16.5%
Guide price: $500–750
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 25–50 years
Production: ~1,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1924
Farming: Traditional, minimal
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 18°C
Vintages: 1990, 1995, 2000, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2015

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Very rare

61Dal Forno Romano, Amarone della Valpolicella

Valpolicella, Veneto · Italy

Concentrated, immaculate modern Amarone.

Romano Dal Forno built his estate from 1983 in the Val d'Illasi; drying lofts and immaculate fruit.

Classification: Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
Grapes: Corvina blend
Alcohol: 16–17%
Guide price: $350–500
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 25–50 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Estate from 1983
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 4 hours, serve 18°C
Vintages: 1996, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2015

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Allocation

62Biondi-Santi, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

Montalcino, Tuscany · Italy

The estate that invented Brunello; austere, ageless.

Ferruccio Biondi-Santi isolated the Sangiovese Grosso clone; riservas from 1888 still drink well.

Classification: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Sangiovese Grosso
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $700–1,000
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–60 years
Production: ~1,200 cases
Established: First Brunello 1888
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1955, 1975, 1990, 2004, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016

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Very rare

63Case Basse di Gianfranco Soldera, Toscana Sangiovese

Montalcino, Tuscany · Italy

Uncompromising natural-leaning Sangiovese; cult scarcity.

Gianfranco Soldera's obsessive viticulture and long cask ageing; family releases continue since his death in 2019.

Classification: Toscana IGT
Grapes: Sangiovese
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $1,000–1,500
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~1,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1972
Farming: Organic, no chemicals
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1990, 1999, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2015

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Very rare

64Vega Sicilia, Único

Ribera del Duero · Spain

Spain's grandest wine; a decade in cask and bottle before release.

Founded 1864 in Ribera del Duero; Único ages around ten years before release, longer than any peer.

Classification: Ribera del Duero DO Gran Reserva
Grapes: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $450–650
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1864
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1962, 1968, 1970, 1994, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2012

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65Dominio de Pingus, Pingus

Ribera del Duero · Spain

Peter Sisseck's old-vine micro-cuvée; instant cult from 1995.

Danish winemaker Peter Sisseck found ungrafted 1929 Tinto Fino vines; the 1995 debut sold out instantly.

Classification: Ribera del Duero DO
Grapes: Tempranillo (Tinto Fino)
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $900–1,300
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: First vintage 1995
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1995, 2004, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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Very rare

66Álvaro Palacios, L'Ermita

Priorat · Spain

Steep llicorella slate Garnacha; Priorat's summit.

Palacios revived Priorat from 1989; L'Ermita is a single steep slate amphitheatre worked by mule.

Classification: Priorat DOQ, Vi de Finca
Grapes: Garnacha
Alcohol: 14.5–15.5%
Guide price: $1,200–1,700
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~450 cases
Established: First vintage 1993
Farming: Biodynamic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2005, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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Very rare

67Clos i Terrasses, Clos Erasmus

Priorat · Spain

Daphne Glorian's tiny biodynamic Priorat; repeated 100-point scores.

Daphne Glorian's 1.7 ha founding parcel of modern Priorat; biodynamic, amphora-raised in part.

Classification: Priorat DOQ
Grapes: Garnacha, Syrah
Alcohol: 14.5–15.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: First vintage 1989
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2005, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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Allocation

68Artadi, Viña El Pisón

Álava (Rioja zone) · Spain

Single-vineyard Tempranillo of Burgundian intent.

Juan Carlos López de Lacalle left the Rioja DOC in 2015 to bottle his village and vineyard wines on their own terms.

Classification: Vino de España, single vineyard
Grapes: Tempranillo
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $300–400
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: First vintage 1991
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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Allocation

69La Rioja Alta, Gran Reserva 890

Rioja · Spain

Classical long-aged Rioja at its most refined.

Named for the founding year 1890; released only in fine vintages after about six years in American oak.

Classification: Rioja DOCa Gran Reserva
Grapes: Tempranillo blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: Bodega from 1890
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1964, 1994, 2001, 2005, 2010, 2015

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Retail

70Marqués de Murrieta, Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial

Rioja · Spain

Historic single-estate Rioja; decades of cellar age at release.

Estate bottled since 1852; the 2010 Gran Reserva Especial took a perfect 100 from two critics.

Classification: Rioja DOCa Gran Reserva Especial
Grapes: Tempranillo, Mazuelo
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $150–250
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 25–60 years
Production: ~2,500 cases
Established: Bodega from 1852
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1959, 1968, 2001, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012

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Retail

71Screaming Eagle, Cabernet Sauvignon

Oakville, Napa Valley · USA

America's most sought-after wine; years-long waiting list.

First vintage 1992 from an Oakville knoll; the 1992 set the template for Napa cult wine. About 6,000 bottles.

Classification: Oakville AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $3,500–4,500
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–35 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: First vintage 1992
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1992, 1997, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016

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Very rare

72Harlan Estate

Oakville, Napa Valley · USA

Hillside 'first growth of Napa' by intent and execution.

Bill Harlan set out in 1984 to make a 'California First Growth'; Bob Levy and Michel Rolland shaped it.

Classification: Napa Valley AVA
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 14.5–15.5%
Guide price: $1,200–1,700
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~1,800 cases
Established: First vintage 1990
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1994, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2013, 2015, 2016

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Allocation

73Scarecrow

Rutherford, Napa Valley · USA

Old J.J. Cohn vines; velvet Rutherford dust.

From the J.J. Cohn ranch planted 1945, among Napa's oldest Cabernet vines; first vintage 2003.

Classification: Rutherford AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $1,000–1,400
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: First vintage 2003
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018

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Allocation

74Colgin Cellars, IX Estate

Napa Valley · USA

Pritchard Hill estate red of plush precision.

Ann Colgin's estate above Lake Hennessey; LVMH took a majority stake in 2017.

Classification: Napa Valley AVA
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 14.5–15.5%
Guide price: $700–1,000
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: First IX Estate 2002
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2002, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018

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Allocation

75Bryant Family Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon

Pritchard Hill, Napa Valley · USA

Lake-view hillside Cabernet; original 1990s cult wave.

Planted 1987 beside Lake Hennessey; Helen Turley made the run of 1990s vintages that built its name.

Classification: Napa Valley AVA, Pritchard Hill
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5–15.5%
Guide price: $700–950
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1992
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1992, 1997, 2001, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016

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Allocation

76Abreu Vineyard, Madrona Ranch

St. Helena, Napa Valley · USA

David Abreu's home ranch; layered, imposing, allocated.

Napa's most sought-after vineyard manager farms four sites; Madrona Ranch in St. Helena is the original.

Classification: St. Helena AVA
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 14.5–15.5%
Guide price: $700–950
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: First vintage 1986
Farming: Biodynamic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1997, 2001, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016

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Allocation

77Sine Qua Non, Syrah

Central Coast, California · USA

One-off names and labels each vintage; Rhône varieties, cult following.

Manfred Krankl renames and redraws every bottling; no two vintages share a label or name.

Classification: California, varying appellations
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 15–16%
Guide price: $500–800
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: First vintage 1994
Farming: Biodynamic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016

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Allocation

78Opus One

Oakville, Napa Valley · USA

The Mondavi–Rothschild joint venture; global blue chip.

Founded 1979 by Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild; distributed globally through the Bordeaux Place.

Classification: Oakville AVA
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $400–500
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~25,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1979
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1996, 2001, 2005, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018

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79Dominus Estate

Yountville, Napa Valley · USA

Christian Moueix's dry-farmed Napanook; savoury and structured.

Christian Moueix of Pétrus farms the historic Napanook vineyard dry; Herzog & de Meuron built the cellar.

Classification: Napa Valley AVA
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $300–400
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~8,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1983
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1991, 1994, 2001, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018

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80Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello

Santa Cruz Mountains, California · USA

Mountain Cabernet that triumphed in the 1976 Judgment of Paris rematch.

Limestone-based mountain vineyard at 800 m planted from 1886; Paul Draper's traditionalist benchmark.

Classification: Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~3,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1962
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1971, 1991, 1995, 2001, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016

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81Shafer Vineyards, Hillside Select

Stags Leap District, Napa Valley · USA

Sun-drenched hillside Cabernet of consistent opulence.

From volcanic hillsides behind the winery; only the estate's best barrels, about 2,400 cases.

Classification: Stags Leap District AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $350–450
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~2,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1983
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2001, 2002, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016

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82Joseph Phelps, Insignia

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Napa Valley · USA

California's first proprietary Bordeaux-style blend (1974).

First labelled 1974; consistently among Napa's most awarded wines across five decades.

Classification: Napa Valley AVA
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $300–400
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1974
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018

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83Heitz Cellar, Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Oakville, Napa Valley · USA

Eucalyptus-tinged single vineyard; a Napa original since 1966.

Joe Heitz bottled Martha's Vineyard separately from 1966, California's first vineyard-designated Cabernet.

Classification: Oakville AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~3,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1966
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1968, 1974, 1985, 1997, 2013, 2015, 2016

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84Dunn Vineyards, Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Howell Mountain, Napa Valley · USA

Unyielding mountain Cabernet built for very long ageing.

Randy Dunn's unirrigated mountain fruit; famously backward wines that reward twenty years' patience.

Classification: Howell Mountain AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~2,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1979
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 4 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1990, 1994, 2001, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016

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85Promontory

Napa Valley · USA

The Harlan family's wilder, rockier territory beyond Oakville.

The Harlan family's second act on wilder terrain; first release 2008, run by Will Harlan.

Classification: Napa Valley AVA
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $900–1,200
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~1,000 cases
Established: First vintage 2008
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018

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86Penfolds, Grange

South Australia (multi-region) · Australia

Australia's flagship; a Shiraz with First Growth trading status.

Max Schubert's 1951 experiment, nearly cancelled by management, became Australia's national treasure; multi-region Shiraz.

Classification: South Australia, multi-region
Grapes: Shiraz
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $550–800
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~10,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1951
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1953, 1971, 1990, 2008, 2010, 2016, 2018

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87Henschke, Hill of Grace

Eden Valley, South Australia · Australia

Single vineyard with vines planted in the 1860s.

Single 8 ha vineyard beside a Lutheran church; 'Grandfathers' block vines planted about 1860.

Classification: Eden Valley GI
Grapes: Shiraz
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $650–900
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: First vintage 1958
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1998, 2002, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018

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88Torbreck, The Laird

Torbreck Vintners

Barossa Valley, South Australia · Australia

Single-site Gnadenfrei Shiraz; Australia's priciest table wine on release.

Dave Powell's single-vineyard Gnadenfrei Shiraz, three years in French oak; first vintage 2005.

Classification: Barossa Valley GI
Grapes: Shiraz
Alcohol: 14.5–15.5%
Guide price: $700–900
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~200 cases
Established: First vintage 2005
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2016, 2018

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89Clarendon Hills, Astralis

Clarendon, South Australia · Australia

Old-vine single-vineyard Syrah of Rhône-like bearing.

Roman Bratasiuk's 1994-founded project; single-vineyard old-vine Syrah in a Burgundian idiom.

Classification: McLaren Vale GI
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 14.5–15.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~300 cases
Established: First vintage 1994
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1996, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2012, 2016

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90Chris Ringland, Dry Grown Barossa Ranges Shiraz

Barossa Ranges, South Australia · Australia

Minute production from 1910s vines; cult scarcity.

Three barrels a year from dry-grown 1910s vines above the Barossa; long élevage, longer waiting list.

Classification: Barossa Ranges GI
Grapes: Shiraz
Alcohol: 15–16.5%
Guide price: $700–1,000
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~100 cases
Established: First vintage 1989
Farming: Dry-grown, minimal
Serving: Decant 4 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1998, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2015

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91Rockford, Basket Press Shiraz

Rockford Wines

Barossa Valley, South Australia · Australia

Old-vine, old-method Barossa beloved beyond its price.

Robert O'Callaghan presses in 19th-century basket presses; sold largely cellar-door and by allocation.

Classification: Barossa Valley GI
Grapes: Shiraz
Alcohol: 14.5%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1984
Farming: Dry-grown old vines
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1996, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2012, 2018

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92Wynns Coonawarra Estate, John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon

Coonawarra, South Australia · Australia

Terra rossa Cabernet made only in exceptional years.

Named for Coonawarra's founder; made only when the terra rossa fruit justifies it, since 1982.

Classification: Coonawarra GI
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $90–140
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1982
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1990, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019

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93Almaviva

Maipo Valley · Chile

Concha y Toro with Baron Philippe de Rothschild; Chile's blue chip.

A 1997 joint venture of Concha y Toro and Baron Philippe de Rothschild in Puente Alto; Bordeaux-Place distribution.

Classification: Puente Alto, Maipo DO
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1996
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021

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94Seña

Viña Seña

Aconcagua Valley · Chile

The Chadwick–Mondavi venture; biodynamic hillside blend.

Eduardo Chadwick and Robert Mondavi founded it in 1995; biodynamic hillside estate in Aconcagua.

Classification: Aconcagua Valley DO
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $130–180
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~8,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1995
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

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95Viñedo Chadwick

Maipo Valley · Chile

Planted on the family polo field; beat First Growths at the 2004 Berlin Tasting.

Planted 1992 on the family polo field in Puente Alto; topped First Growths blind at the 2004 Berlin Tasting.

Classification: Puente Alto, Maipo DO
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1999
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021

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96Catena Zapata, Nicolás Catena Zapata

Bodega Catena Zapata

Mendoza · Argentina

High-altitude blend that put Argentina on the fine wine map.

Nicolás Catena pioneered high-altitude Mendoza viticulture; this blend is the family's statement wine.

Classification: Mendoza, multi-vineyard
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $120–180
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~3,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1997
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020

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97Cheval des Andes

Mendoza · Argentina

Cheval Blanc's Andean venture; Malbec with Saint-Émilion polish.

Cheval Blanc's terroir team blends high-altitude Malbec with Cabernet; first vintage 1999.

Classification: Mendoza
Grapes: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~10,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1999
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021

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98Kanonkop, Paul Sauer

Kanonkop Estate

Stellenbosch · South Africa

South Africa's benchmark red; the 2015 scored a perfect 100.

Krige family estate farming bush vines since 1930; Paul Sauer 2015 took South Africa's first perfect score.

Classification: Stellenbosch WO
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1910
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1991, 2009, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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99Casa Ferreirinha, Barca Velha

Douro · Portugal

Portugal's most storied table wine; released only in great years.

Created by Fernando Nicolau de Almeida in 1952, refrigerating grapes with ice trucked from Porto; about 20 vintages ever released.

Classification: Douro DOC
Grapes: Touriga Nacional blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $500–750
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1952
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1966, 1982, 1999, 2004, 2008, 2011

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100Château Musar, Rouge

Bekaa Valley · Lebanon

Idiosyncratic, long-lived Lebanese classic with a devoted following.

Serge Hochar made wine through the Lebanese civil war; released around seven years after harvest.

Classification: Bekaa Valley
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Carignan
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~30,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1930
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1959, 1977, 1991, 1998, 2005, 2010, 2017

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101Château Léoville Barton

Saint-Julien, Bordeaux · France

Classical claret of unbroken family stewardship.

Barton family owned since 1826, the longest single-family tenure in the Médoc; famously fair release pricing.

Classification: Second Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $90–140
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~20,000 cases
Established: Barton from 1826
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1982, 1990, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2016, 2019

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102Château Léoville Poyferré

Saint-Julien, Bordeaux · France

The most opulent of the three Léovilles.

Cuvelier family estate; the 2009 took a perfect Parker score and reset its standing.

Classification: Second Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~16,000 cases
Established: Cuvelier from 1920
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1982, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2016, 2019

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103Château Gruaud Larose

Saint-Julien, Bordeaux · France

Sturdy, savoury Saint-Julien with deep vintage archives.

'The wine of kings, the king of wines' reads its motto; celebrated 1928, 1945 and 1982 still circulate.

Classification: Second Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~20,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1725
Farming: Biodynamic conversion
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1928, 1945, 1982, 1990, 2000, 2010, 2016

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104Château Rauzan-Ségla

Margaux, Bordeaux · France

Margaux's leading second growth of the modern era.

Owned by Chanel's Wertheimer family since 1994; rebuilt vineyard and cellar restored its 1855 rank.

Classification: Second Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~12,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1661
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1990, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2015, 2016, 2019

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105Château Brane-Cantenac

Margaux, Bordeaux · France

Perfumed plateau Margaux from deep gravels.

Henri Lurton farms the great Brane plateau; quietly excellent through the 2010s.

Classification: Second Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $70–110
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~12,000 cases
Established: Lurton from 1925
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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106Château Calon Ségur

Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux · France

The heart-labelled Saint-Estèphe of romantic legend.

Marquis de Ségur, owner of Lafite and Latour, said his heart remained at Calon; hence the label.

