Each year since 1988 Wine Spectator‘s editors review and collate a list of the best in the wine business. This year has been no different and they have released the top 100 wines of 2017. Here’s a look at the cream of the crop – the top 5. If you manage to buy one of these, make sure to send us at least a glass!
5. Chateau de St.-Cosme Gigondas 2015
When I hear full-bodied and rich, I’m already sold but add in flavours of dark currant, fig and even some notes of tobacco, and I’m already running for the bottle. Made in Rhone Valley, France, this wine can be aged for 15+ years and consumed, and you’ll still never grow tired of it. It’s one of the cheaper ones on this list 43 USD.
4. Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino 2012
This bold and structured wine comes from Brunelle di Montalcino, one of Italy’s finest. Like their other wines, Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino is made with Sangiovese grapes. You can taste dark cherries, blueberries and dried spices in this wine – is it possible to have a better combination? Throw in a slightly floral aroma and how it complements beef, lamb and poultry – and you’ve got a winner. We don’t mind shelling out 63 USD for this.
3. Chateau Coutet Barsac 2014Â
This vintage made in Bordeaux will quickly become your favourite. Fruity aromas of pineapple, grapefruit, lychee and mango fill your nose while each sip has tinges of almond, lime and acacia flower. It’s slightly unconventional and edgy, but that’s the best part. Actually the price tag is – at 37 USD, this is the cheapest top 5 wine on the list.
2. K Syrah Walla Walla Valley Powerline Estate 2014Â
It’s no easy task to reach the top 2 of the thousands of wines that people consume worldwide, but this Syrah definitely deserves it. Surprisingly, it’s the first Syrah from Powerline (which itself is new) in Washington. It’s impossible to ignore this wine, bursting with personality and lots of flavour – dark plum, pepper and licorice to be precise. At 43 USD, this aromatic, beautiful wine is definitely a deal!
1. Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley Three Palms Vineyard 2014
Marking the dramatic comeback of Merlot, Duckhorn has managed to win the top spot in 2017 and with good reason. This red’s got everything – the flavours of boysenberry, cherry and plum, along with layers of spice and a hint of slate and cardamom. While 98 USD might seem like a hefty setback, for the best wine in the world, it’s really nothing! You can drink this till 2023, so you’ll have a worthy companion for all your special occasions for a long time.
