Discovering great new wines of all types from around the globe is what drives the Wine Enthusiast team of reviewers. We blind-tasted more than 23,000 bottles in the past 12 months and for The Enthusiast 100 narrowed them down to the following elite list of exceptional wines.
This year’s 100 are not simply the highest scoring bottles, nor are they the most expensive—these are wines that opened our reviewers’ eyes and stimulated their imaginations.
The Enthusiast 100 includes grape varieties from Albariño to Zinfandel grown in 14 different countries and five U.S. states. A Petite Arvine from Mendocino, California, a dry Furmint from Tokaji in Hungary and a rosé of Tempranillo from Italy, not Spain, all give an idea of the breadth of choices here.
Many are relative values: The average price is $56, with 31 of them costing $40 or less. Wine No. 1, a terrific 96-point 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet from Duckhorn, costs $105, which is one-third the cost of many similarly rated Cabs. The best effort since 2008 from Duckhorn’s Monitor Ledge Vineyard, the wine is rich in cassis and baking spices on a soothing texture.
In the No. 2 position, Ratti 2019 Barolo Serradenari from Piedmont, Italy, will age beautifully and make a brilliant addition to anyone’s collection. The same goes for the No. 3 wine, Schnaitmann 2019 Lämmler GG Dry Riesling from Germany, intensely spiced and mineral-laced.
The 97 others are wines we’re keeping our eyes on, and you should, too. Several are from new wineries, under-the-radar regions, made from unusual grape varieties or in innovative styles. The majority of them are ready to drink now and are sure to bring something palpably different and energizing to your table.
We urge you to use The Enthusiast 100 to broaden your wine-drinking horizons and bring more enjoyment to your entertaining.
1
Duckhorn 2019 Monitor Ledge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley).
—96 pts, J.G.
With a crème de cassis flavor and a velvety texture that soothes the palate, this rich and indulgent wine is easy to love. The charming black fruits, baking spices and cassis notes are well matched by rounded tannins. Best through 2033. Editors’ Choice.
abv: 14.5% Price: $105
2
Ratti 2019 Serradenari (Barolo).
—97 pts, J.P.
This wine expresses itself with aromas of wild cherries, tart red plums, dried violets and oolong tea leaves. The palate is elegant and almost dances across the mouth, leading with ripe red fruits that give way to savory flavors of fresh bay leaf, clove and balsam. Drink 2025–2040. Maze Row Wine Merchant. Editors’ Choice.
abv: 14% Price: $175
3
Schnaitmann 2019 Lämmler GG Dry Riesling (Württemberg).
—97 pts, A.Z.
The light-golden color of this Riesling hints at some development, and that is exactly what sets this GG apart from its peers. The extra aging only benefits the terrific mix of intensely spiced and mineral-laced elements to come out as the acidity integrates and beams on the rich lemon meringue, white raspberry and baked apple. The succulent, yet fresh finish flows on the palate. Drink now–2035. The German Wine Collection. Hidden Gem.
abv: 13% Price: $75
4
Brewer-Clifton 2021 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills).
—95 pts, M.K.
Even Greg Brewer’s appellation cuvée carries his hallmark, addictive combination of sensory sensations. Light in the glass, it begins with aromas of fresh strawberry, red plum, wild thyme and chaparral spice on the nose. The palate snaps with refreshing acidity, powering through vibrant red fruit, earthy herb and peppery spice flavors. Delicious, fun, memorable. Editors’ Choice.
abv: 14.5% Price: $45
5
Rippon 2019 Rippon Mature Vine Lake Wanaka Pinot Noir (Central Otago).
—97 pts, C.P.
From arguably the most gorgeously located biodynamic vineyard in the world, this Pinot is a head-turner. Aromas change in the glass, expressing various aspects of site and variety: first succulent currant and blueberry fruit, then florals and a hint of mushroomy undergrowth, then scrubby dried herbs growing beside a lake and snowcapped mountains. The palate is elegant and juicy, with silky softness and floral delicacy. You’re almost surprised when the tannins rush in to cinch it into place. This is one of Rippon’s finest Pinots to date. Drink now–2030. Wine Dogs Imports LLC. Editors’ Choice.
abv: 13.5% Price: $65
6
Three Sticks 2021 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast).
—97 pts, J.G.
This full-blown,.
