Innholdsfortegnelse for Best of 2025 i Wine Enthusiast Magazine

With apologies to everyone who has posted potato-chip caviar bites on Instagram, caviar is a delicacy best enjoyed in private moments, much like contemplating a masterpiece in a crowded museum. Every small dollop of caviar is a landscape of tiny pearls, each one carrying a burst of butter and brine, with as many secondary and tertiary notes as the finest wine. While the term caviar once referred solely to the roe of certain wild sturgeon from the Caspian and Black seas, today it generally means the salted, unfertilized eggs of any sturgeon species. This highlights the diversity of sustainable caviars, caviar producers, and even non-caviar fish roe available in the U.S. It’s a good time to be a caviar enthusiast. As for a pairings, you can never go wrong with…

FOR ALL ITS FANS, FETA IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST MISUNDERSTOOD CHEESES. Greek feta is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), but unlike wine designations, the U.S. and many other countries outside the E.U. don’t honor it, allowing any salty, brined cheese to be sold as feta. The real deal is a fermented sheep’s milk cheese, with up to 30% goat’s milk allowed. Creamy, piquant, a little funky, and deeply complex, it’s a far cry from most feta-style cow’s milk cheeses and fresh cheeses like queso fresco, paneer, and chèvre, with which it’s often compared or substituted. Authentic Greek feta—and the right wine, of course—will upgrade all your favorite feta dishes. ♦ SPANAKOPITA The classic spinach pie is as much about the greens and crispy phyllo as the feta. Pro…

Visitors at Klocke Estate distillery in Hudson, New York, might wonder if a Wizard of Oz-style tornado had somehow picked up and dropped a chunk of the French countryside in the Hudson Valley. Over a hundred acres of vineyards and apple orchards provide a scenic backdrop for their copper alembic pot still and custom-built chai (a warehouse for aging barrels), both typical of Cognac houses. Klocke’s ambitious goal: Make world-class brandy in New York State. But are Americans ready to embrace homegrown brandy? To date, the evidence suggests—maybe. The category remains an underdog, overshadowed by French brandies like Cognac, Armagnac, and Calvados, as well as American brown spirits, like bourbon. However, with the growing number of excellent domestic brandies, it’s time to take a closer look. “Brandy is a much…

Rip out this page and stuff it in your pocket for when you go to the wine shop next, or just search wineenthusiast.com/ratings. FOR THIS ISSUE Wine Enthusiast reviewers blind-tasted nearly 3,000 wines from all over the world. 2,064 of those wines scored 90 points or higher; these wines had an average cost of $55. 187 wines scored 95 points or higher; these wines had an average cost of $134. Over 900 wines achieved scores of 89 points or lower, but don’t sleep on them—many received “Best Buy” or “Hidden Gem” designations from our reviewers. Top5 BestBuys These wines represent the highest quality-to-price ratio at $20 or less. 94 Castello di Monsanto 2023 Sangiovese (Chianti Classico) Price: $20 abv: 14.5% 93 Martúe 2019 Pago Campo de la Guardia Red Blend…

This year we celebrate the 26th annual Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards, honoring the individuals and companies that have significantly contributed to the success of the wine and spirits industry. We salute all of the honorees and winners, from innovative upstarts finding ways to succeed in challenging times to storied brands drawing on centuries of history. Nominated by our global sales, events, marketing, and editorial staff, with final selections made by our executive publishing team, winners will be honored at our black-tie gala in January 2026 in New York City. For details on the event and further insight into our selection process, visit wineenthusiast.com/wsa-winners-2025. And on the following pages, please meet the shining Wine Stars of 2025.…

Stewardship, family, and tradition have driven the success of King Estate Winery. Sticking to those core values for 34 years has helped Ed King III transform Oregon Pinot Gris into a powerhouse wine. When it comes to being called a legend, King Estate’s co-founder and co-CEO humbly deflects. “I don’t do singular; it’s all a team deal,” King says. The legendary part of the story, King says, is the persistence it took to get Pinot Gris established as a wine category in the United States. While he wasn’t the first to plant Pinot Gris in Oregon, King says that “no one had their sights on building a national business by making enough wine and presenting it to distribution and accounts across the country. We did that, and you can say…