Classification: Third Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $110–160
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1700s
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1947, 1982, 2003, 2009, 2016, 2018, 2019

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107Château Pontet-Canet

Pauillac, Bordeaux · France

Biodynamic Pauillac that stormed the first-growth conversation.

First certified biodynamic classed growth; horses work the vines. The 2009 and 2010 both drew perfect scores.

Classification: Fifth Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $110–160
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~18,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1725
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2019

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108Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste

Pauillac, Bordeaux · France

Blackcurrant-pure Pauillac for classicists.

Borie family estate inland of the river; a byword for value among collectors.

Classification: Fifth Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: Borie from 1978
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1982, 1990, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2016

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109Château Beychevelle

Saint-Julien, Bordeaux · France

The dragon-ship label beloved in Asia.

Named for 'baisse-voile', ships lowering sails to salute the Duc d'Épernon; graceful riverside Saint-Julien.

Classification: Fourth Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~25,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1565
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2016, 2018, 2019

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110Château La Conseillante

Pomerol, Bordeaux · France

Violet-scented Pomerol of silk and lift.

Nicolas family since 1871; borders Cheval Blanc and l'Évangile on the plateau's edge.

Classification: Pomerol (unclassified appellation)
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~4,000 cases
Established: Nicolas from 1871
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1990, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016

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111Château L'Évangile

Pomerol, Bordeaux · France

Rothschild-owned Pomerol beside Pétrus.

Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) acquired it in 1990; sumptuous plateau Merlot.

Classification: Pomerol (unclassified appellation)
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~3,000 cases
Established: Rothschild from 1990
Farming: Organic conversion
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1990, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2018

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112Château Clinet

Pomerol, Bordeaux · France

Plush Pomerol with a storied 1989 and 1990.

The Laborde family era restored consistency; its 1989 remains a Pomerol reference point.

Classification: Pomerol (unclassified appellation)
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~3,500 cases
Established: Estate from 1800s
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1989, 1990, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016

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113Château Hosanna

Pomerol, Bordeaux · France

Moueix's plateau jewel carved from Certan-Giraud.

Created in 1999 from the finest Certan-Giraud parcels between Pétrus and Lafleur.

Classification: Pomerol (unclassified appellation)
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1999
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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114Château Canon

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux · France

Limestone-plateau Saint-Émilion of chalky refinement.

Chanel-owned like Rauzan-Ségla; the 2015 marked its return to the front rank.

Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé B
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1760
Farming: Organic conversion
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2000, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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115Château Troplong Mondot

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux · France

Powerful hilltop Saint-Émilion, lately more refined.

Highest point of the appellation around the Mondot tower; style softened under new direction from 2017.

Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé B
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $110–160
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~6,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1745
Farming: Organic conversion
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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116Château Beauséjour Duffau-Lagarrosse

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux · France

Tiny côte estate with a mythical 1990.

The 1990 took a perfect score and decades of argument; steep limestone slope of under 7 ha.

Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé B
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $150–250
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Family from 1847
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1990, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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117Clos Fourtet

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux · France

Walled clos on the plateau by the church.

Cuvelier family owned; quarried limestone cellars run beneath the vines.

Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé B
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $110–160
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1868
Farming: Organic conversion
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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118Château Pavie Macquin

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux · France

Dense, mineral côte wine above Pavie.

Named for Albert Macquin, who saved the region's vines after phylloxera by grafting.

Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé B
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $90–140
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~4,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1887
Farming: Biodynamic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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119Château Larcis Ducasse

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux · France

South-facing côte beside Pavie; quiet excellence.

Managed by the Thienpont-Berrouet team; a steep amphitheatre of limestone and clay.

Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé B
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~3,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1893
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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120Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux · France

Graves red of polish and dark fruit.

Cathiard family transformed it from 1990; the 2009 red took a perfect score.

Classification: Cru Classé de Graves
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $110–160
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~10,000 cases
Established: Cathiard from 1990
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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121Château Pape Clément

Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux · France

Urban Graves estate with seven centuries of harvests.

Planted for Pope Clement V in 1306; Bernard Magrez's flagship.

Classification: Cru Classé de Graves
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~8,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1300
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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122Château Haut-Bailly

Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux · France

The most harmonious of Graves reds.

Old mixed plantings on gravel croupe; a byword for balance over power.

Classification: Cru Classé de Graves
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $130–190
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~9,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1530
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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123Domaine de Chevalier Rouge

Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux · France

Forest-ringed estate of quiet consistency.

Bernard family owned; long-lived reds that reward patience over spectacle.

Classification: Cru Classé de Graves
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $70–110
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~8,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1865
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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124Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion

Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux · France

Cabernet Franc-led Graves; the appellation's new cult.

Whole-bunch vinification in a Philippe Starck-designed cellar; Bordeaux's most Burgundian red.

Classification: Pessac-Léognan AOC
Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $130–190
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~3,500 cases
Established: Estate from 1584
Farming: Organic, part biodynamic
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022

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Traded

125Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Grands Échézeaux

Flagey-Échézeaux, Burgundy · France

DRC's underrated middleweight of dark spice.

3.5 ha holding; often the finest value within the domaine's mixed case.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 12.5–13.5%
Guide price: $2,500–3,500
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–45 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: Domaine holding from 1912
Farming: Biodynamic
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1990, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2019

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Very rare

126Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Échézeaux

Flagey-Échézeaux, Burgundy · France

The most approachable entry to the DRC range.

4.7 ha across the grand cru's upper slopes; earliest-drinking of the family.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 12.5–13.5%
Guide price: $2,000–3,000
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–35 years
Production: ~1,400 cases
Established: Domaine holding from 1912
Farming: Biodynamic
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2018, 2019

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127Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Corton

Aloxe-Corton, Burgundy · France

DRC's Côte de Beaune outpost since 2009.

Leased Prince Florent de Mérode parcels; first DRC red from outside Vosne in generations.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 12.5–13.5%
Guide price: $1,500–2,500
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–35 years
Production: ~300 cases
Established: Lease from 2009
Farming: Biodynamic
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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128Clos de Tart

Morey-Saint-Denis, Burgundy · France

Grand cru monopole held whole since 1141.

7.5 ha walled monopole owned by Artémis (Pinault) since 2017; never divided since Cistercian nuns planted it.

Classification: Grand Cru, Monopole
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $700–1,000
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: Monopole from 1141
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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129Domaine des Lambrays, Clos des Lambrays

Morey-Saint-Denis, Burgundy · France

Near-monopole grand cru of whole-cluster perfume.

LVMH owned since 2014; all but a sliver of the clos belongs to the domaine.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $350–500
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: Clos from 1365
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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Allocation

130Domaine Sylvain Cathiard, Romanée-Saint-Vivant

Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy · France

Sébastien Cathiard's lace-textured grand cru.

A 0.17 ha parcel; the domaine's rise made its wines among Vosne's most hunted.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $3,000–4,500
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~100 cases
Established: Domaine from 1969
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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131Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux, Romanée-Saint-Vivant

Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy · France

Charles Lachaux's radical viticulture, meteoric prices.

High-trained vines, no trimming, infusion-style extraction; prices multiplied tenfold since 2018.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $4,000–6,000
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~120 cases
Established: Domaine from 1858
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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132Domaine Mugneret-Gibourg, Ruchottes-Chambertin

Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy · France

The sisters' silken grand cru from Gevrey's heights.

Run by the daughters of Dr Georges Mugneret; a model of understated purity.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $1,500–2,200
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~250 cases
Established: Domaine from 1933
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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133Domaine Georges Roumier, Bonnes-Mares

Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy · France

Roumier's structured counterpart to Musigny.

The domaine's largest grand cru holding; darker and firmer than its Musigny.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $2,500–3,500
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–45 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: Domaine from 1924
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1990, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2019

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134Domaine Armand Rousseau, Chambertin Clos de Bèze

Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy · France

Bèze's answer to Rousseau's Chambertin.

Some argue the Bèze surpasses the Chambertin in perfume; the debate sustains both prices.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $2,500–3,500
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: Domaine from 1909
Farming: Sustainable, part organic
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1990, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2019

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135Domaine Armand Rousseau, Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques

Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy · France

The premier cru that trades like a grand cru.

The finest of the five Clos Saint-Jacques holdings; widely held to merit grand cru rank.

Classification: Premier Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $1,200–1,800
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~900 cases
Established: Domaine from 1909
Farming: Sustainable, part organic
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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136Domaine Fourrier, Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques Vieille Vigne

Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy · France

Jean-Marie Fourrier's unforced, vibrant Gevrey.

Old vines, minimal new oak, unfined and unfiltered; a modern collector staple.

Classification: Premier Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $800–1,200
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–35 years
Production: ~250 cases
Established: Domaine from 1930
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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137Domaine Claude Dugat, Griotte-Chambertin

Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy · France

Tiny grand cru of cherry-pit intensity.

The Dugats farm barely half a hectare of Griotte; production measured in scores of cases.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $800–1,200
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~120 cases
Established: Domaine from 1950s
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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138Domaine Trapet Père et Fils, Chambertin

Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy · France

Biodynamic Chambertin of grace over muscle.

Jean-Louis Trapet converted early to biodynamics; among Chambertin's larger family holdings.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $500–800
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~300 cases
Established: Family from 1870
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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Allocation

139Domaine Marquis d'Angerville, Volnay Clos des Ducs

Volnay, Burgundy · France

Volnay's aristocratic walled monopole.

The d'Angervilles led the estate-bottling movement in the 1930s; Clos des Ducs is their 2.4 ha monopole.

Classification: Premier Cru, Monopole
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $400–600
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: Domaine from 1804
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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Allocation

140Domaine Michel Lafarge, Volnay Clos des Chênes

Volnay, Burgundy · France

Old-school Volnay of transparency and length.

Frédéric Lafarge continues his father's biodynamic, old-barrel regime.

Classification: Premier Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $250–400
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Domaine from 1855
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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141Domaine du Comte Armand, Pommard Clos des Épeneaux

Pommard, Burgundy · France

Pommard's great walled monopole.

5.2 ha monopole farmed biodynamically; the case for Pommard's elevation to grand cru.

Classification: Premier Cru, Monopole
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $180–280
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,000 cases
Established: Monopole from 1826
Farming: Biodynamic
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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142Domaine Hudelot-Noëllat, Romanée-Saint-Vivant

Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy · France

Charming, translucent RSV at relative value.

Charles van Canneyt continues his grandfather's gentle style across storied Vosne parcels.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $1,200–1,800
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~200 cases
Established: Domaine from 1960s
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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143Domaine Cécile Tremblay, Chapelle-Chambertin

Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy · France

Jayer's great-niece; whispered-about wines.

Minute production and family lineage from Henri Jayer put her wines on every hunt list.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $1,500–2,500
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–35 years
Production: ~80 cases
Established: Domaine from 2003
Farming: Biodynamic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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144Domaine Bruno Clair, Chambertin Clos de Bèze

Marsannay/Gevrey, Burgundy · France

Savoury, structured Bèze from a Marsannay master.

Heir to the old Clair-Daü holdings; a hectare of Bèze anchors the range.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $600–900
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~150 cases
Established: Domaine from 1979
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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Allocation

145Thierry Allemand, Cornas Reynard

Cornas, Rhône · France

Hand-built terraces; Cornas's cult standard-bearer.

Allemand reclaimed abandoned hillsides alone in the 1980s; low-sulphur Syrah of startling purity.

Classification: Cornas AOC
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $400–600
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: First vintage 1982
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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146Domaine Auguste Clape, Cornas

Cornas, Rhône · France

The granite benchmark of old Cornas.

Three generations of Clapes; foot-trodden, raised in ancient oval foudres.

Classification: Cornas AOC
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~1,200 cases
Established: Domaine from 1949
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1990, 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2019

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Allocation

147Domaine Jamet, Côte-Rôtie

Côte-Rôtie, Rhône · France

Smoky, peppery Côte-Rôtie from many parcels.

Jean-Paul Jamet blends across two dozen hillside parcels; traditionalist whole-bunch style.

Classification: Côte-Rôtie AOC
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 12.5–13.5%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: Domaine from 1976
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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Allocation

148René Rostaing, Côte-Rôtie La Landonne

Côte-Rôtie, Rhône · France

Schist-grown Landonne of iron and violets.

Rostaing inherited prime Côte Brune parcels from Marius Gentaz; now run by son Pierre.

Classification: Côte-Rôtie AOC, single vineyard
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Domaine from 1971
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1999, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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Allocation

149Henri Bonneau, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve des Célestins

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône · France

Legendary cellar-aged Grenache from a vanished master.

Bonneau aged wines for up to a decade in crumbling cellars beneath the village; he died in 2016.

Classification: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Grapes: Grenache
Alcohol: 15–16%
Guide price: $800–1,200
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: Family from 1600s
Farming: Traditional, minimal
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1990, 1998, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2015

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150Domaine du Pégau, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée da Capo

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône · France

Great-years-only cuvée of massive old-vine depth.

Laurence Féraud's da Capo has taken multiple perfect scores since its 1998 debut.

Classification: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Grapes: Grenache blend
Alcohol: 15–16%
Guide price: $350–500
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: First da Capo 1998
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1998, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2016

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151Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône · France

Galet-strewn La Crau plateau in a bottle.

Brunier family since 1891; the defining wine of the appellation's stony eastern plateau.

Classification: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Grapes: Grenache blend
Alcohol: 14.5–15.5%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~10,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1898
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1998, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2016, 2019

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152Château de Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône · France

The Perrins' organic flagship blend.

All thirteen permitted varieties, organic since the 1960s; Mourvèdre gives its savoury spine.

Classification: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Grapes: Thirteen varieties
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $110–160
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~25,000 cases
Established: Perrin from 1909
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1990, 1998, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2016

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153Delas Frères, Hermitage Les Bessards

Hermitage, Rhône · France

Granite-heart Hermitage reborn under Delas.

From the hill's greatest granite climat; the house's revival wine since the late 1990s.

Classification: Hermitage AOC, single vineyard
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: House from 1835
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1999, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2019

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Allocation

154M. Chapoutier, Ermitage Le Pavillon

Hermitage, Rhône · France

Biodynamic single-parcel Ermitage of black depth.

From old Bessards vines; Michel Chapoutier's braille-labelled, biodynamic estate flagship.

Classification: Hermitage AOC, single vineyard
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $300–450
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: House from 1808
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1990, 1999, 2003, 2010, 2015, 2019

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Allocation

155Giuseppe Mascarello, Barolo Monprivato

Castiglione Falletto, Piedmont · Italy

Single-cru Barolo of haunting transparency.

Mauro Mascarello has bottled Monprivato separately since 1970; ethereal, slow-ageing Nebbiolo.

Classification: Barolo DOCG
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $300–450
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~1,200 cases
Established: Estate from 1881
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1989, 2001, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2016

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156Cappellano, Barolo Otin Fiorin Piè Franco

Serralunga d'Alba, Piedmont · Italy

Ungrafted vines; scores refused on principle.

Teobaldo Cappellano asked critics not to score his wines; his son Augusto continues both vines and principle.

Classification: Barolo DOCG
Grapes: Nebbiolo (ungrafted)
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $700–1,100
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~250 cases
Established: Estate from 1870
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2001, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019

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157Roagna, Barbaresco Crichët Pajé

Barbaresco, Piedmont · Italy

Decade-long ageing atop the Pajé cru.

Released around ten years after harvest from old massale vines; Luca Roagna's flagship.

Classification: Barbaresco DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $700–1,000
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~300 cases
Established: Estate from 1880
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 4 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016

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158G.B. Burlotto, Barolo Monvigliero

Verduno, Piedmont · Italy

Whole-bunch Verduno cru; the decade's cult Barolo.

Fabio Alessandria's foot-trodden, whole-cluster Monvigliero saw prices multiply after 2015.

Classification: Barolo DOCG
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $500–800
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: Estate from 1850
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020

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159Luciano Sandrone, Barolo Le Vigne

Barolo, Piedmont · Italy

Polished multi-cru blend from a modern master.

Sandrone rose from cellar hand to benchmark; Le Vigne blends four crus.

Classification: Barolo DOCG
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Estate from 1978
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019

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160Elio Altare, Barolo Arborina

La Morra, Piedmont · Italy

The barrique revolutionary's La Morra cru.

Altare's chainsaw took his father's old casks in 1983; the modernist movement began here.

Classification: Barolo DOCG
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $120–180
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: Estate from 1948
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019

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161Paolo Scavino, Barolo Bric dël Fiasc

Castiglione Falletto, Piedmont · Italy

Precision Barolo from a family cru since 1978.

Enrico Scavino was among the first to bottle single crus; his daughters now lead.

Classification: Barolo DOCG
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $120–180
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: Estate from 1921
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019

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162Massolino, Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva

Serralunga d'Alba, Piedmont · Italy

Serralunga's great Rionda amphitheatre.

