The world's most versatile and easily accessible alcoholic beverage is wine. Wine is as diverse as it can be, from a chilled white to a robust red, not to mention a light rose and some bubbly. Depending on the climate and temperature, grapes grow in different parts of the world with different tastes. With the right pairings, wine complements any meal, so you can consume it at lunch or dinner in moderation. For wine lovers, the new year brings new opportunities, new challenges, and of course, new wines to taste! You deserve only the best for 2023. Bringing luxury to your doorstep. Here is the list of the best overall wine to start off the new year on the right note.
Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae Malbec 2016
The 2016 Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae was bottled six months earlier than in previous years, due to a cooler and wetter year. It was important to keep the wines "lighter" and more mineral than oak, so they didn't want the oak to make them seem heavy. As a result of the deeper soils, this wine shows more fruit, and it is always the most pleasant, approachable, and open of the three reds from Adrianna. Several notes of tobacco and spices can be detected. The wine will be immediately appealing on release, but it will also develop nicely in the bottle given how young it is and that it won't be released for another year. In terms of completeness, 2016 is the best of the three vintages. Pair it with beef or lamb for dinner.
Sine Qua Non a Shot in the Dark 2006
The Sine Qua Non-winery was founded in 1994 and is considered to be one of California's most famous cult wineries. With fruit from high-quality Central Coast vineyards, this winery was created by maverick winemaker, Manfred Krankl, and is world-famous for its Rhône Valley-inspired blends. The velvety tannins and layered flavor of this Syrah make it one of the best-rated wines in the world. Since only 442 cases of this vintage were produced, you should consider yourself lucky indeed if you are able to get your hands on a bottle of this 96.5% Syrah, 3,5% Viognier wine. A few years of aging will enhance the aromas of blueberry pie and blackberry, along with hints of chocolate and Asian spices. For a special treat, try it with lamb, venison, or a game of deer.
Château d’Yquem Sauternes 2005
This is a beautiful, brilliant, golden-yellow color. The nose is dominated by aromas of apricot compote, dried fruit, and figs, as well as notes of vanilla and floral notes (jasmine and acacia blossom). Upon swirling in the glass, the bouquet reveals overtones of citrus zest that highlight the wine's subtle refinement. With its perfect balance, the 2005 Yquem begins with a deliciously suave and caressing palate. Adding to the wine's elegance and fresh acidity is its restrained power, giving it an incredible sense of class. Gingerbread, orange nonette cakes, and licorice dominate the palate of this wine, which is complemented by a gorgeous acid tang that contributes to its lovely, long aftertaste on par with some of the chateau's most illustrious vintages. Despite the wide variety of flavors, they all seem to be vibrating on the same wavelength, blending into a subtle whole. A delicious way to enjoy it is with ripe peaches and nectarines or with simple French tarts.
Château Latour 2000
An impressively deep, dark color. A strong, balanced structure characterizes the wine. These tannins may be superior to those of the '96 and '90 vintages due to their dense structures and unique qualities. There is a balance in the wine between class, rigor, complexity, and great finesse in fruit. This deep red wine is composed of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, about 6% Merlot, about 4% Cabernet Franc, and about 3% Petit Verdot. The savory and rich flavor will keep you captivated until the very last sip. It's one of those wines that tastes better the longer you wait to open it. A mid-blow aroma of black truffles, currants, raspberry, and dried flowers will delight your senses. You can pair it with any grilled or braised meat for a real treat.
Masseto 2016 Merlot
In 2016, Masseto experienced a typical coastal Tuscan growing season, with a dry and sunny climate, abundant sunshine, and just enough rain to allow perfect ripening. With ripe and intense dark fruit notes blended with subtle cocoa and spice notes, 2016 has a particularly intense and youthful color. This wine develops ripe, caressing tannins with luscious, vibrant fruit and acidity that keeps the long finish fresh and lively. There is no comparison to the dark, sumptuous taste of this merlot. Its rich flavor is enhanced by notes of dark fruit, spice, sweet tobacco, and black cherry. As a result of being aged in oak barrels for two years, it exhibits a vibrant acidity that is smoothed with a delightful finish. The aromatic wine pairs well with veal, lamb, or any type of steak.
