One of the more anticipated annual publishing events in the world of wine involves the unveiling of Wine Spectator magazine’s “Top 100 Wines” list.
As the Spectator has explained through the years, the list is quite subjective, and is not based purely on the magazine’s 100-point rating system. For example, a wine that received a rating of 97 points could rank lower on the list than a wine that garnered a 95 rating. The “story” behind the wine also is considered.
And this year, the “story” behind the top-ranked wine is quite interesting. Its makers own no vineyards, and they make their wines in rented warehouse space. The label was founded by two waiters who wanted to make wine, and pooled their tips in order to turn their shared dream into a reality.
Historically, wines that make the list have sold out quickly, if they weren’t sold out already. Often, retailers increase their prices in anticipation of increased demand. Thus, the list prices shown below may not accurately reflect the current marketplace.
The full list will appear in the Dec. 31-Jan. 15 issue of Wine Spectator. For now, here’s a look at the magazine’s top 10 for 2011, courtesy of Business Wire:
1. Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2009 (95 points, $52, 5,818 cases made)
2. Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Kathryn Hall 2008 (96 points, $90, 2,450 cases made)
3. Domaine Huët Vouvray Moelleux Clos du Bourg Première Trie 2009 (96 points, $69, 760 cases made)
4. Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino 2006 (96 points, $50, 7,000 cases made)
5. Dehlinger Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2008 (95 points, $50, 1,050 cases made)
6. Baer Ursa Columbia Valley 2008 (95 points, $35, 1,095 cases made)
7. Quinta do Vallado Touriga Nacional Douro 2008 (95 points, $55, 2,188 cases made)
8. Domenico Clerico Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra 2006 (96 points, $90, 1,500 cases made)
9. Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude 2009 (94 points, $55, 650 cases made)
10. Château de St.-Cosme Gigondas Valbelle 2009 (94 points, $58, 1,175 cases made)
Source: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20111121005946/en/Wine-Spectator-Announces-2011-Wine-Year
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Have you had any of the wines in Wine Spectator’s top 10? If so, tell us about it (or them) in the comments box below.