From the cru many call Serralunga's finest; released after six years.

Classification: Barolo DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: Estate from 1896
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016

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163Brovia, Barolo Rocche di Castiglione

Castiglione Falletto, Piedmont · Italy

Traditionalist cru of rose-petal lift.

Sisters Elena and Cristina Brovia farm organically; classic large-cask ageing.

Classification: Barolo DOCG
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $120–170
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: Estate from 1863
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019

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164Produttori del Barbaresco, Riserva Crus

Barbaresco, Piedmont · Italy

The world's greatest cooperative; nine cru riservas.

Fifty grower families; in top years the co-op bottles nine single-cru riservas of astonishing value.

Classification: Barbaresco DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~800 cases per cru
Established: Cooperative from 1958
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017

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165Montevertine, Le Pergole Torte

Radda in Chianti, Tuscany · Italy

Pure Sangiovese that refused the Chianti name.

Sergio Manetti left the DOC rather than blend; first vintage 1977, labels by Alberto Manzi.

Classification: Toscana IGT
Grapes: Sangiovese
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1977
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1990, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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166Fontodi, Flaccianello della Pieve

Panzano in Chianti, Tuscany · Italy

Organic Panzano Sangiovese of dark polish.

Giovanni Manetti's single-vineyard selection from the Conca d'Oro amphitheatre.

Classification: Toscana IGT
Grapes: Sangiovese
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $130–190
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~3,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1981
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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167Fèlsina, Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia

Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany · Italy

Stony single-vineyard riserva of iron and cherry.

From a former Benedictine farm at the Classico zone's southern edge.

Classification: Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Sangiovese
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~2,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1983
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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168Casanova di Neri, Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto

Montalcino, Tuscany · Italy

Riverside amphitheatre Brunello of dark intensity.

Giacomo Neri's single vineyard above the Asso river; the 2001 took a perfect score.

Classification: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Grapes: Sangiovese Grosso
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $300–450
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: First vintage 1981
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2001, 2006, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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169Poggio di Sotto, Brunello di Montalcino

Montalcino, Tuscany · Italy

Traditional southern-slope Brunello of pale power.

Long macerations and old casks above the Orcia valley; now ColleMassari owned.

Classification: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Grapes: Sangiovese Grosso
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1989
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2006, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019

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170Salvioni, Brunello di Montalcino La Cerbaiola

Montalcino, Tuscany · Italy

Family garage Brunello of fierce integrity.

Giulio Salvioni's few thousand bottles from La Cerbaiola; unchanged methods since 1985.

Classification: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Grapes: Sangiovese Grosso
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $200–280
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,200 cases
Established: First vintage 1985
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2006, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019

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171Cerbaiona, Brunello di Montalcino

Montalcino, Tuscany · Italy

Diego Molinari's tiny estate, faithfully continued.

The former airline pilot's farm became a cult; new owners kept vines and philosophy.

Classification: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Grapes: Sangiovese Grosso
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: First vintage 1981
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2006, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019

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172Valentini, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Loreto Aprutino, Abruzzo · Italy

Abruzzo's reclusive grand cru in all but name.

The Valentinis release a fraction of their harvest, unannounced and unscored; the rest is sold off in bulk.

Classification: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC
Grapes: Montepulciano
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $250–400
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Family from 1650
Farming: Traditional, minimal
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2000, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016

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173Emidio Pepe, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Torano Nuovo, Abruzzo · Italy

Foot-trodden, decades-aged natural benchmark.

The Pepe family re-decants old vintages by hand before release; biodynamic since the 1960s.

Classification: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC
Grapes: Montepulciano
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $150–250
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Estate from 1964
Farming: Biodynamic practice
Serving: Decant, hand-decanted from sediment, 16°C
Vintages: 1985, 2001, 2006, 2010, 2015, 2018

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174Tenuta di Trinoro

Val d'Orcia, Tuscany · Italy

Andrea Franchetti's remote Bordeaux-variety estate.

Planted in a wild valley at altitude; late-picked, opulent Cabernet Franc-led blends.

Classification: Toscana IGT
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1997
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2006, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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175Tenuta San Leonardo, San Leonardo

Trentino · Italy

Alpine claret of old-world restraint.

Marchesi Guerrieri Gonzaga's estate; often called Italy's most Bordeaux-like red.

Classification: Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1982
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019

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176Tua Rita, Redigaffi

Suvereto, Tuscany · Italy

Coastal Merlot that rivalled Masseto's scores.

The 2000 took a perfect Parker score from a then-unknown garage estate.

Classification: Toscana IGT
Grapes: Merlot
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: First vintage 1994
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2000, 2006, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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177Petrolo, Galatrona

Valdarno, Tuscany · Italy

Single-vineyard Merlot beneath a medieval tower.

Luca Sanjust's flagship; consistently among Italy's top Merlots.

Classification: Toscana IGT
Grapes: Merlot
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $130–190
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1994
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2006, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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178Le Macchiole, Paleo Rosso

Bolgheri, Tuscany · Italy

Bolgheri's pure Cabernet Franc statement.

Cinzia Merli completed her late husband's vision; 100% Franc since 2001.

Classification: Toscana IGT
Grapes: Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $120–170
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First varietal Franc 2001
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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179Vega Sicilia, Valbuena 5°

Ribera del Duero · Spain

Único's younger sibling, released at five years.

Same vineyards as Único, five years' ageing; many years it rivals its elder.

Classification: Ribera del Duero DO
Grapes: Tempranillo, Merlot
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $180–260
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~10,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1864
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018

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180Bodegas Alión

Ribera del Duero · Spain

Vega Sicilia's modern-styled second estate.

Founded 1991 for a new-oak, single-variety expression of Ribera.

Classification: Ribera del Duero DO
Grapes: Tempranillo (Tinto Fino)
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1991
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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181R. López de Heredia, Viña Bosconia Gran Reserva

Rioja · Spain

Time-capsule Rioja from underground cathedrals.

Nothing has changed at Tondonia since 1877; gran reservas emerge after decades.

Classification: Rioja DOCa Gran Reserva
Grapes: Tempranillo blend
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $150–250
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: Bodega from 1877
Farming: Traditional, no chemicals
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 1994, 2001, 2004, 2010, 2011

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182CVNE, Imperial Gran Reserva

Rioja · Spain

The historic Rioja that topped a world ranking.

The 2004 was Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year 2013, a first for Spain.

Classification: Rioja DOCa Gran Reserva
Grapes: Tempranillo blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~4,000 cases
Established: Bodega from 1879
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1994, 2001, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2016

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183Bodegas Muga, Prado Enea Gran Reserva

Rioja · Spain

Oak-crafted classical Rioja from Haro's station district.

Muga keeps its own coopers; Prado Enea ages seven years before release.

Classification: Rioja DOCa Gran Reserva
Grapes: Tempranillo blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: Bodega from 1932
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2001, 2004, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2016

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184Remírez de Ganuza, Gran Reserva

Rioja Alavesa · Spain

Meticulous modern gran reserva; grapes halved by hand.

Fernando Remírez de Ganuza separates berry shoulders from tips; the 2004 took a perfect score.

Classification: Rioja DOCa Gran Reserva
Grapes: Tempranillo, Graciano
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $90–140
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,200 cases
Established: Bodega from 1989
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2005, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016

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185Clos Mogador

Priorat · Spain

René Barbier's founding Priorat estate.

One of the five 1989 'Clos' pioneers who resurrected the region's slate terraces.

Classification: Priorat DOQ, Vi de Finca
Grapes: Garnacha, Cariñena, Syrah
Alcohol: 14.5–15.5%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~2,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1989
Farming: Biodynamic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019

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186Comando G, Rumbo al Norte

Sierra de Gredos · Spain

High-altitude granite Garnacha; Spain's Burgundian turn.

Fernando García and Dani Landi farm tiny 1,200 m parcels; ethereal pale Garnacha.

Classification: Vinos de Madrid DO
Grapes: Garnacha
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~100 cases
Established: First vintage 2008
Farming: Biodynamic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 15°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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187Dalla Valle Vineyards, Maya

Oakville, Napa Valley · USA

Hillside Franc-inflected Napa of legendary depth.

Naoko Dalla Valle and daughter Maya farm the east Oakville knoll; the 1992 is Napa canon.

Classification: Oakville AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $600–850
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: First vintage 1988
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1992, 1997, 2002, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018

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188Eisele Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon

Eisele Vineyard Estate

Calistoga, Napa Valley · USA

The storied Araujo vineyard under Latour's owners.

Artémis (Château Latour) acquired the biodynamic Eisele site in 2013; fruit source since 1971.

Classification: Calistoga AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $500–700
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1971
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021

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189Spottswoode, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Spottswoode Estate

St. Helena, Napa Valley · USA

Organic estate Cabernet of feminine polish.

Novak family farmed organically since 1985; the 2019 took multiple perfect scores.

Classification: St. Helena AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1982
Farming: Organic and biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021

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190Corison, Kronos Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Corison Winery

St. Helena, Napa Valley · USA

Old own-rooted vines; restraint against the tide.

Cathy Corison kept picking early through Napa's ripeness era; vindicated by time.

Classification: St. Helena AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: First vintage 1996
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2001, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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191Mayacamas Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon

Mount Veeder, Napa Valley · USA

Mountain classicism unchanged since the 1960s.

Old concrete and neutral oak at 700 m; the 1971 starred in the Judgment rematches.

Classification: Mount Veeder AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~3,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1889
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1971, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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192Chateau Montelena, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Calistoga, Napa Valley · USA

The Judgment of Paris winery's ageworthy estate red.

Barrett family estate; its Chardonnay won Paris 1976, its Cabernet built the reputation since.

Classification: Calistoga AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $200–280
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~6,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1882
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021

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193Philip Togni Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon

Spring Mountain, Napa Valley · USA

Bordeaux-trained rigour at 600 metres.

Togni studied under Émile Peynaud; unirrigated mountain fruit, decades of cellar life.

Classification: Spring Mountain AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $130–190
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1983
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2001, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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194Diamond Creek Vineyards

Diamond Mountain, Napa Valley · USA

Three volcanic micro-crus bottled apart since 1968.

Al Brounstein's Volcanic Hill, Red Rock Terrace and Gravelly Meadow pioneered Napa terroir bottling.

Classification: Diamond Mountain AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~600 cases per block
Established: First vintage 1972
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021

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195Continuum Estate

Pritchard Hill, Napa Valley · USA

The Mondavi family's hillside continuation.

Tim Mondavi's post-Mondavi-sale estate; Franc-led blend from Sage Mountain Vineyard.

Classification: Pritchard Hill, Napa Valley AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Franc blend
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $300–400
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: First vintage 2005
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021

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196Schrader Cellars, Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet

Oakville, Napa Valley · USA

To Kalon fruit; a run of perfect scores.

Fred Schrader's bottlings from Beckstoffer To Kalon collected more 100s than any Napa peer.

Classification: Oakville AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5–15.5%
Guide price: $350–500
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: First vintage 1998
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2007, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018

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197Vérité, La Muse / La Joie / Le Désir

Sonoma County, California · USA

Jackson family trilogy with a dozen perfect scores.

Pierre Seillan blends across Sonoma mountain sites; three Bordeaux-styled expressions.

Classification: Sonoma County AVA
Grapes: Merlot / Cabernet blends
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $450–650
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,500 cases each
Established: First vintage 1998
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2007, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018

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198Quilceda Creek, Cabernet Sauvignon

Columbia Valley, Washington · USA

Washington's serial-100-point standard-bearer.

Golitzin family, advised by André Tchelistcheff at founding; multiple perfect scores since 2002.

Classification: Columbia Valley AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1979
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2002, 2005, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019

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199Leonetti Cellar, Cabernet Sauvignon

Walla Walla Valley, Washington · USA

Walla Walla's founding family winery.

Figgins family planted in 1974; the valley's first commercial winery and enduring reference.

Classification: Walla Walla Valley AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $130–190
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~3,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1978
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021

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200Cayuse Vineyards, Bionic Frog Syrah

Walla Walla Valley, Washington · USA

Stones-grown Syrah of savage, savoury character.

Christophe Baron planted cobblestone 'Rocks' ground others rejected; biodynamic cult following.

Classification: Walla Walla Valley AVA
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $350–500
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~300 cases
Established: First vintage 1997
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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201Cullen, Diana Madeline

Cullen Wines

Margaret River, Western Australia · Australia

Biodynamic Margaret River Cabernet of poise.

Vanya Cullen leads Australia's biodynamic movement; named for her mother.

Classification: Margaret River GI
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1976
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021

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202Moss Wood, Cabernet Sauvignon

Margaret River, Western Australia · Australia

Wilyabrup's plush founding Cabernet.

Planted 1969 among the region's first vines; generous, cedar-edged style.

Classification: Margaret River GI, Wilyabrup
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~2,500 cases
Established: Planted 1969
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019

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203Vasse Felix, Tom Cullity

Margaret River, Western Australia · Australia

Flagship from the region's first vineyard.

Named for the doctor who planted Margaret River's first vines in 1967.

Classification: Margaret River GI
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $120–170
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: Planted 1967
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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204Mount Mary, Quintet

Yarra Valley, Victoria · Australia

Yarra's fine-boned claret since 1971.

Founded by John Middleton; restraint and perfume over power, a collector staple.

Classification: Yarra Valley GI
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $120–180
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1976
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021

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205Yarra Yering, Dry Red No. 1

Yarra Valley, Victoria · Australia

Bailey Carrodus's idiosyncratic estate blend.

Numbered 'dry reds' from unirrigated 1969 plantings; quietly profound.

Classification: Yarra Valley GI
Grapes: Cabernet blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Planted 1969
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021

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206By Farr, Sangreal Pinot Noir

Geelong, Victoria · Australia

Volcanic-soil Pinot from the Farr family.

Gary and Nick Farr's amphitheatre vineyard; whole-bunch savoury depth.

Classification: Geelong GI
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: First vintage 1999
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021

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207Bass Phillip, Reserve Pinot Noir

Gippsland, Victoria · Australia

Australia's most fanatical Pinot; minute yields.

Phillip Jones's ultra-close plantings; Jean-Marie Fourrier now directs winemaking.

Classification: Gippsland GI
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $400–600
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~150 cases
Established: First vintage 1984
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019

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208Bindi, Block 5 Pinot Noir

Bindi Wine Growers

Macedon Ranges, Victoria · Australia

Cool-climate quartz-soil Pinot of clarity.

Michael Dhillon's family site; among Australia's most Burgundian wines.

Classification: Macedon Ranges GI
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~200 cases
Established: First vintage 1992
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021

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209Wendouree, Shiraz

Wendouree Cellars

Clare Valley, South Australia · Australia

Iron-fisted Clare legend from 1890s vines.

Sold only by mailing list letter; tannic wines that live half a century.

Classification: Clare Valley GI
Grapes: Shiraz
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 25–50 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: Vines from 1890s
Farming: Dry-grown, traditional
Serving: Decant 4 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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210Jim Barry, The Armagh Shiraz

Jim Barry Wines

Clare Valley, South Australia · Australia

Clare's opulent single-vineyard flagship.

Planted 1968 and named for the Irish homeland of the district's settlers.

Classification: Clare Valley GI
Grapes: Shiraz
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~1,200 cases
Established: Planted 1968
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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211The Standish Wine Company, The Relic

Barossa Valley, South Australia · Australia

Single-site Barossa in Côte-Rôtie's image.

Dan Standish's ungrafted old-vine parcels; whole-bunch, wild-ferment craft.

Classification: Barossa Valley GI
Grapes: Shiraz, Viognier
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $120–180
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: First vintage 1999
Farming: Dry-grown, minimal
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021

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212Best's Great Western, Thomson Family Shiraz

Grampians, Victoria · Australia

From 1860s pre-phylloxera nursery vines.

The Concongella nursery block preserves vine varieties lost elsewhere on earth.

Classification: Grampians GI
Grapes: Shiraz
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: Vines from 1860s
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2012, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2021

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213Brokenwood, Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz

Brokenwood Wines

Hunter Valley, New South Wales · Australia

Medium-bodied Hunter earth and spice.

On land once gazetted for a cemetery; the Hunter's modern benchmark.

Classification: Hunter Valley GI
Grapes: Shiraz
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $130–190
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: First vintage 1983
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2021

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214d'Arenberg, The Dead Arm Shiraz

McLaren Vale, South Australia · Australia

Old-vine Vale Shiraz named for a vine disease.

Chester Osborn's flagship from vines afflicted by eutypa, concentrating the living arm's fruit.

Classification: McLaren Vale GI
Grapes: Shiraz
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1993
Farming: Organic and biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2019

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215Yalumba, The Caley

Barossa/Coonawarra, South Australia · Australia

The classic Australian claret blend, restated.