Wayfarer Golden Mean Pinot Noir 2014
It is a blend of the Swan clone, with its elegant aromas and enticing perfume, and the Pommard clone, with its earthy aromatics and strong structure. There is a hint of powdered cocoa and the suggestion of an ocean breeze as the aromas of this ruby-hued wine introduce themselves. Soft tannins and well-structured slate minerality accompany fresh strawberry and cherry flavors on the palate. This wine has a balanced acidity that makes it easy to pair with food - it is ready for enjoyment upon release, and will continue to mature beautifully for at least another 10 years. With time, spicy accords and pomegranate and cinnamon toast notes become more prominent. Pair this wine with venison, veal, or beef for the best results.
Heitz Cellar Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
On the alluvial fan of western Oakville, Martha's Vineyard continues to embody the legacy of being Napa Valley's first single vineyard-designated wine. After being aged in French oak barrels for three years, one year in neutral oak barrels, and another year in the bottle, this wine is ripe and delicious. With flavors of wild black fruit, thyme, mint, eucalyptus, and bay, this wine strikes a perfect balance between polished tannins and mouthwatering freshness. This Napa Valley classic has been aged to perfection for immediate enjoyment at release and will continue to reward for over 20 years. The perfect accompaniment to fried lamb.
Ramey Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay 2016
Ramey has made a Rochioli vineyard-designate Chardonnay for the second time. This wine was made from grapes sourced from vines planted between 1989 and 2005, fermented in barrels with bâtonnage, and aged for 20 months in barrels that contained 21% new French oak. A nose of Meyer lemon, pulverized stone, lime peel, and soft white flowers is apparent on the 2016 Chardonnay Rochioli Vineyard. It offers savory flavors of honeycomb and hazelnut with a smooth, velvety texture and a long finish with plenty of mineral sparks. A wine with beautiful flavors and classic notes of citrus, white flowers, and orchard fruits. With a crisp acidity that combines well with its unique texture, this wine is both powerful and classic. Wines of this medium body are best enjoyed with pork or rich fish dishes.
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2019
With notes of bright, ripe citrus, kaffir lime, passion fruit, and white peach, the 2019 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc is immediately expressive in the glass. With fruity, tropical notes blending with zesty citrus, stone fruits, and subtle notes of orchard blossom, the palate is vibrant and mouthwatering. An impressively long finish is complemented by a lively grapefruit acidity, sustaining the intense fruit characters throughout the palate. Serve this dish with freshly prepared seafood, steamed mussels with parsley and garlic, and Spanish gazpacho.
Terlato Family Vineyards Friuli Pinot Grigio 2018
Featuring great complexity for its price point, this tangy white wine is produced by the Terlato Family Vineyard of Northeastern Italy. With hints of stone fruit and honeysuckle, this medium-bodied wine features floral flavors of peach and pear. It is well known among winemakers worldwide that Friuli is one of the best regions for the production of luxury Pinot Grigio. Fruit for Pinot Grigio is harvested from hillside estate vineyards that are carefully tended in order to create a full-bodied wine with expressive fruit and mineral flavors. This bright, refreshing white pairs well with shellfish, white fish, appetizers, and sushi.
Robert Weil Kiedrich Grafenberg Riesling Spätlese 2018
The Robert Weil Kiedrich Grafenberg is synonymous with majestic, rich, yet refined Rheingau Spatlese. Featuring spring flower aromas along with mandarin orange, papaya, mango, and smoky slate. The alcohol content is only 8.5%, but the flavor is incredible: dried apricots, fresh raspberries, sweet herbs, and a salty earthiness. The finish is long and complex, this is a real treat. It’s worth every penny. Consume it sparingly to experience its intense richness and creaminess. Acidity combined with a clean flavor gives it a lasting intensity. It goes well with spicy foods and cured meats.
Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz 2016
St Historically, Henri is considered an alternative expression of Shiraz, as well as an intriguing counterpoint to Grange. The fact that it does not rely on new oak makes it unique among high-quality Australian red wines. A wine style that refuses to conform to fashion or commerce. As it ages, St Henri develops soft, earthy, mocha-like flavors. This wine is matured in 1,460-liter oak vats that allow the wine to develop, imparting little or no oak flavor. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon combine to create a powerful blend of tastes and textures that customers love. Star anise and savory spices are prominent notes, followed by black fruit. With every bite, you'll taste fruitiness, followed by creaminess on the palate. The dish compliments lamb, duck, or tournedos well, making it perfect for any occasion.
Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Among the smallest wineries in Napa Valley is Screaming Eagle. This winery is situated on a rocky hillside in the Oakville Appellation and overlooks a vineyard planted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Over the course of nearly two years, 65% of the wine is aged in new French oak barrels. Each year, approximately 500 cases of wine are produced, with most of the wine being sold directly to consumers through a mailing list. Approximately 200 cases of the 1992 vintage were released as the winery's first release. Your palate will be awakened by rich flavors such as licorice, kirsch, cassis creme de cassis, and spring flowers. This rare wine pairs well with any hearty meal.
Carlisle Papera Ranch 2017
A stone's throw from Carlisle Vineyard, Charley (Carlo) Papera planted this "grand dame" in 1934. Many old-vine vineyards contain a mixture of black grape varieties, but most of the blocks at Papera Ranch are 95+% Zinfandel. A significant amount of Carignane is present in one block, along with Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Valdiguié. The grapes are typically picked at the end of October due to the cool climate of this vineyard. A very character and complex Zinfandel. Typical zinfandel notes are evident along with earthy, herbal notes. Red berries and plums are most likely responsible for the deep ruby-red color of this full-bodied wine. Despite its layers, this vintage has a nice dry finish on the palate. It pairs well with lamb, beef, or poultry.
Louis Latour Chateau Corton Grancey
A chateau situated on the road to Corton was owned by the family "Grancey" before the Latour family acquired it in 1891. It is a unique and exclusive wine produced by Maison Louis Latour. The blend consists of five areas of Domaine Latour Corton Grand Cru: Bressandes, Perrières, Grèves, Clos du Roi, and Chaumes. The proportions of each area vary from vintage to vintage. It is estimated that the vines are over 40 years old on average. In order to create Château Corton Grancey, only the best barrels are assembled after being aged individually. A vintage judged to be inferior is systematically declassified, and no wine is produced if the grapes are not mature. Bringing you this amazing pinot noir from Burgundy is Louis Latour. In addition to the flavors of black and red currants, blackberries, citrus, and dried raspberries, this wine is one of the best in its category. Earthy notes are blended with oaky notes and vanilla hints in this blend full of different textures. You can enjoy this wine with any venison meat or even poultry.
Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2016
In order to preserve the Chardonnay's natural acidity, Grgich did not allow it to undergo malolactic fermentation. A balanced acidity carries these notes from the first sip to the last, giving the wine great freshness and minerality. This Grgich estates chardonnay is fresh, well-balanced, and renowned for its distinctive wine. This fruity wine has notes of pear, pineapple, and peach. With crisp acidity, this wine is aged in stainless steel barrels. It pairs well with lobster, turkey, and roasted chicken.
Dow’s 2017 Port
The 2017 growing season was very different from 2016 from a viticultural perspective, and it was interesting to monitor the progression of the wine and monitor its quality as it developed over the first two winters. As a result of an exceptionally warm winter and a very mild summer, 2016 had an abundance of winter and spring rainfall. On the other hand, 2017 was warm and dry throughout, with summer temperatures closer to average, contributing to a balanced and complete ripening. A wine of such depth and intensity is rare to see. A dominant floral aroma, rockrose, grows wild around Senhora da Ribeira's hills, contributing to the freshness of the floral aroma. Exceptionally rich, powerful, and full-bodied on the palate, with black fruit at the forefront. The fine tannin structure complements the gorgeous, ripe fruit. A typical Dow port has a dry finish that is austere and austere in comparison with many other ports. A long lingering fruit flavor fills the mouth. If served slightly chilled, it is best enjoyed with cheese, nuts, or chocolate.
Vega Sicilia Unico 2009
Vega Sicilia has a total of 1,000 acres of land, of which 210 are used for vine-growing, with 19 soil types and 57 plots with very specific characteristics. There has been an important role played by the Duero River's flow and the passage of time in the development of these soils. A full 40 hectares of these are dedicated to producing Unico, one of the world's longest-aged wines (in barrels and bottles). A combination of new and used 225-liter barrels made from French and American oak, and a 22,000-litre tank made from steel. The process of making a legendary wine is long and complex. This decade's vintage blends tempranillo and cabernet sauvignon. For wine connoisseurs, this is one of the best Spanish wines available. The wine is aged for six years in oak barrels, followed by another four in the bottle, giving it a rich, ripe flavor. It finishes with a deep forest and cigar box-density flavor dominated by blueberries, cherries, and spiced plums.
Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2017
There is a distinctive aroma of Bing cherry, pomegranate, boysenberry syrup, and preserved raspberries in this elegant Pinot Noir. A palate of Cremini mushrooms, cherry cola, and white pepper with hints of clove is revealed. An abundance of acidity is complemented by supple tannins that develop into a soft, silky finish. Despite being elegant, this Russian River Pinot Noir is also powerful and perfectly balanced without being overly acidic. With a blend of cherry, cinnamon, and white pepper, the aromas of fall leaves are complemented by hints of white pepper. It pairs well with lighter and even vegetarian cuisine, making it a refreshing red wine you might not have heard of yet. This light-textured food is a great accompaniment to dairy products, mushrooms, beans, and nuts.
Adelaida Rose 2019
Drinking this rosé is like drinking red wine. There are layers and complexity to its pink hue. There's nothing like enjoying a platter of Brie and fresh fruit on the nose. The palate is deep and gripping, making it an excellent rosé for food and not just snacks. Drinking like a red, this complex rose is from Paso Robles, California. Despite its deep flavor, it has a fruity aroma and layers of dried herbs that counterbalance it. The aroma is reminiscent of a cheese board accompanied by fresh fruit. Maybe duck breasts, skirt steaks, or roasted chicken. Definitely a great wine.
Gundlach-Bundschu Estate Vineyard Gewurztraminer 2019
Obviously, Gundlach Bundschu understands the benefits of wine aging, but is it also possible that this Gewürztraminer will continue to improve with time? A familiar aroma of star jasmine, lychee, and honeysuckle evokes vintages past, making this wine one of Gundlach Bundschu's most comforting wines. Although there are hints of Anjou pear and grapefruit on the palate, balanced with bright acidity, this is not a wine from 1858. There's nothing like that crisp dry finish on a Gewürztraminer, no matter how old it is. This Sonoma Coast Gewurztraminer is your best bet if you prefer a dry Riesling. An excellent accompaniment to vindaloo, spicy Pad Thai, or hot wings, it is well-balanced and very drinkable.
Bodegas Avancia Godello 2019
Avancia Godello expresses the authenticity of the Valdeorras region and the oldest Godello clones in the world by being sourced from one of the oldest, most traditional vineyards. The white varieties of Spanish wines are often overlooked because the country is famous for its red wines. Here's one we stumbled upon that didn't disappoint. This wine is characterized by flavors of sliced pear and white flowers, and it has a slight acidic fizziness that makes it a wonderful drink. As a result of its 14.2% alcohol content, try this with something consistent like a paella. It is extremely rare to find a Godello produced from a single vineyard planted in 1904 since it was almost extinct by the late 1980s.
Domaine Carneros by Taittinger Ultra Brut 2015
There is a style of Sparkling wine called Ultra Brut that is rarely produced. It is a very dry and brisk wine that appeals to true aficionados. Exclusively available at the winery. Sparkling wines like T N Ultra Brut require flawless balance to work well. There is a deep, focused freshness to our 2015 vintage, along with an exceptionally long finish. The aroma of toasted brioche, honeycomb, and wildflowers leads to a dry, brisk, beautifully balanced palate of roasted almond, golden apple, and crisp pear. There is a surprising complexity to its bright, crisp fruit and dusty minerality, riding on a serious structure, the palate-cleansing finish lingering long after the wine has finished. It pairs beautifully with rich, creamy sauces or foods that have natural voluptuousness, such as raw oysters, smoked salmon, or lobster. It is incomparable with friends who are wine savvy.
Hermann J. Wiemer Dry Riesling 2019
It is Hermann J. Wiemer's signature wine, the 2019 Dry Riesling. It exemplifies the dynamic range of Riesling by utilizing grapes from three distinct vineyard sites. The palate is characterized by layers of citrus, stone fruit, and tropical fruit, which are complemented by taut acidities and a clean mineral finish. A frothy acidity balances the fruity depth of this wine, and it exhibits notes of flowers, honey, and lime. The mild punch provided by this beverage awakens your senses, and its 12% alcohol content makes it an ideal accompaniment to lunch or snack time. It is an excellent accompaniment to any type of baked fish that has been seasoned with spices such as curry, cumin, and coriander.
By Rashmi Goel
