Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2013: Just In Time for the Holidays!

It is that time of the year again — when Wine Spectator announces its top 100 wines of the year.  Movies have their Oscar’s, sports have the Espy’s, music has its Grammy’s, and so on.  Such is the “case” for wine (pun intended).  Remember that this is not an industry announcement, but an evaluation by a magazine with very seasoned and experienced tasters making the judgments – so there is credence to their assessments. This is what Wine Spectator states about their list:

“Each year, Wine Spectator editors survey the wines reviewed over the previous 12 months and select our Top 100. This annual list honors successful wineries, regions and vintages around the world.  As always, we select the Top 100 based on quality (represented by score), value (reflected by release price), availability (based on the number of cases either made or imported into the United States) and an “X-factor” we call excitement. However, this year, we have given more emphasis than ever before to the X-factor—the intensity of interest the wines excited by way of their singularity or authenticity.”

At this of the year, the magazine allows everyone access to their website to view the list.  Otherwise, you need a subscription to the magazine which can also afford you access to the on-line edition.  Here is where to go to peruse the list:  Wine Spectator, and click 2013 in the drop down menu.  If you click on the plus signs next to the wine on the list, you will get a descriptor of the wine.

If you want to obtain any of these wines, I do recommend you act quickly.  It may be a little challenging to find them – yet worth the effort.  There are some well-priced wines on the list.  For example, Mollydooker, one of my easy drinking favorites, is on the list with their “Two Left Feet.”  Turley made the list with their Zinfandel from the Dusi Vineyard.  It is fun to see the reveal each year, and I like seeing wines that I have tasted and bought get the accolades.  Remember though, what is most important is what pleases your palate.

Enjoy!