Australia's oldest family winery honours its founder's grandson with this cross-regional blend.

Classification: South Australia, multi-region
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: First vintage 2012
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019

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216Leeuwin Estate, Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon

Margaret River, Western Australia · Australia

Gallery-labelled estate Cabernet.

Each vintage carries a commissioned Australian artwork; long-lived and fine.

Classification: Margaret River GI
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~3,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1974
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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217Penfolds, Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon

South Australia (multi-region) · Australia

Grange's Cabernet counterpart.

American-oak-matured multi-region Cabernet; withheld entirely in lesser years.

Classification: South Australia, multi-region
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $400–550
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~8,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1964
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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218Penfolds, RWT Bin 798 Shiraz

Barossa Valley, South Australia · Australia

French-oak Barossa answer to Grange.

'Red Winemaking Trial' became a fixture; single-region, French oak against Grange's American.

Classification: Barossa Valley GI
Grapes: Shiraz
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $130–180
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~10,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1997
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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219Ata Rangi, Pinot Noir

Martinborough · New Zealand

New Zealand's founding fine Pinot.

Clive Paton planted bare paddock in 1980; the 'gumboot clone' traces to Romanée-Conti cuttings.

Classification: Martinborough GI
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~2,500 cases
Established: Planted 1980
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020

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220Felton Road, Block 5 Pinot Noir

Central Otago · New Zealand

Bannockburn's biodynamic reference block.

The estate's deepest schist-soil parcel; farmed biodynamically since 2002.

Classification: Central Otago GI, Bannockburn
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: First vintage 1997
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021

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221Dry River, Pinot Noir

Martinborough · New Zealand

Low-yield, long-lived Martinborough Pinot.

Neil McCallum's exacting standards set the template for ageworthy NZ Pinot.

Classification: Martinborough GI
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: First vintage 1979
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020

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222Bell Hill, Pinot Noir

Bell Hill Vineyard

North Canterbury · New Zealand

Limestone-quarry Pinot of Burgundian mineralité.

Marcel Giesen and Sherwyn Veldhuizen's tiny chalk hillside; NZ's most Burgundian site.

Classification: North Canterbury GI
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~200 cases
Established: First vintage 2003
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020

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223Rippon, Mature Vine Pinot Noir

Rippon Vineyard

Central Otago · New Zealand

Lake Wanaka's ungrafted biodynamic vines.

The Mills family farm schist slopes falling to the lake; own-rooted vines.

Classification: Central Otago GI, Lake Wanaka
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: Planted 1982
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020

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224Craggy Range, Le Sol Syrah

Hawke's Bay · New Zealand

Gimblett Gravels Syrah of northern Rhône cut.

From the free-draining Gimblett Gravels; peppery, floral cool-climate Syrah.

Classification: Hawke's Bay, Gimblett Gravels
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $80–110
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~1,000 cases
Established: First vintage 2001
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020

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225Te Mata Estate, Coleraine

Hawke's Bay · New Zealand

New Zealand's first great claret.

First vintage 1982; the country's most collected red.

Classification: Hawke's Bay GI
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~3,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1982
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020, 2021

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226Concha y Toro, Don Melchor

Viña Concha y Toro

Puente Alto, Maipo Valley · Chile

Chile's pioneering icon Cabernet.

First vintage 1987 from the Puente Alto terrace shared with Almaviva.

Classification: Maipo Valley DO, Puente Alto
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $120–180
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1987
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020

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227Clos Apalta

Lapostolle

Colchagua Valley · Chile

Carmenère-led amphitheatre blend.

Lapostolle family estate; gravity-flow cellar sunk into the Apalta hillside.

Classification: Colchagua Valley DO, Apalta
Grapes: Carmenère, Merlot, Cabernet
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $130–180
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~4,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1997
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019

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228Montes, Folly Syrah

Viña Montes

Apalta, Colchagua · Chile

Absurdly steep hillside Syrah, hence the name.

Aurelio Montes planted slopes deemed unplantable; first vintage 2000.

Classification: Colchagua Valley DO, Apalta
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~1,000 cases
Established: First vintage 2000
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019

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229Errázuriz, Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve

Viña Errázuriz

Aconcagua Valley · Chile

The historic house's founder homage.

Named for Don Maximiano Errázuriz, who planted Aconcagua in 1870.

Classification: Aconcagua Valley DO
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1983
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020

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230Concha y Toro, Carmín de Peumo

Viña Concha y Toro

Cachapoal Valley · Chile

The summit of varietal Carmenère.

From the Peumo vineyard where Chile's lost Bordeaux grape shows ripest.

Classification: Cachapoal Valley DO, Peumo
Grapes: Carmenère
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 2003
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019

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231Santa Rita, Casa Real

Viña Santa Rita

Alto Maipo · Chile

Old-vine Maipo Cabernet of classical bearing.

From 1970s plantings at the historic Alto Jahuel estate.

Classification: Maipo Valley DO, Alto Jahuel
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~3,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1989
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020

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232Catena Zapata, Adrianna Vineyard River Stones Malbec

Bodega Catena Zapata

Gualtallary, Mendoza · Argentina

Parcel Malbec with perfect scores.

From a dry riverbed within the 1,450 m Adrianna vineyard; repeated 100-point wines.

Classification: Gualtallary, Uco Valley
Grapes: Malbec
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: Adrianna planted 1992
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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233Catena Zapata, Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae Malbec

Bodega Catena Zapata

Gualtallary, Mendoza · Argentina

Deep-soil parcel of the great vineyard.

The Catenas mapped Adrianna by soil pit; each parcel bottled apart.

Classification: Gualtallary, Uco Valley
Grapes: Malbec
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Adrianna planted 1992
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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234Zuccardi, Finca Piedra Infinita

Familia Zuccardi

Paraje Altamira, Mendoza · Argentina

Limestone-studded Altamira Malbec.

Sebastián Zuccardi's concrete-raised parcel wine; repeated top world rankings.

Classification: Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley
Grapes: Malbec
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $130–180
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~1,000 cases
Established: First vintage 2016
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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235Achával-Ferrer, Finca Altamira

Paraje Altamira, Mendoza · Argentina

Old-vine single-finca pioneer.

1920s vines; among the first Argentine wines to command icon pricing.

Classification: Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley
Grapes: Malbec
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $130–180
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: First vintage 1999
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019

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236El Enemigo, Gran Enemigo Gualtallary

Bodega Aleanna / El Enemigo

Gualtallary, Mendoza · Argentina

Cabernet Franc that beat the world.

Alejandro Vigil's single-vineyard Franc took Argentina's first 100 from a major critic.

Classification: Gualtallary, Uco Valley
Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Malbec
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $110–160
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: First vintage 2010
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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237Bodega Noemía

Bodega Noemía de Patagonia

Río Negro, Patagonia · Argentina

Patagonian old-vine Malbec of silk.

Hans Vinding-Diers farms 1930s vines in the cool southern valley.

Classification: Río Negro IG
Grapes: Malbec
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $130–180
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: First vintage 2001
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020

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238Viña Cobos, Cobos Malbec

Perdriel, Mendoza · Argentina

Paul Hobbs's opulent Mendoza flagship.

The Californian consultant's own estate; Marchiori vineyard old vines.

Classification: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
Grapes: Malbec
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $200–280
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: First vintage 1999
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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239Bodega Chacra, Treinta y Dos Pinot Noir

Río Negro, Patagonia · Argentina

1932-planted Pinot in the desert.

Piero Incisa della Rocchetta of Sassicaia's family revives abandoned Patagonian Pinot.

Classification: Río Negro IG
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $130–180
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: Vines from 1932
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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240Sadie Family Wines, Columella

Swartland · South Africa

The wine that remade South Africa's image.

Eben Sadie's old-vine Rhône blend launched the Swartland revolution in 2000.

Classification: Swartland WO
Grapes: Syrah blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $110–160
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: First vintage 2000
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021

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241Porseleinberg, Syrah

Swartland · South Africa

Blue-schist mountain Syrah, letterpress label.

Callie Louw farms the porcelain mountain for Boekenhoutskloof; printed on-site.

Classification: Swartland WO
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 2010
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021

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242Boekenhoutskloof, Syrah

Franschhoek/Swartland · South Africa

The seven chairs label's savoury flagship.

Marc Kent's benchmark Syrah moved home to Swartland fruit from 2009.

Classification: Western Cape WO
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~3,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1997
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019

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243Meerlust, Rubicon

Meerlust Estate

Stellenbosch · South Africa

The Cape's historic estate blend.

Myburgh family since 1756; Rubicon crossed into Bordeaux blending in 1980.

Classification: Stellenbosch WO
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $40–60
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~8,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1980
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019

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244Vilafonté, Series C

Paarl · South Africa

Cape-Californian joint venture on ancient soils.

Zelma Long and Mike Ratcliffe farm 1.5-million-year-old vilafontes soils.

Classification: Paarl WO
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 2003
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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245Mullineux, Granite Syrah

Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines

Swartland · South Africa

Soil-series Syrah from decomposed granite.

Chris and Andrea Mullineux bottle Syrah by soil type; multiple national wine-of-year titles.

Classification: Swartland WO
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: First vintage 2010
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021

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246Raats Family, MR de Compostella

Raats Family Wines

Stellenbosch · South Africa

Cabernet Franc-led Cape fine wine.

Bruwer Raats champions Franc from dryland Polkadraai granite.

Classification: Stellenbosch WO
Grapes: Cabernet Franc blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: First vintage 2000
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021

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247Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Pinot Noir

Hemel-en-Aarde Valley · South Africa

The Cape's founding cool-climate Pinot.

Planted in the 'Heaven and Earth' valley from 1976; clay-rich shale soils.

Classification: Hemel-en-Aarde Valley WO
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $50–80
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 10–20 years
Production: ~4,000 cases
Established: Planted 1976
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021

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248Quinta do Vale Meão

Douro Superior · Portugal

The Barca Velha founder's family estate.

Built by Dona Antónia Ferreira; the Olazabal family's flagship since 1999.

Classification: Douro DOC
Grapes: Touriga Nacional blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~4,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1999
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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249Chryseia (Prats & Symington)

Douro · Portugal

Bordeaux polish on Douro fruit.

Bruno Prats (ex-Cos d'Estournel) with the Symington Port dynasty.

Classification: Douro DOC
Grapes: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~4,000 cases
Established: First vintage 2000
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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250Wine & Soul, Pintas

Pinhão Valley, Douro · Portugal

Thirty-variety field blend from old terraces.

Jorge Serôdio Borges and Sandra Tavares farm a 1930s mixed vineyard.

Classification: Douro DOC
Grapes: Old-vine field blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~1,000 cases
Established: First vintage 2001
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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251Quinta do Crasto, Vinha Maria Teresa

Douro · Portugal

Century-old single-parcel field blend.

Nearly fifty varieties interplanted; made only in exceptional years.

Classification: Douro DOC
Grapes: Old-vine field blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~300 cases
Established: Vines from 1900s
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019

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Very rare

252Niepoort, Batuta

Douro · Portugal

Dirk Niepoort's old-vine statement red.

The Port house's fifth generation led the Douro table-wine renaissance.

Classification: Douro DOC
Grapes: Old-vine field blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: First vintage 1999
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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253Herdade do Mouchão

Alentejo · Portugal

Alentejo's historic Alicante Bouschet.

Lagar-trodden on a cork-oak estate; unchanged for a century.

Classification: Alentejano IG
Grapes: Alicante Bouschet
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $50–80
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1901
Farming: Traditional, lagar-trodden
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017

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254Cartuxa, Pêra-Manca Tinto

Fundação Eugénio de Almeida / Cartuxa

Évora, Alentejo · Portugal

Alentejo's most coveted label.

Released only in top years by the Eugénio de Almeida foundation; instant sell-out.

Classification: Alentejo DOC
Grapes: Aragonez, Trincadeira
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $150–250
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1990
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019

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Very rare

255Rudolf Fürst, Hundsrück Spätburgunder GG

Weingut Rudolf Fürst

Franken · Germany

Sandstone Pinot at grand cru level.

Sebastian Fürst's red-sandstone terraces; Germany's most elegant Pinot address.

Classification: VDP Grosses Gewächs
Grapes: Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder)
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: Estate from 1638
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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256Bernhard Huber, Schlossberg Spätburgunder GG

Weingut Bernhard Huber

Baden · Germany

Limestone Baden Pinot of Burgundian depth.

Julian Huber continues his late father's limestone-slope legacy at Malterdingen.

Classification: VDP Grosses Gewächs
Grapes: Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder)
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Estate from 1987
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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257Meyer-Näkel, Dernauer Pfarrwingert Spätburgunder GG

Weingut Meyer-Näkel

Ahr · Germany

Slate-valley Pinot from the Ahr.

Sisters Meike and Dörte Näkel rebuilt after the 2021 flood destroyed the cellar.

Classification: VDP Grosses Gewächs
Grapes: Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder)
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Estate from 1950
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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258Friedrich Becker, Sankt Paul Spätburgunder GG

Weingut Friedrich Becker

Pfalz · Germany

Border-straddling limestone Pinot.

Some Becker parcels lie physically in Alsace; chalk soils, Burgundian ambition.

Classification: VDP Grosses Gewächs
Grapes: Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder)
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: Estate from 1973
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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259Keller, Frauenberg Spätburgunder GG

Weingut Keller

Rheinhessen · Germany

The G-Max estate's rare red.

Klaus Peter Keller's limestone Pinot rides the same demand as his Rieslings.

Classification: VDP Grosses Gewächs
Grapes: Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder)
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $150–250
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~200 cases
Established: Estate from 1789
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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Very rare

260Moric, Blaufränkisch Lutzmannsburg Alte Reben

Weingut Moric

Burgenland · Austria

Old-vine Blaufränkisch as grand vin.

Roland Velich proved Blaufränkisch's nobility from centenarian vines.

Classification: Burgenland, Alte Reben
Grapes: Blaufränkisch
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: First vintage 2001
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020

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261Prieler, Blaufränkisch Goldberg

Weingut Prieler

Leithaberg, Burgenland · Austria

Limestone-schist Leithaberg benchmark.

The Prieler family's mineral, age-worthy hillside Blaufränkisch.

Classification: Leithaberg DAC
Grapes: Blaufränkisch
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: Estate from 1972
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020

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262Gantenbein, Pinot Noir

Weingut Gantenbein

Fläsch, Graubünden · Switzerland

Switzerland's cult Pinot; allocation only.

Daniel and Martha Gantenbein's Bündner Herrschaft Pinot sells out on release.

Classification: Graubünden AOC
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: First vintage 1982
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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Very rare

263Clos Rougeard, Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg

Loire · France

The Loire's most mythologised red.

The Foucault brothers' old-vine parcel; Bouygues-owned since 2017, prices soared.

Classification: Saumur-Champigny AOC
Grapes: Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $500–800
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~250 cases
Established: Family from 1664
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015

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Very rare

264Clos Rougeard, Saumur-Champigny Les Poyeux

Loire · France

Silkier sibling of Le Bourg.

Sandier soils give the estate's most perfumed expression.

Classification: Saumur-Champigny AOC
Grapes: Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $300–500
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~350 cases
Established: Family from 1664
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015

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Very rare

265Charles Joguet, Chinon Clos de la Dioterie

Domaine Charles Joguet

Loire · France

Old-vine Chinon of shadowed depth.

The sculptor-vigneron's north-facing old-vine clos; a Chinon touchstone.

Classification: Chinon AOC
Grapes: Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $50–80
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: Domaine from 1957
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020

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266Bernard Baudry, Chinon La Croix Boissée

Domaine Bernard Baudry

Loire · France

Limestone-slope Chinon of finesse.

Matthieu Baudry's top cuvée from chalk above the Vienne.

Classification: Chinon AOC
Grapes: Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $50–70
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: Domaine from 1975
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020

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267Domaine de la Grange des Pères

Languedoc · France

The Languedoc's reclusive cult red.

Laurent Vaillé released nothing until he judged it ready; near-impossible to source.

Classification: Pays d'Hérault IGP
Grapes: Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1992
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2007, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017

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Very rare

268Mas de Daumas Gassac

Languedoc · France

'The Lafite of the Languedoc'.

The Guibert family planted glacial soils on Henri Enjalbert's geological advice in 1971.

Classification: Pays d'Hérault IGP
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $50–80
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~6,000 cases
Established: Planted 1971
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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269Domaine de Trévallon

Alpilles, Provence · France

Outlaw Provençal blend of legend.

Eloi Dürrbach's Cabernet-Syrah defied appellation rules; collectors never minded.

Classification: Alpilles IGP
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~3,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1976
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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270Château Simone, Palette Rouge

Palette, Provence · France

One family, one hillside, since 1830.

The Rougier family's pine-shaded amphitheatre near Aix; Churchill's favourite.

Classification: Palette AOC
Grapes: Grenache, Mourvèdre
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Rougier from 1830
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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271Domaine Tempier, Bandol La Tourtine

Bandol, Provence · France

Bandol's beloved terraced cuvée.

The Peyraud family made Bandol famous; Lucien's daughters' cooking made it loved.

Classification: Bandol AOC
Grapes: Mourvèdre
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Domaine from 1834
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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272Château de Pibarnon, Bandol

Bandol, Provence · France

Amphitheatre Mourvèdre above the sea.

The Saint-Victor family's blue-marl terraces at Bandol's highest point.

Classification: Bandol AOC
Grapes: Mourvèdre
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $50–80
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1977
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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273Marcel Lapierre, Morgon

Domaine Marcel Lapierre

Beaujolais · France

The natural wine movement's founding Morgon.

Lapierre followed Jules Chauvet's sulphur-free path; son Mathieu continues.

Classification: Morgon AOC
Grapes: Gamay
Alcohol: 12.5–13%
Guide price: $40–60
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 5–15 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: Domaine from 1973
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Serve 14°C, brief decant
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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274Jean Foillard, Morgon Côte du Py

Domaine Jean Foillard

Beaujolais · France

Blue-schist Morgon of silk and iron.

The 'Gang of Four' member's benchmark from Morgon's volcanic hill.

Classification: Morgon AOC
Grapes: Gamay
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $50–75
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 8–20 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Domaine from 1980
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Serve 14°C, brief decant
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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275Yvon Métras, Fleurie

Domaine Yvon Métras

Beaujolais · France

Whispered-about, barely findable Fleurie.

Minute quantities, no website, no importer constancy; Beaujolais's cult apex.

Classification: Fleurie AOC
Grapes: Gamay
Alcohol: 12.5–13%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 8–20 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Domaine from 1988
Farming: Organic, no sulphur
Serving: Serve 14°C, open early
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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Very rare

276Domaine Bizot, Échézeaux

Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy · France

Sulphur-free grand cru in Jayer's shadow.

Jean-Yves Bizot's whole-cluster, no-sulphur Échézeaux from a sliver of vines.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 12.5–13%
Guide price: $2,000–3,000
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~50 cases
Established: Domaine from 1993
Farming: Organic, minimal sulphur
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 15°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020

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Very rare

277Domaine Prieuré Roch, Nuits-Saint-Georges Clos des Corvées

Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy · France

Monopole of the late DRC co-director.

Henry-Frédéric Roch's whole-bunch, no-sulphur monopole; hieroglyphic label.

Classification: Premier Cru, Monopole
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 12.5–13.5%
Guide price: $700–1,000
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: Domaine from 1988
Farming: Biodynamic, no sulphur
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 15°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020

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Very rare

278Domaine Dugat-Py, Chambertin

Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy · France

Dense old-vine Gevrey from tiny holdings.

Bernard Dugat-Py farms fractions of hectares; deep-coloured, long-lived wines.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $1,500–2,500
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~80 cases
Established: Family from 1598
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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Very rare

279Domaine Ghislaine Barthod, Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras

Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy · France

Chambolle premier cru precision.

Barthod's range of Chambolle premiers crus maps the village like no other.

Classification: Premier Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $250–400
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~300 cases
Established: Domaine from 1920s
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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Allocation

280Domaine Robert Groffier, Bonnes-Mares

Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy · France

Largest Bonnes-Mares holding; sumptuous style.

The Groffiers also farm the Amoureuses parcel facing Le Musigny.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $800–1,200
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~350 cases
Established: Domaine from 1930s
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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Very rare

281Domaine Faiveley, Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Les Ouvrées Rodin

Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy · France

Micro-selection within Bèze.

Erwan Faiveley's finest rows, bottled apart since 2010.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $800–1,200
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~80 cases
Established: First bottled 2010
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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Very rare

282Joseph Drouhin, Grands-Échézeaux

Maison Joseph Drouhin

Flagey-Échézeaux, Burgundy · France

The Beaune house's velvet grand cru.

Drouhin's family parcels; understated, silky house style.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $500–800
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~200 cases
Established: House from 1880
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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Allocation

283Louis Jadot, Musigny

Maison Louis Jadot

Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy · France

A great négociant's rarest red.

Barely a barrel or two most years from a treasured sliver.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $800–1,200
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~50 cases
Established: House from 1859
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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Very rare

284Domaine Anne Gros, Richebourg

Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy · France

Luminous Richebourg of aerial grace.

Anne Gros's refined style set apart within the sprawling Gros family.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $1,200–1,800
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~150 cases
Established: Domaine from 1988
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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Very rare

285Domaine Jean Grivot, Richebourg

Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy · France

Structured Richebourg for the patient.

Étienne Grivot's slow-unfurling grand cru; now guided by son Mathilde and Hubert.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $1,000–1,500
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~150 cases
Established: Domaine from 1919
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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Very rare

286Gaja, Sorì Tildìn

Barbaresco, Piedmont · Italy

The most velvet of Gaja's crus.

Named for Angelo's grandmother Clotilde; first bottled 1970.

Classification: Langhe DOC (Barbaresco cru)
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $500–700
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: First vintage 1970
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1990, 1997, 2004, 2013, 2016, 2019

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Allocation

287Gaja, Sperss

Serralunga d'Alba, Piedmont · Italy

Gaja's homesick return to Barolo.

'Sperss' means nostalgia; the family's Serralunga holding reclaimed in 1988.

Classification: Barolo DOCG
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $300–450
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1988
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1990, 1997, 2004, 2013, 2016, 2019

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Allocation

288Bruno Giacosa, Barbaresco Asili Riserva

Barbaresco, Piedmont · Italy

Red-label Asili; Barbaresco's summit.

Giacosa's riserva from the chalky Asili amphitheatre appears only in great years.

Classification: Barbaresco DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $600–900
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–50 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: House from 1900
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2016

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Very rare

289Vietti, Barolo Villero Riserva

Castiglione Falletto, Piedmont · Italy

Artist-labelled riserva, great years only.

Each release carries a commissioned artist label; a Piedmont collectors' series.

Classification: Barolo DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $400–600
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: Estate from 1873
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 4 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016

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290Poderi Aldo Conterno, Barolo Riserva Granbussia

Monforte d'Alba, Piedmont · Italy

Monforte's aristocratic riserva.

Best parcels of Romirasco, Cicala and Colonnello; made a handful of times a decade.

Classification: Barolo DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $350–500
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–45 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Estate from 1969
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 4 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016

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291Roberto Voerzio, Barolo Cerequio

La Morra, Piedmont · Italy

Obsessive low yields, opulent La Morra.

Voerzio thins to a bunch or two per vine; dense, glossy modern Barolo.

Classification: Barolo DOCG
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~300 cases
Established: Estate from 1986
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016

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292Bertani, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

Valpolicella, Veneto · Italy

The historic, age-released Amarone.

Released only after long cask age; back vintages to the 1960s still circulate.

Classification: Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella
Alcohol: 15–16%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 25–60 years
Production: ~4,000 cases
Established: House from 1857
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 18°C
Vintages: 1967, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2012

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293Mastroberardino, Taurasi Radici Riserva

Irpinia, Campania · Italy

The south's Barolo, from ancient Aglianico.

The family preserved Campania's native vines through the twentieth century.

Classification: Taurasi DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Aglianico
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: House from 1878
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2001, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2015

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294Descendientes de J. Palacios, La Faraona

Bierzo · Spain

A fraction of a hectare of Bierzo's summit.

Ricardo Pérez Palacios's tiny mountaintop parcel; Spain's rarest fine red.

Classification: Bierzo DO, Viñedo Singular
Grapes: Mencía
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $700–1,000
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~80 cases
Established: First vintage 1999
Farming: Biodynamic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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295Numanthia, Termanthia

Toro · Spain

Pre-phylloxera Toro at full throttle.

From ungrafted centenarian vines; LVMH-owned since 2008.

Classification: Toro DO
Grapes: Tinta de Toro
Alcohol: 15–15.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: First vintage 1998
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

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296Bodega Contador, Contador

Rioja · Spain

Benjamín Romeo's double-100-point Rioja.

The former Artadi cellarmaster's garage project took consecutive perfect scores.

Classification: Rioja DOCa
Grapes: Tempranillo
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: First vintage 1996
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016

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297Tinto Pesquera, Gran Reserva

Ribera del Duero · Spain

Alejandro Fernández's pioneering Ribera.

Pesquera's 1982 made Parker call Fernández 'the Pétrus of Spain'.

Classification: Ribera del Duero DO Gran Reserva
Grapes: Tempranillo (Tinto Fino)
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Bodega from 1972
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1994, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2016

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298Ridge Vineyards, Geyserville

Alexander Valley, California · USA

America's great old-vine field blend.

Vines from the 1880s; Zinfandel interplanted with Carignane and Petite Sirah.

Classification: Alexander Valley AVA
Grapes: Zinfandel field blend
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $45–65
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~10,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1966
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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299Turley Wine Cellars, Hayne Vineyard Zinfandel

St. Helena, Napa Valley · USA

The cult Zinfandel from 1903 vines.

Larry Turley's flagship site; Zinfandel treated with grand cru seriousness.

Classification: St. Helena AVA
Grapes: Zinfandel
Alcohol: 15–16%
Guide price: $50–80
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Vines from 1903
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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300Williams Selyem, Rochioli Riverblock Pinot Noir

Russian River Valley, California · USA

The mailing list that started Pinot mania.

Burt Williams and Ed Selyem's garage label became California Pinot's first cult.

Classification: Russian River Valley AVA
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $120–180
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: First vintage 1981
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018

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301Château Sociando-Mallet

Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux · France

The unclassified Médoc that outperforms classed growths.

Jean Gautreau refused classification politics; riverside gravel does the talking.

Classification: Cru Bourgeois (declined status)
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $40–60
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~25,000 cases
Established: Gautreau from 1969
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2016, 2019

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302Château Chasse-Spleen

Moulis, Bordeaux · France

Moulis's reliable over-achiever.

Its name, 'chase away melancholy', is credited to Baudelaire's circle.

Classification: Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $30–45
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~25,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1820
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2016, 2019

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303Château Poujeaux

Moulis, Bordeaux · France

Sturdy Moulis gravel classic.

Cuvelier-owned alongside Clos Fourtet; dependable claret value.

Classification: Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $30–45
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~20,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1806
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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304Château Phélan Ségur

Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux · France

Saint-Estèphe polish without classed pricing.

Irish-founded estate beside Calon Ségur; sharply improved through the 2010s.

Classification: Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $40–60
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~20,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1805
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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305Château Meyney

Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux · France

Riverside gravel beside Montrose.

Old monastic property on a superb croupe; collectors' quiet tip.

Classification: Cru Bourgeois Supérieur
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $35–50
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~20,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1662
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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306Château Les Ormes de Pez

Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux · France

Cazes-run Saint-Estèphe stalwart.

Run by the Lynch-Bages family with the same generous hand.

Classification: Cru Bourgeois Supérieur
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $30–45
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: Cazes from 1940
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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307Château Clerc Milon

Pauillac, Bordeaux · France

Mouton's spice-toned neighbour.

Rothschild-owned; vineyards touch both Mouton and Lafite.

Classification: Fifth Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: Rothschild from 1970
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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308Château d'Armailhac

Pauillac, Bordeaux · France

The approachable Mouton stablemate.

Part of the Mouton estate since 1933; early-charm Pauillac.

Classification: Fifth Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $50–75
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~20,000 cases
Established: Rothschild from 1933
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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309Château Duhart-Milon

Pauillac, Bordeaux · France

Lafite's classed-growth sibling.

Farmed by the Lafite team on the adjoining plateau.

Classification: Fourth Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: Rothschild from 1962
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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310Château Lafon-Rochet

Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux · France

The yellow château between Lafite and Cos.

Tesseron family rebuilt it; enviable neighbours on both sides.

Classification: Fourth Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $35–50
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: Tesseron from 1959
Farming: Organic conversion
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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311Château Langoa Barton

Saint-Julien, Bordeaux · France

Léoville Barton's elder home estate.

The Bartons have lived here since 1821; classic mid-weight Saint-Julien.

Classification: Third Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $50–70
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~8,000 cases
Established: Barton from 1821
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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312Château Saint-Pierre

Saint-Julien, Bordeaux · France

Small, plush fourth growth.

The Martin-Triaud family's compact estate; the 2009 drew near-perfect scores.

Classification: Fourth Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $50–75
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~7,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1693
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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313Château Gloria

Saint-Julien, Bordeaux · France

Assembled from classed-growth parcels.

Henri Martin built it plot by plot from classified neighbours' vines.

Classification: Saint-Julien AOC
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $40–60
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~20,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1942
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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314Château Malescot St-Exupéry

Margaux, Bordeaux · France

Perfumed Margaux with a literary name.

Once owned by the aviator-author's family; lush modern Margaux.

Classification: Third Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $50–75
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~10,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1616
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016

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315Château Giscours

Margaux, Bordeaux · France

Resurgent grand Margaux estate.

Vast gravel plateau restored to third-growth form through the 2010s.

Classification: Third Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $55–80
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~20,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1552
Farming: Organic conversion
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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316Château d'Issan

Margaux, Bordeaux · France

Moated château, silken Margaux.

'Regum mensis arisque deorum': for kings' tables and gods' altars, reads its motto.

Classification: Third Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $55–80
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~10,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1152
Farming: Organic conversion
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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317Domaine Denis Bachelet, Charmes-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes

Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy · France

Tiny domaine, lace-textured grand cru.

Bachelet works nearly alone; a few barrels of century-old-vine Charmes.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $400–600
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~80 cases
Established: Domaine from 1983
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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318Domaine Joseph Roty, Charmes-Chambertin Très Vieilles Vignes

Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy · France

1881-planted vines, secretive family.

The Rotys claim some of Burgundy's oldest productive Pinot vines.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $500–800
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–40 years
Production: ~120 cases
Established: Family from 1710
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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319Domaine Jean Grivot, Vosne-Romanée Les Beaux Monts

Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy · France

Vosne premier cru of aerial spice.

High-slope premier cru; a collector's entry to the Grivot style.

Classification: Premier Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~350 cases
Established: Domaine from 1919
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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320Chandon de Briailles, Corton Les Bressandes

Domaine Chandon de Briailles

Savigny-lès-Beaune, Burgundy · France

Whole-cluster Corton of savoury charm.

Aristocratic family domaine; biodynamic, no new oak.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~250 cases
Established: Estate from 1834
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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321Tollot-Beaut, Corton

Domaine Tollot-Beaut

Chorey-lès-Beaune, Burgundy · France

Generous, reliable Côte de Beaune grand cru.

Five generations in Chorey; warmth and consistency define the house.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $120–180
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~300 cases
Established: Domaine from 1880
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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322Domaine de Courcel, Pommard Rugiens

Pommard, Burgundy · France

Pommard's iron-rich great premier cru.

Late-picked, whole-bunch Rugiens from a centuries-old family.

Classification: Premier Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $120–180
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Family from 1643
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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323Nicolas Rossignol, Volnay Les Caillerets

Domaine Nicolas Rossignol

Volnay, Burgundy · France

Expressive modern Volnay.

Rossignol vinifies dozens of tiny parcels apart; Caillerets leads the range.

Classification: Premier Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~200 cases
Established: Domaine from 1994
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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324Domaine de l'Arlot, Nuits-Saint-Georges Clos des Forêts Saint-Georges

Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy · France

Whole-cluster monopole clos.

AXA-owned biodynamic monopole; stems and perfume in balance.

Classification: Premier Cru, Monopole
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: Domaine from 1987
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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325Domaine Robert Chevillon, Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Saint-Georges

Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy · France

The cru that names the town.

Old vines across Nuits's finest climat; the case for its grand cru promotion.

Classification: Premier Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $120–180
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~350 cases
Established: Domaine from 1900s
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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326Thibault Liger-Belair, Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Saint-Georges

Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair

Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy · France

Biodynamic champion of the same cru.

Liger-Belair leads the campaign to elevate Les Saint-Georges.

Classification: Premier Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~250 cases
Established: Domaine from 2001
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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327Château de la Tour, Clos Vougeot Vieilles Vignes

Vougeot, Burgundy · France

The only cellar inside the Clos walls.

Largest owner within Clos Vougeot; whole-bunch old-vine cuvée.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: Estate from 1890
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020

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328Méo-Camuzet, Clos de Vougeot

Domaine Méo-Camuzet

Vougeot, Burgundy · France

Top-of-slope Vougeot beside the château.

Prime upper parcels once farmed by Henri Jayer.

Classification: Grand Cru
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $400–600
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~450 cases
Established: Domaine from 1920
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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329Clos Saint Jean, Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Combe des Fous

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône · France

Modernist Châteauneuf with perfect scores.

The Maurel brothers' old-vine cuvées repeatedly topped Parker's charts.

Classification: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Grapes: Grenache blend
Alcohol: 15–16%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: Estate from 1900
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2007, 2010, 2016, 2017, 2019

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330Domaine de la Janasse, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône · France

Old-vine richness across four terroirs.

Centenarian Grenache blended from sand, galets, clay and gravel parcels.

Classification: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Grapes: Grenache blend
Alcohol: 15–15.5%
Guide price: $110–160
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,200 cases
Established: Domaine from 1973
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2007, 2010, 2016, 2017, 2019

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331Pierre Usseglio, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de mon Aïeul

Domaine Pierre Usseglio

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône · France

Grandfather-honouring old-vine Grenache.

Three parcels of ancient Grenache; sumptuous kirsch-laden style.

Classification: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Grapes: Grenache
Alcohol: 15–16%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~1,200 cases
Established: Domaine from 1948
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2007, 2010, 2016, 2017, 2019

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332Domaine Charvin, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône · France

Old-school purity, one red only.

Laurent Charvin makes a single traditional cuvée; a sommelier favourite.

Classification: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Grapes: Grenache blend
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: Family from 1851
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2007, 2010, 2016, 2017, 2019

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333Domaine de Marcoux, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône · France

Biodynamic pioneer's centenarian cuvée.

The Armenier sisters converted to biodynamics in 1991, first in the appellation.

Classification: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Grapes: Grenache
Alcohol: 15–15.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Family from 1344
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2007, 2010, 2016, 2017, 2019

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334Château de Saint Cosme, Gigondas Le Claux

Gigondas, Rhône · France

Gigondas's limestone flagship.

Louis Barruol's family made wine here since 1570; Le Claux is the crown parcel.

Classification: Gigondas AOC
Grapes: Grenache
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: Family from 1570
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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335Le Vieux Donjon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône · France

One estate, one honest red.

The Michel family's single blended cuvée; a byword for typicity.

Classification: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Grapes: Grenache blend
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~2,500 cases
Established: Estate from 1966
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2007, 2010, 2016, 2017, 2019

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336Domaine Pierre Gonon, Saint-Joseph

Saint-Joseph, Rhône · France

The Saint-Joseph that trades like Hermitage.

The Gonon brothers' granite-terrace Syrah became the northern Rhône's hottest ticket.

Classification: Saint-Joseph AOC
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Domaine from 1956
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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337Alain Graillot, Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude

Domaine Alain Graillot

Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône · France

The estate that dignified Crozes.

Graillot's whole-bunch selection cuvée; sons Maxime and Antoine continue.

Classification: Crozes-Hermitage AOC
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~1,000 cases
Established: Domaine from 1985
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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338Vincent Paris, Cornas La Geynale

Domaine Vincent Paris

Cornas, Rhône · France

Steep 1910s vines above the village.

Inherited from his uncle Robert Michel; granite Cornas at fair prices.

Classification: Cornas AOC
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: Domaine from 1997
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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339Tenuta delle Terre Nere, Prephylloxera La Vigna di Don Peppino

Etna, Sicily · Italy

Ungrafted 1870s vines on lava.

Marco de Grazia's ungrafted parcel survived phylloxera in volcanic sand.

Classification: Etna Rosso DOC, contrada
Grapes: Nerello Mascalese
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~200 cases
Established: Estate from 2002
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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340Passopisciaro, Franchetti

Etna, Sicily · Italy

Franchetti's high-altitude outlier.

Andrea Franchetti planted French vines at 1,000 m on the volcano.

Classification: Terre Siciliane IGT
Grapes: Petit Verdot, Cesanese
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: Estate from 2000
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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341Benanti, Serra della Contessa

Etna, Sicily · Italy

The family that proved Etna first.

From old alberello vines on Monte Serra; Benanti led Etna's 1990s revival.

Classification: Etna Rosso DOC
Grapes: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: Estate from 1988
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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342Girolamo Russo, San Lorenzo

Etna, Sicily · Italy

Pianist-turned-vigneron's cru Etna.

Giuseppe Russo's contrada bottlings map the northern slope.

Classification: Etna Rosso DOC, contrada
Grapes: Nerello Mascalese
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: Estate from 2005
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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343Paternoster, Don Anselmo

Aglianico del Vulture, Basilicata · Italy

Vulture's volcanic patriarch.

The family's founding cuvée from old vines on the extinct volcano.

Classification: Aglianico del Vulture DOC
Grapes: Aglianico
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Estate from 1925
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017

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344Elena Fucci, Titolo

Aglianico del Vulture, Basilicata · Italy

Single-vineyard Vulture of polish.

One wine from one vineyard, saved from sale by the founder's granddaughter.

Classification: Aglianico del Vulture DOC
Grapes: Aglianico
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 2000
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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345Galardi, Terra di Lavoro

Roccamonfina, Campania · Italy

Volcanic Campanian cult red.

Riccardo Cotarella's dark, smoky flagship from seaside volcanic slopes.

Classification: Terra di Lavoro IGT
Grapes: Aglianico, Piedirosso
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1994
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018

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346Montevetrano

Colli di Salerno, Campania · Italy

The photographer's garage legend.

Silvia Imparato's tiny estate stunned critics from its 1991 debut.

Classification: Colli di Salerno IGT
Grapes: Cabernet, Merlot, Aglianico
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~2,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1991
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018

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347Feudi di San Gregorio, Serpico

Irpinia, Campania · Italy

Old-vine Aglianico, modern dress.

From pre-phylloxera vines at Sorbo Serpico.

Classification: Irpinia Aglianico DOC
Grapes: Aglianico
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1993
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018

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348Arnaldo Caprai, Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni

Montefalco, Umbria · Italy

The wine that tamed Sagrantino.

Marco Caprai's research programme made the ferociously tannic grape noble.

Classification: Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG
Grapes: Sagrantino
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~3,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1993
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 4 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018

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349Paolo Bea, Sagrantino di Montefalco Pagliaro

Montefalco, Umbria · Italy

Natural-method Sagrantino of depth.

The Bea family's unhurried, unfiltered wines command cult devotion.

Classification: Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG
Grapes: Sagrantino
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: Family from 1500s
Farming: Organic, minimal sulphur
Serving: Decant 4 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018

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350Fuligni, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

Montalcino, Tuscany · Italy

Patrician eastern-slope Brunello.

The Fuligni family's cool Cottimelli slopes yield classical, scented Brunello.

Classification: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Sangiovese Grosso
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $120–170
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: Estate from 1923
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019

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351Il Marroneto, Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie

Montalcino, Tuscany · Italy

Chapel-side Brunello with perfect scores.

Alessandro Mori's austere, luminous Brunello beside the Madonna delle Grazie church.

Classification: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Grapes: Sangiovese Grosso
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: Estate from 1974
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019

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352Canalicchio di Sopra, Brunello di Montalcino

Montalcino, Tuscany · Italy

Northern-slope elegance on the rise.

The Ripaccioli family's Montosoli-side vines; among the zone's fastest-rising names.

Classification: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Grapes: Sangiovese Grosso
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~3,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1962
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019

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353Conti Costanti, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

Montalcino, Tuscany · Italy

Eight centuries of Montalcino nobility.

The Costanti family showed 'vino rosso scelto' at the 1867 Paris Exposition.

Classification: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Sangiovese Grosso
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $120–180
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Family from 1555
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019

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354Lisini, Brunello di Montalcino Ugolaia

Montalcino, Tuscany · Italy

Southern-slope riserva-level cru.

Historic estate above Sant'Angelo in Colle; Ugolaia is its oldest parcel.

Classification: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Grapes: Sangiovese Grosso
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: Family from 1700s
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019

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355Elio Grasso, Barolo Rüncot Riserva

Monforte d'Alba, Piedmont · Italy

Monforte riserva in French oak.

Gianluca Grasso's modern-leaning riserva against the estate's classical crus.

Classification: Barolo DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: Estate from 1978
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019

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356Domenico Clerico, Barolo Percristina

Monforte d'Alba, Piedmont · Italy

A father's memorial riserva.

Made in memory of Clerico's daughter Cristina; released after seven years.

Classification: Barolo DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: First vintage 1996
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2004, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016

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357Conterno Fantino, Barolo Sorì Ginestra

Monforte d'Alba, Piedmont · Italy

Sunlit Ginestra cru, polished style.

Organic Monforte estate; Sorì Ginestra is its warmest exposure.

Classification: Barolo DOCG
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Estate from 1982
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019

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358Sottimano, Barbaresco Currà

Neive, Piedmont · Italy

Neive cru of dark cherry and smoke.

The Sottimano family farm five crus organically; Currà leads.

Classification: Barbaresco DOCG
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: Estate from 1975
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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359Artadi, El Carretil

Laguardia, Álava · Spain

Laguardia's finest single parcel.

Alongside El Pisón, the peak of López de Lacalle's vineyard portfolio.

Classification: Vino de España, single vineyard
Grapes: Tempranillo
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: First vintage 2001
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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360La Rioja Alta, Gran Reserva 904

Rioja · Spain

Classical gran reserva of uncanny value.

Four years in American oak, racked barrel to barrel by candlelight.

Classification: Rioja DOCa Gran Reserva
Grapes: Tempranillo, Graciano
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~8,000 cases
Established: Cuvée from 1904
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2001, 2004, 2010, 2011, 2015

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361Bodegas Roda, Cirsion

Rioja · Spain

Selection of vines with naturally sweet tannins.

Roda picks individual plants whose tannins ripen fully; bottled apart as Cirsion.

Classification: Rioja DOCa
Grapes: Tempranillo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $180–260
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: First vintage 1998
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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362Bodegas Muga, Torre Muga

Rioja · Spain

Muga's modern high-expression cuvée.

French-oak counterpart to Prado Enea; powerful, sleek Rioja.

Classification: Rioja DOCa
Grapes: Tempranillo blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $120–170
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1991
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019

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363Aalto, PS

Bodegas Aalto

Ribera del Duero · Spain

Vega Sicilia's ex-winemaker's selection.

Mariano García's 'Pagos Seleccionados' from old high parcels.

Classification: Ribera del Duero DO
Grapes: Tempranillo (Tinto Fino)
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $110–160
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1999
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018

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364Pintia (Vega Sicilia)

Bodegas y Viñedos Pintia

Toro · Spain

Vega Sicilia's Toro venture.

The great house tames Toro's ferocity with cool soaking and French oak.

Classification: Toro DO
Grapes: Tinta de Toro
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $50–75
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~10,000 cases
Established: First vintage 2001
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

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365Terroir al Límit, Les Manyes

Priorat · Spain

High-altitude clay Grenache, infusion-style.

Dominik Huber's 800 m parcel; whole-bunch infusion, Burgundian bearing.

Classification: Priorat DOQ
Grapes: Garnacha
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~200 cases
Established: First vintage 2010
Farming: Biodynamic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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366Mas Doix, 1902 Centenary Carignan

Priorat · Spain

Carignan planted in 1902.

A few hundred litres from centenarian terraces in Poboleda.

Classification: Priorat DOQ
Grapes: Cariñena
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~150 cases
Established: Vines from 1902
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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367Caymus Vineyards, Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon

Rutherford, Napa Valley · USA

Twice Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year.

The Wagner family's flagship; the only wine to top the Spectator list twice.

Classification: Napa Valley AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $180–260
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1975
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1990, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016

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368Silver Oak, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Silver Oak Cellars

Oakville, Napa Valley · USA

American-oak steakhouse icon.

Aged solely in American oak from the winery's own Missouri cooperage.

Classification: Napa Valley AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $110–150
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~50,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1972
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018

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369Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Cask 23

Stags Leap District, Napa Valley · USA

Flagship of the Paris-winning estate.

Blends the S.L.V. and FAY vineyards; heir to the 1973 Judgment winner.

Classification: Napa Valley AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1974
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018

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370Inglenook, Rubicon

Rutherford, Napa Valley · USA

Coppola's restored 1880s estate.

Francis Ford Coppola reunited the historic Niebaum estate and its name.

Classification: Rutherford AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $200–280
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~4,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1879
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018

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371Beaulieu Vineyard, Georges de Latour Private Reserve

Rutherford, Napa Valley · USA

Napa's original reserve Cabernet.

André Tchelistcheff shaped it from 1938; the template for Napa reserves.

Classification: Napa Valley AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~10,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1936
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018

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372Robert Mondavi, To Kalon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Robert Mondavi Winery

Oakville, Napa Valley · USA

The house share of the great vineyard.

Mondavi's reserve draws on the original To Kalon core.

Classification: Oakville AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~10,000 cases
Established: Winery from 1966
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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373Lokoya, Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon

Mount Veeder, Napa Valley · USA

Mountain-peak Cabernet quartet's leader.

Jackson family label bottling four Napa mountains apart; Veeder leads.

Classification: Mount Veeder AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $400–600
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: First vintage 1995
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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374Hundred Acre, Kayli Morgan Cabernet Sauvignon

St. Helena, Napa Valley · USA

Maximalist cult with serial 100s.

Jayson Woodbridge's no-compromise farming; dozens of perfect scores.

Classification: Napa Valley AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 15–16%
Guide price: $500–700
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: First vintage 2000
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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375Bond, St. Eden

Bond Estates

Oakville, Napa Valley · USA

Harlan's grand cru vineyard portfolio.

Five hillside 'grand crus' bottled apart under the Bond marque.

Classification: Oakville AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $500–700
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: First vintage 1999
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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376Futo, Oakville Estate

Futo Estate

Oakville, Napa Valley · USA

Quiet neighbour of Harlan's bench.

Tom Futo's western-bench estate; tiny production, no fanfare.

Classification: Oakville AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $400–600
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: First vintage 2005
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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Allocation

377Paul Hobbs, Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon

Paul Hobbs Winery

Oakville, Napa Valley · USA

The consultant's own To Kalon.

Hobbs bottles the famed Beckstoffer parcel under his own name.

Classification: Oakville AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $350–500
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: First vintage 2000
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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378Peter Michael Winery, Les Pavots

Knights Valley, Sonoma · USA

Volcanic Knights Valley estate red.

Sir Peter Michael's mountain estate; French-named cuvées, English patience.

Classification: Knights Valley AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1989
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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379Marcassin, Marcassin Vineyard Pinot Noir

Sonoma Coast, California · USA

Helen Turley's near-mythical coastal Pinot.

Years-long waiting list; released late, seen rarely.

Classification: Sonoma Coast AVA
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $300–450
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~300 cases
Established: First vintage 1996
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

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Very rare

380Kosta Browne, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Russian River Valley, California · USA

The list wine of the 2000s Pinot boom.

From garage startup to Wine of the Year 2011; lush signature style.

Classification: Russian River Valley AVA
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 8–20 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1997
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019

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381Rochioli, West Block Pinot Noir

J. Rochioli Vineyards

Russian River Valley, California · USA

The estate block behind the legends.

Source vines for Williams Selyem's fame, bottled by the farming family itself.

Classification: Russian River Valley AVA
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $120–180
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: Planted 1968
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019

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382Calera, Jensen Vineyard Pinot Noir

Calera Wine Company

Mount Harlan, California · USA

Limestone Pinot in the Burgundian image.

Josh Jensen sought limestone across California; planted Mount Harlan in 1975.

Classification: Mount Harlan AVA
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: Planted 1975
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018

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Retail

383Domaine Serene, Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir

Dundee Hills, Oregon · USA

Oregon's polished reserve standard.

The Evenstads' flagship beat Burgundy in blind tastings repeatedly.

Classification: Willamette Valley AVA
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1990
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018

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384Beaux Frères, The Beaux Frères Vineyard Pinot Noir

Ribbon Ridge, Oregon · USA

The critic's own vineyard.

Co-founded by Robert Parker's brother-in-law Michael Etzel; now Henriot-owned.

Classification: Ribbon Ridge AVA
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1991
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018

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385Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Laurène Pinot Noir

Dundee Hills, Oregon · USA

Burgundy's Drouhin family in Oregon.

Véronique Drouhin's selection cuvée; French craft on Jory soils since 1988.

Classification: Dundee Hills AVA
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1988
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018

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386Antica Terra, Coriolis Pinot Noir

Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon · USA

Fossil-seabed Pinot of strange beauty.

Maggie Harrison farms a rocky ancient seabed; intensely original wines.

Classification: Eola-Amity Hills AVA
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $120–180
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: First vintage 2005
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019

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387Evening Land, Seven Springs La Source Pinot Noir

Evening Land Vineyards

Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon · USA

Volcanic Seven Springs selection.

Sashi Moorman and Rajat Parr farm the famed Seven Springs vineyard.

Classification: Eola-Amity Hills AVA
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Vineyard from 1984
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019

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388The Eyrie Vineyards, South Block Pinot Noir

Dundee Hills, Oregon · USA

From Oregon's first Pinot vines.

David Lett planted the Willamette's first Pinot in 1965; son Jason continues.

Classification: Dundee Hills AVA
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~300 cases
Established: Planted 1965
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018

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389Henschke, Mount Edelstone Shiraz

Eden Valley, South Australia · Australia

Hill of Grace's single-hill sibling.

1912-planted Shiraz on a single hillside; sixth-generation farming.

Classification: Eden Valley GI
Grapes: Shiraz
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: Planted 1912
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021

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390Torbreck, RunRig

Torbreck Vintners

Barossa Valley, South Australia · Australia

Multi-vineyard old-vine Barossa flagship.

Assembled from ancient dry-grown parcels across the valley.

Classification: Barossa Valley GI
Grapes: Shiraz, Viognier
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $200–280
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1995
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2019

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391Kaesler, Old Bastard Shiraz

Kaesler Wines

Barossa Valley, South Australia · Australia

1893 vines, irreverent name.

From a single ancient block behind the Kaesler homestead.

Classification: Barossa Valley GI
Grapes: Shiraz
Alcohol: 15–15.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: Vines from 1893
Farming: Dry-grown, sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2019

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392Greenock Creek, Roennfeldt Road Shiraz

Barossa Valley, South Australia · Australia

Parker-era cult of extreme concentration.

Three years in American oak; repeated perfect scores in the 1990s.

Classification: Barossa Valley GI
Grapes: Shiraz
Alcohol: 15.5–16.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~200 cases
Established: First vintage 1988
Farming: Dry-grown, minimal
Serving: Decant 4 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1998, 2002, 2005, 2012, 2016

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Very rare

393Kay Brothers, Block 6 Shiraz

Kay Brothers Amery

McLaren Vale, South Australia · Australia

1892 vines, family-picked since.

The Kay family still crush from the same 1892 block first picked by hand.

Classification: McLaren Vale GI
Grapes: Shiraz
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Planted 1892
Farming: Dry-grown, sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2012, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021

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394Kusuda Wines, Syrah

Martinborough · New Zealand

Japanese precision, Martinborough fruit.

Hiro Kusuda left diplomacy to make minute quantities of exacting wine.

Classification: Martinborough GI
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $130–180
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~300 cases
Established: First vintage 2001
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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Very rare

395Ao Yun

Ao Yun (LVMH)

Adong, Yunnan · China

LVMH's Himalayan-foothill Cabernet.

Grown at 2,200 to 2,600 m near Shangri-La; China's first luxury red.

Classification: Yunnan, Adong villages
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: First vintage 2013
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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396Long Dai (Domaines Barons de Rothschild)

Qiu Shan Valley, Shandong · China

Lafite's Chinese estate.

Terraced granite slopes in Shandong; first vintage 2017.

Classification: Shandong, Qiu Shan Valley
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Marselan
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: First vintage 2017
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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Allocation

397Zorah, Karasì

Zorah Wines

Vayots Dzor · Armenia

Amphora-raised Areni by ancient caves.

Grown near the 6,100-year-old Areni-1 winery cave; aged in clay karas.

Classification: Vayots Dzor PDO
Grapes: Areni Noir
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $40–60
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 8–20 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: First vintage 2010
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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Retail

398Gere Attila, Kopar

Gere Attila Pincészet

Villány · Hungary

Villány's leading Bordeaux-style red.

Hungary's south slope suits Cabernet Franc; Kopar is its benchmark.

Classification: Villány DHC
Grapes: Cabernet Franc blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $50–75
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: First vintage 2000
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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399Antinori, Guado al Tasso

Marchesi Antinori

Bolgheri, Tuscany · Italy

Antinori's coastal Bolgheri estate.

From the family's vast Bolgheri holding on the old Aurelia road.

Classification: Bolgheri Superiore DOC
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~20,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1990
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021

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400Grattamacco, Bolgheri Superiore

Bolgheri, Tuscany · Italy

Bolgheri's hillside second pioneer.

Founded 1977, second estate in Bolgheri after Sassicaia; organic hillside site.

Classification: Bolgheri Superiore DOC
Grapes: Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~2,500 cases
Established: Estate from 1977
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021

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401Château Cantemerle

Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux · France

Woodland fifth growth of quiet charm.

Added to the 1855 list weeks after publication; graceful, fairly priced claret.

Classification: Fifth Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $30–45
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~25,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1354
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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402Château La Lagune

Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux · France

The first classed growth on the road north.

Frey family owned, biodynamic conversion; silky southern-Médoc style.

Classification: Third Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $50–70
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1730
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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403Château Haut-Batailley

Pauillac, Bordeaux · France

Cazes-revived inland Pauillac.

Bought by the Lynch-Bages family in 2017 and sharply upgraded.

Classification: Fifth Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $45–65
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~10,000 cases
Established: Cazes from 2017
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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404Château Batailley

Pauillac, Bordeaux · France

Traditional Pauillac of honest weight.

Castéja family stalwart; named for a Hundred Years' War battle.

Classification: Fifth Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $45–65
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~25,000 cases
Established: Castéja from 1942
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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405Château Branaire-Ducru

Saint-Julien, Bordeaux · France

Fresh, fragrant Saint-Julien.

Across the road from Beychevelle; consistently pure-fruited claret.

Classification: Fourth Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $50–70
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~20,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1680
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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406Château Kirwan

Margaux, Bordeaux · France

Irish-named Margaux third growth.

Schÿler family owned; perfumed Cantenac gravel.

Classification: Third Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $45–65
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: Schÿler from 1925
Farming: Organic conversion
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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407Château Prieuré-Lichine

Margaux, Bordeaux · France

The wine writer's own château.

Alexis Lichine assembled it from priory lands; approachable Margaux.

Classification: Fourth Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $40–60
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~15,000 cases
Established: Lichine from 1951
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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408Château du Tertre

Margaux, Bordeaux · France

Hilltop Margaux with old Cabernet Franc.

The 'mound' of Arsac; aromatic, supple fifth growth.

Classification: Fifth Growth, 1855
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13–14%
Guide price: $40–60
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~12,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1736
Farming: Organic conversion
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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409Château Nénin

Pomerol, Bordeaux · France

Delon-owned Pomerol on the rise.

The Léoville Las Cases family rebuilt it from 1997.

Classification: Pomerol (unclassified appellation)
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~4,000 cases
Established: Delon from 1997
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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410Château Gazin

Pomerol, Bordeaux · France

Plateau Pomerol beside Pétrus.

De Bailliencourt family land bordering the great clay buttonhole.

Classification: Pomerol (unclassified appellation)
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: Family from 1917
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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411Château Canon-la-Gaffelière

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux · France

Von Neipperg's organic foot-of-slope estate.

Stephan von Neipperg's flagship alongside La Mondotte.

Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé B
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: Neipperg from 1971
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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412Château La Gaffelière

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux · France

Ancient family, côte and pied de côte.

Malet Roquefort family for four centuries; Roman mosaics beneath the vines.

Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé B
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~6,000 cases
Established: Family from 1705
Farming: Organic conversion
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2019

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413Château Valandraud

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux · France

The original garage wine.

Jean-Luc Thunevin's 1991 micro-cuvée sparked the garagiste movement; now classified.

Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé B
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Actively traded; fine wine merchants and brokers, Liv-ex secondary market
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1991
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016

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Traded

414Château La Mondotte

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux · France

Micro-estate of clay-limestone intensity.

Von Neipperg's 4.5 ha jewel; refused merger with Canon-la-Gaffelière, rewarded with cult status.

Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé B
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,200 cases
Established: First vintage 1996
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016

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Very rare

415Château Tertre Roteboeuf

Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux · France

François Mitjavile's singular amphitheatre.

Late picking and no consultants; Burgundian sensibility on the côte.

Classification: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1978
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016

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Very rare

416Olga Raffault, Chinon Les Picasses

Domaine Olga Raffault

Loire · France

Long-aged Chinon released mature.

The family releases library vintages of gravelly, savoury Franc.

Classification: Chinon AOC
Grapes: Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 12.5–13%
Guide price: $40–60
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Domaine from 1947
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2010, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018

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417Maison Pierre Overnoy / Emmanuel Houillon, Ploussard

Pupillin, Jura · France

The natural wine world's holy grail.

Sulphur-free since 1984; bottles change hands at many times release price.

Classification: Arbois-Pupillin AOC
Grapes: Ploussard
Alcohol: 12–13%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 10–30 years
Production: ~200 cases
Established: Domaine from 1968
Farming: Organic, no sulphur
Serving: Serve 14°C, open early
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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Very rare

418Thierry Germain, Saumur-Champigny La Marginale

Domaine des Roches Neuves

Loire · France

Biodynamic Saumur of silk and chalk.

Roches Neuves's top Franc from tuffeau soils.

Classification: Saumur-Champigny AOC
Grapes: Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: Estate from 1991
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020

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419Domaine Vacheron, Sancerre Rouge Belle Dame

Loire · France

Silex-grown Sancerre Pinot at its peak.

The biodynamic Vacherons make the case for serious red Sancerre.

Classification: Sancerre AOC
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Domaine from 1919
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 15°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020

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420Domaine Comte Abbatucci, Ministre Impérial

Ajaccio, Corsica · France

Corsican heritage varieties, biodynamic.

Jean-Charles Abbatucci saved island varieties in a conservatory vineyard.

Classification: Vin de France
Grapes: Sciaccarellu blend
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Domaine from 1950s
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019

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421Peyre Rose, Clos des Cistes

Languedoc · France

Decade-aged garrigue Syrah, released late.

Marlène Soria releases wines around ten years old from her wild hillside.

Classification: Coteaux du Languedoc AOC
Grapes: Syrah, Grenache
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1988
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2005, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015

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422Domaine Gauby, Muntada

Roussillon · France

Old-vine Roussillon of alpine freshness.

Gérard and Lionel Gauby's biodynamic Calce hills; the region's benchmark.

Classification: Côtes Catalanes IGP
Grapes: Grenache, Carignan
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Domaine from 1985
Farming: Biodynamic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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423Mas Jullien, Terrasses du Larzac

Languedoc · France

The thinking drinker's Languedoc.

Olivier Jullien defined the Terrasses du Larzac before it existed on paper.

Classification: Terrasses du Larzac AOC
Grapes: Carignan, Syrah, Mourvèdre
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $50–75
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Domaine from 1985
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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424Allegrini, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

Valpolicella, Veneto · Italy

Modern Amarone's polished standard.

The family also pioneered single-vineyard Valpolicella with La Poja.

Classification: Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
Grapes: Corvina blend
Alcohol: 15.5–16%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~10,000 cases
Established: Family from 1854
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 18°C
Vintages: 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018

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425Tedeschi, Amarone Capitel Monte Olmi Riserva

Valpolicella, Veneto · Italy

Historic single-vineyard Amarone.

Among the first cru Amarones, bottled since 1964.

Classification: Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Corvina blend
Alcohol: 15.5–16%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First cru 1964
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 18°C
Vintages: 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017

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426Salvatore Molettieri, Taurasi Vigna Cinque Querce Riserva

Irpinia, Campania · Italy

Mountain Aglianico of iron and smoke.

High Montemarano vines; among Taurasi's most structured wines.

Classification: Taurasi DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Aglianico
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $50–75
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~1,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1983
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 4 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2008, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016

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427Frank Cornelissen, Magma

Etna, Sicily · Italy

Radical natural Etna from ungrafted vines.

The Belgian's no-intervention flagship from high contrada Barbabecchi.

Classification: Terre Siciliane IGT
Grapes: Nerello Mascalese
Alcohol: 14–15%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~200 cases
Established: First vintage 2001
Farming: Organic, no additions
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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428Pietradolce, Etna Rosso Barbagalli

Etna, Sicily · Italy

Prephylloxera terraces of Rampante.

Century-old alberello vines in a single walled contrada parcel.

Classification: Etna Rosso DOC, contrada
Grapes: Nerello Mascalese
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~300 cases
Established: Estate from 2005
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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429Ettore Germano, Barolo Lazzarito Riserva

Serralunga d'Alba, Piedmont · Italy

Serralunga cru riserva of stature.

Sergio Germano's south-facing amphitheatre parcel; classical depth.

Classification: Barolo DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: Estate from 1856
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019

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430Marchesi di Grésy, Barbaresco Camp Gros Martinenga Riserva

Barbaresco, Piedmont · Italy

Monopole Martinenga's finest corner.

The Grésy family hold the entire Martinenga amphitheatre.

Classification: Barbaresco DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Estate from 1973
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019

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431Castello di Ama, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo

Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany · Italy

Estate-defining Gran Selezione.

Contemporary art installed among the vats; benchmark Gaiole Sangiovese.

Classification: Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione
Grapes: Sangiovese
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Estate from 1972
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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432Castello di Ama, L'Apparita

Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany · Italy

Chianti's answer to great Merlot.

Hillside Merlot that beat Pétrus in a famous 1990s blind tasting.

Classification: Toscana IGT
Grapes: Merlot
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: First vintage 1985
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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433Isole e Olena, Cepparello

Barberino, Tuscany · Italy

Paolo De Marchi's pure Sangiovese classic.

Created 1980 when pure Sangiovese was banned from Chianti's name.

Classification: Toscana IGT
Grapes: Sangiovese
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~3,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1980
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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434Querciabella, Camartina

Greve in Chianti, Tuscany · Italy

Vegan-biodynamic Super Tuscan.

Animal-free biodynamics across the Greve hills since 2000.

Classification: Toscana IGT
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1981
Farming: Biodynamic, vegan (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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435Valdicava, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano

Montalcino, Tuscany · Italy

Northern-quadrant riserva of dark power.

Vincenzo Abbruzzese's Montosoli-side riserva; repeated top scores.

Classification: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva
Grapes: Sangiovese Grosso
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 20–40 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: Estate from 1953
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019

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436Dominio del Águila, Peñas Aladas Gran Reserva

Ribera del Duero · Spain

Old-village viticulture, ancient vines.

Jorge Monzón revives pre-industrial La Aguilera parcels underground.

Classification: Ribera del Duero DO Gran Reserva
Grapes: Tempranillo blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~200 cases
Established: First vintage 2010
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018

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437Emilio Moro, Malleolus de Valderramiro

Bodegas Emilio Moro

Ribera del Duero · Spain

Single-parcel old-vine Ribera.

From a 1924 parcel of the family's oldest vines.

Classification: Ribera del Duero DO
Grapes: Tempranillo (Tinto Fino)
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~1,000 cases
Established: Vines from 1924
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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438Familia Torres, Mas La Plana

Penedès, Catalonia · Spain

The Spanish Cabernet that beat Bordeaux.

The 1970 topped first growths at the 1979 Gault-Millau 'Wine Olympics'.

Classification: Penedès DO
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~7,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1970
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 1970, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018

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439Familia Torres, Grans Muralles

Conca de Barberà, Catalonia · Spain

Resurrected medieval varieties by monastery walls.

Includes Querol and Garró, varieties Torres rescued from extinction.

Classification: Conca de Barberà DO
Grapes: Recovered Catalan varieties
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~1,200 cases
Established: First vintage 1996
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

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440Raúl Pérez, Ultreia de Valtuille

Bierzo · Spain

Bierzo's wizard at his home village.

Old-vine Valtuille parcels from Spain's most influential winemaker.

Classification: Bierzo DO
Grapes: Mencía
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: First vintage 2004
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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441Envínate, Táganan Parcela Amogoje

Tenerife, Canary Islands · Spain

Volcanic Atlantic viticulture, ungrafted.

Cliffside ungrafted vines above the ocean; the Canaries' new wave leaders.

Classification: Canary Islands, Vino de Mesa
Grapes: Listán Negro field blend
Alcohol: 12.5–13%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 8–20 years
Production: ~300 cases
Established: First vintage 2011
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 15°C
Vintages: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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442Ramos Pinto, Duas Quintas Reserva Especial

Douro · Portugal

Two-estate Douro selection.

Blends the house's Ervamoira and Bons Ares quintas.

Classification: Douro DOC
Grapes: Touriga Nacional blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~1,000 cases
Established: House from 1880
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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443Quinta do Vallado, Adelaide

Douro · Portugal

Homage to Dona Antónia's heir.

From the estate's oldest ungrafted vines; named for the founder's descendant.

Classification: Douro DOC
Grapes: Old-vine field blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: Estate from 1716
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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444Luís Pato, Vinha Barrosa

Bairrada · Portugal

Old-vine Baga's fiercest advocate.

Pato proved Baga's nobility from a single old clay-limestone vineyard.

Classification: Beiras IG
Grapes: Baga
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $50–75
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: Estate from 1980
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

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445Niepoort, Charme

Douro · Portugal

Burgundian-minded Douro red.

Foot-trodden whole bunches, old vines, seeking finesse over force.

Classification: Douro DOC
Grapes: Old-vine field blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 2000
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

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446Jean Stodden, Recher Herrenberg Spätburgunder GG

Weingut Jean Stodden

Ahr · Germany

Slate-terrace Pinot of dark intensity.

Alexander Stodden's steep Recher slopes; the Ahr's boldest style.

Classification: VDP Grosses Gewächs
Grapes: Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder)
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: Estate from 1578
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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447August Kesseler, Assmannshäuser Höllenberg Spätburgunder GG

Weingut August Kesseler

Rheingau · Germany

The Rheingau's historic red hill.

Höllenberg's phyllite slopes grew Pinot for centuries before the Riesling era.

Classification: VDP Grosses Gewächs
Grapes: Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder)
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $100–150
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Estate from 1977
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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448Aldinger, Fellbacher Lämmler Lemberger GG

Weingut Gerhard Aldinger

Württemberg · Germany

Swabia's grand cru Lemberger.

The Aldingers make Germany's case for serious Lemberger.

Classification: VDP Grosses Gewächs
Grapes: Lemberger (Blaufränkisch)
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: Family from 1492
Farming: Organic (certified)
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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449Krutzler, Perwolff

Weingut Krutzler

Südburgenland · Austria

Deep-schist Blaufränkisch benchmark.

The Krutzler family's flagship put Südburgenland on the map.

Classification: Südburgenland
Grapes: Blaufränkisch
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: Family from 1888
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019

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450Ernst Triebaumer, Blaufränkisch Mariental

Weingut Ernst Triebaumer

Rust, Burgenland · Austria

The 1986 that changed Austrian red wine.

'ET' Mariental proved Blaufränkisch could age like fine claret.

Classification: Burgenland
Grapes: Blaufränkisch
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: First vintage 1986
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019

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451Alpha Estate, Xinomavro Reserve Vieilles Vignes Barba Yannis

Amyndeon, Macedonia · Greece

Old ungrafted Xinomavro, Nebbiolo's Greek cousin.

Sandy-soil ungrafted vines from the 1920s at altitude.

Classification: Amyndeon PDO
Grapes: Xinomavro
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $40–60
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: Estate from 1997
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

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452T-Oinos, Clos Stegasta Mavrotragano

Tinos, Cyclades · Greece

Granite-boulder island viticulture.

Stéphane Derenoncourt consults among the moonscape boulders of Tinos.

Classification: Cyclades PGI
Grapes: Mavrotragano
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: First vintage 2008
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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453Ktima Gerovassiliou, Avaton

Epanomi, Macedonia · Greece

Ancient Greek varieties, modern craft.

Limnio was praised by Aristotle; Gerovassiliou revived it seriously.

Classification: Epanomi PGI
Grapes: Limnio, Mavroudi, Mavrotragano
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $40–60
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 10–20 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Estate from 1981
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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454Domaine du Castel, Grand Vin

Judean Hills · Israel

Israel's pioneering fine red.

Eli Ben Zaken's terraced hills estate set Israel's quality benchmark.

Classification: Judean Hills
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~3,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1992
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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455Yatir, Forest

Yatir Winery

Negev, Israel · Israel

Desert-forest altitude red.

Grown at 900 m beside the Yatir forest on the Negev's edge.

Classification: Judean Hills, Negev
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~2,500 cases
Established: First vintage 2001
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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456Orgo, Saperavi

Orgo (Gogi Dakishvili)

Kakheti · Georgia

Qvevri-made Saperavi of polish.

Gogi Dakishvili bridges eight millennia of Georgian wine with modern precision.

Classification: Kakheti PDO
Grapes: Saperavi
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $40–60
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 8–20 years
Production: ~1,000 cases
Established: First vintage 2011
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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457Château Purcari, Negru de Purcari

Ștefan Vodă · Moldova

The tsars' and queens' Moldovan red.

Served at the Russian court and, legend holds, to Queen Victoria.

Classification: Ștefan Vodă PGI
Grapes: Cabernet, Saperavi, Rara Neagră
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $40–60
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: Estate from 1827
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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458Osoyoos Larose, Le Grand Vin

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia · Canada

Bordeaux-Canadian desert venture.

Founded with Château Gruaud Larose expertise on Osoyoos benchland.

Classification: Okanagan Valley VQA
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14.5%
Guide price: $40–60
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~3,000 cases
Established: First vintage 2001
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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459Mission Hill, Oculus

Mission Hill Family Estate

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia · Canada

Canada's icon-tier red.

Anthony von Mandl's flagship from Black Sage and Osoyoos vineyards.

Classification: Okanagan Valley VQA
Grapes: Bordeaux blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1997
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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460Le Clos Jordanne, Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir

Niagara Peninsula, Ontario · Canada

Limestone-bench Niagara Pinot.

Thomas Bachelder's project on the Jordan bench; revived in 2019.

Classification: Niagara Peninsula VQA
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $50–75
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 8–20 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: First vintage 2004
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020

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461Bodega Garzón, Balasto

Maldonado · Uruguay

Uruguay's granite-soil flagship.

Named for the weathered granite ballast beneath the Atlantic-cooled hills.

Classification: Maldonado
Grapes: Tannat blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 2016
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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462Bouza, Monte Vide Eu

Bodega Bouza

Montevideo · Uruguay

Boutique Uruguayan blend.

The Bouza family's garage-scale precision made Tannat charming.

Classification: Montevideo
Grapes: Tannat, Merlot, Tempranillo
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $50–75
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 10–20 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: First vintage 2003
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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463Casa Madero, Gran Reserva Casa Grande

Parras Valley, Coahuila · Mexico

From the Americas' oldest winery.

Founded 1597; high-desert Parras fruit, international awards.

Classification: Valle de Parras
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $50–75
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 10–20 years
Production: ~3,000 cases
Established: Winery from 1597
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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464Chappellet, Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon

Chappellet Winery

Pritchard Hill, Napa Valley · USA

The hill's founding family flagship.

The Chappellets planted Pritchard Hill in 1967, long before its fame.

Classification: Napa Valley AVA, Pritchard Hill
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Planted 1967
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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465Ovid, Napa Valley

Ovid Napa Valley

Pritchard Hill, Napa Valley · USA

Metamorphoses-inspired hilltop estate.

Rocky Pritchard Hill parcels; experimental blends named for Ovid's verse.

Classification: Napa Valley AVA, Pritchard Hill
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $300–400
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: First vintage 2005
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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466Vine Hill Ranch, VHR Cabernet Sauvignon

Oakville, Napa Valley · USA

Legendary vineyard, own label at last.

Sold fruit to Napa's elite for decades before bottling VHR in 2008.

Classification: Oakville AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $250–350
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~1,200 cases
Established: First vintage 2008
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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467MacDonald, To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon

MacDonald Vineyards

Oakville, Napa Valley · USA

Two brothers, ancestral To Kalon rows.

The MacDonald family kept their To Kalon parcel since 1954; minute production.

Classification: Oakville AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $500–700
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~350 cases
Established: First vintage 2008
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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Very rare

468Realm Cellars, The Absurd

Napa Valley · USA

Stags Leap-based cult blend.

Realm rose from near-bankruptcy to Napa's most demanded list.

Classification: Napa Valley AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $400–600
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: First vintage 2002
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021

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469Bevan Cellars, Tench Vineyard EE Red

Oakville, Napa Valley · USA

Russell Bevan's perfect-score parade.

Multiple 100-point wines from the eastern Oakville Tench site.

Classification: Oakville AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 14.5–15.5%
Guide price: $300–400
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: First vintage 2010
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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470Larkmead, Solari Cabernet Sauvignon

Larkmead Vineyards

Calistoga, Napa Valley · USA

Historic valley-floor estate's reserve.

Century-old Larkmead's gravelly Calistoga benchland selection.

Classification: Napa Valley AVA, Calistoga
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $200–280
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~500 cases
Established: Estate from 1895
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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471Matthiasson, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Matthiasson Wines

Napa Valley · USA

The new classicism's standard-bearer.

Steve Matthiasson picks early for freshness; the counter-cult Napa Cabernet.

Classification: Napa Valley AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: First vintage 2004
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021

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472Forman Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon

St. Helena, Napa Valley · USA

Ric Forman's European-styled classic.

Gravel-bed vineyard farmed by the veteran winemaker since 1983.

Classification: Napa Valley AVA
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1983
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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473Ridge Vineyards, Lytton Springs

Dry Creek Valley, California · USA

Centenarian benchland field blend.

1900s-planted Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane above Dry Creek.

Classification: Dry Creek Valley AVA
Grapes: Zinfandel field blend
Alcohol: 14.5–15%
Guide price: $45–65
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~10,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1972
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

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474Bedrock Wine Co., Evangelho Vineyard Heritage

Contra Costa County, California · USA

Sand-dune vines from the 1890s.

Morgan Twain-Peterson preserves own-rooted vines growing in pure sand.

Classification: Contra Costa County AVA
Grapes: Zinfandel, Mataro field blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $50–70
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~600 cases
Established: Vines from 1890s
Farming: Dry-grown, organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021

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475Littorai, The Haven Pinot Noir

Littorai Wines

Sonoma Coast, California · USA

Ted Lemon's biodynamic coastal estate.

The former Roulot winemaker's home farm; whole-system biodynamics.

Classification: Sonoma Coast AVA
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $80–110
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~400 cases
Established: First vintage 1993
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021

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476Clonakilla, Shiraz Viognier

Canberra District, New South Wales · Australia

Australia's Côte-Rôtie moment.

Tim Kirk's co-ferment redefined cool-climate Australian Shiraz.

Classification: Canberra District GI
Grapes: Shiraz, Viognier
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First co-ferment 1992
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021

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477Mount Langi Ghiran, Langi Shiraz

Grampians, Victoria · Australia

Peppery old-block Grampians Shiraz.

The 1963 old block defines Australian cool-climate pepper spice.

Classification: Grampians GI
Grapes: Shiraz
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: Old block from 1963
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2021

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478Wynns Coonawarra Estate, Michael Shiraz

Coonawarra, South Australia · Australia

Terra rossa's rare flagship Shiraz.

Made only in exceptional years alongside John Riddoch.

Classification: Coonawarra GI
Grapes: Shiraz
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~1,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1982
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2010, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2021

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479Balnaves of Coonawarra, The Tally Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Coonawarra, South Australia · Australia

Coonawarra Cabernet's modern reserve.

Pete Bissell's selection of the family's best terra rossa rows.

Classification: Coonawarra GI
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: First vintage 1996
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 3 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021

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480Cape Mentelle, Cabernet Sauvignon

Margaret River, Western Australia · Australia

Back-to-back Jimmy Watson winner.

David Hohnen's 1983 and 1984 trophies announced Margaret River to Australia.

Classification: Margaret River GI
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–35 years
Production: ~5,000 cases
Established: First vintage 1976
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

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481Deep Woods Estate, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Margaret River, Western Australia · Australia

Trophy-collecting modern Margaret River.

Julian Langworthy's reserve took the Jimmy Watson and national acclaim.

Classification: Margaret River GI
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: Estate from 1987
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

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482Serrat, Shiraz Viognier

Yarra Valley, Victoria · Australia

Micro-estate of the former Mount Mary school.

Tom Carson's tiny close-planted block; national wine-of-year honours.

Classification: Yarra Valley GI
Grapes: Shiraz, Viognier
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~150 cases
Established: Planted 2001
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021

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Very rare

483Sami-Odi, Hoffmann Dallwitz Syrah

Barossa Valley, South Australia · Australia

Hand-made Barossa from 1880s vines.

Fraser McKinley's single-family-vineyard wines; hand-numbered curiosities.

Classification: Barossa Valley GI
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $110–160
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~200 cases
Established: First vintage 2012
Farming: Dry-grown, minimal
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021

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Very rare

484Tolpuddle Vineyard, Pinot Noir

Coal River Valley, Tasmania · Australia

Tasmania's contested-history great site.

Shaw + Smith's cool Coal River vineyard, planted 1988.

Classification: Tasmania GI, Coal River Valley
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: Planted 1988
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021

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485Prophet's Rock, Cuvée aux Antipodes Pinot Noir

Central Otago · New Zealand

Made by a Burgundian in Otago.

François Millet of Comte de Vogüé makes this antipodean cuvée.

Classification: Central Otago GI
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $130–180
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~200 cases
Established: First vintage 2012
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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Very rare

486Burn Cottage, Pinot Noir

Burn Cottage Vineyard

Central Otago · New Zealand

Biodynamic from first planting.

Established with Ted Lemon of Littorai; biodynamic from bare land.

Classification: Central Otago GI
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~1,200 cases
Established: Planted 2003
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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487Vik

Viña Vik

Millahue Valley · Chile

Data-driven estate in the 'golden place'.

Norwegian entrepreneur Alexander Vik mapped thousands of soil pits to site it.

Classification: Cachapoal Andes, Millahue
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $130–180
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~2,500 cases
Established: First vintage 2010
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019

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488Clos Quebrada de Macul, Domus Aurea

Alto Maipo · Chile

Andean-foothill Cabernet of mint and iron.

Old vines on the Macul ravine beneath the cordillera.

Classification: Maipo Valley DO, Alto Maipo
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $60–90
Availability: Good availability at fine wine retailers on release
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 1996
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019

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489Zuccardi, Aluvional Gualtallary

Familia Zuccardi

Gualtallary, Mendoza · Argentina

Alluvial-soil expression series peak.

Part of Zuccardi's soil-mapping of the Uco Valley's stony fans.

Classification: Gualtallary, Uco Valley
Grapes: Malbec
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~1,000 cases
Established: First vintage 2010
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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490Catena Zapata, Malbec Argentino

Bodega Catena Zapata

Mendoza · Argentina

The family's historical Malbec statement.

A cross-vineyard homage to the immigrant grape's Argentine destiny.

Classification: Mendoza, multi-vineyard
Grapes: Malbec
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $110–160
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~2,000 cases
Established: First vintage 2004
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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491Per Se, Iubileus

Bodega Per Se

Gualtallary, Mendoza · Argentina

Micro-terroir Gualtallary with perfect scores.

Edgardo Del Popolo and David Bonomi's calcareous micro-parcels.

Classification: Gualtallary, Uco Valley
Grapes: Malbec, Cabernet Franc
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $200–300
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–30 years
Production: ~200 cases
Established: First vintage 2013
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

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Very rare

492Bodega Chacra, Cincuenta y Cinco Pinot Noir

Río Negro, Patagonia · Argentina

1955-planted Patagonian Pinot.

The 'fifty-five' vineyard sibling of Treinta y Dos.

Classification: Río Negro IG
Grapes: Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 13–13.5%
Guide price: $80–120
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~700 cases
Established: Vines from 1955
Farming: Biodynamic (certified)
Serving: Decant 1 hour, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

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493Kanonkop, Black Label Pinotage

Kanonkop Estate

Stellenbosch · South Africa

Pinotage's ultimate expression.

From 1953 bush vines; the variety's most serious statement.

Classification: Stellenbosch WO
Grapes: Pinotage
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $150–220
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 15–30 years
Production: ~300 cases
Established: Bush vines from 1953
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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494Beeslaar, Pinotage

Beeslaar Wines

Stellenbosch · South Africa

Kanonkop's winemaker's own label.

Abrie Beeslaar's personal project refines the grape further.

Classification: Stellenbosch WO
Grapes: Pinotage
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $50–75
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~800 cases
Established: First vintage 2012
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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495Savage Wines, Red

Western Cape · South Africa

City-cellar Cape blend of restraint.

Duncan Savage sources cool parcels for a fresher Cape style.

Classification: Western Cape WO
Grapes: Syrah blend
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $50–75
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–20 years
Production: ~1,500 cases
Established: First vintage 2011
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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496Boschkloof, Epilogue Syrah

Boschkloof Wines

Stellenbosch · South Africa

Whole-bunch Syrah with rocketing acclaim.

Reenen Borman's tiny cuvée drew near-perfect scores and instant sell-outs.

Classification: Stellenbosch WO
Grapes: Syrah
Alcohol: 13.5–14%
Guide price: $90–130
Availability: Very rare; auction houses and specialist brokers only
Drinking: 12–25 years
Production: ~300 cases
Established: First vintage 2016
Farming: Sustainable
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 16°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

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Very rare

497Silver Heights, The Summit

Helan Mountain, Ningxia · China

Ningxia's pioneering boutique red.

Emma Gao trained in Bordeaux and put family-scale Ningxia on the map.

Classification: Ningxia, Helan Mountain East
Grapes: Cabernet blend
Alcohol: 14–14.5%
Guide price: $70–100
Availability: Allocation or mailing list; secondary market via fine wine merchants and auction
Drinking: 10–25 years
Production: ~1,000 cases
Established: First vintage 2007
Farming: Organic practice
Serving: Decant 2 hours, serve 17°C
Vintages: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019