The Douro Valley, a stunning region of mountains, vineyards, and olive groves, lies 40 miles east of Porto and stretches 120 miles to the Spanish border. While it is increasingly popular with tourists, the Douro, with 108,000 acres of vines, remains a magical place. Unforgettable vistas show terraced vineyards on steep slopes dropping down into the wide, placid Douro River. Stand outside in the early morning, and the silence is palpable. Symington Family Estates owns 5,500 acres in the Douro and an impressive range of Port houses, including Cockburn’s, Dow’s, Graham’s, and Warre’s. Chairman Rupert Symington relishes this silence. “In the summer, I wake at dawn and go for a walk. All I hear are the birds, the goldfinches just singing their hearts out. I am in love with the…

Luigi Bosca is a renowned name in the world of elegant, premium wines, and next year, it will celebrate 125 years in the wine business. Led by the Arizu family for over a century, the winery has been a key player in the modern history of Argentinian winemaking. Leoncio Arizu, whose family were Basque winemakers, arrived in Argentina at the age of seven in 1890. In 1901, he established his winery, paving the way for future generations of the Arizu family in Argentina. Eventually, the winery adopted the name Bosca in honor of a close Italian friend and partner of the founder, and they later added the name Luigi. Leoncio’s son, Saturnino, played a crucial role in enhancing the winery’s production by introducing European grape varieties, notably Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec,…

If it weren’t for Sulpizio “Gino” Razzi, American wine lovers may have never met Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, now one of the most popular Italian red wines in the country. “It’s so versatile that we’ve just scratched the surface,” says Razzi of his half-century of spreading the grape’s gospel. “There’s a huge market for the future.” It wasn’t exactly love at first sip. When the Italian-born Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War imported his first batch of wines from his homeland in the early 1970s, the wine was too powerful. “It turned the glass purple,” says Razzi. “I came to realize that’s not the American taste.” He worked with the winemakers at Cantina Zaccagnini to craft a lighter, easy-drinking version of Montepulciano. “I understood what the people wanted,” says Razzi. He…

Mia Van de Water exemplifies the expanding role of beverage professionals in all aspects of hospitality. As both wine director and partner, she has helped bring the Michelin-starred New York steakhouse Cote to Miami, Singapore, and Las Vegas. She oversees one of the world’s most extensive sparkling wine lists at New York’s Coqodaq, a Korean fried chicken spot. Beyond that, she is a teacher, examiner, and board member of the Court of Master Sommeliers; a guest instructor of Wine at the Institute of Culinary Education; and a former board member of the United Sommeliers Foundation. “Sure, Mia can crush service and wind her way through any wine list, bar program and dining room in the world, but she is also an operational wizard, a mentor to dozens—if not hundreds—of aspiring…

WE ASKED OUR TASTERS: What is your New Year’s wine resolution? Life is too short to drink bad wine, even if we may have to taste it. Let’s stick to the good stuff.—Roger Voss My New Year’s wine resolution is to ask for help and to take more recommendations from somms, bartenders, and retailers. I’m super adventurous with spirits and cocktails, but my wine picks play it safe—time to branch out a bit more.—Kara Newman To brave the two-hour haul from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles and eat at life-changing restaurants once a month.—Matt Kettmann To celebrate and promote wine as a cultural element. I will explore every opportunity to highlight its significance in bringing people together.—Jesica Vargas To continue to show up for small wine businesses, whether it be…

SPARKLING WINES 94 Limnad Wine 2020 Lake Bubbles Extra Brut Riesling (Finger Lakes). Fizzy Riesling is a treat, especially when it’s made by the talented Red Tail Ridge Team, as this new range of sparklers is. Bright, honey-flecked orchard fruit is on full display here, while autolytic, shortcrust-y notes perch beneath. There’s plenty more zingy fruit on the palate with some lovely textural weight to counter. Vibrant acidity and prickly fizz abound, flowing to a long, complex finish. A grown-up banger of a sparkler for any occasion. Editors’ Choice. —C.P. abv: 12% Price: $40 93 Limnad Wine 2020 Lake Bubbles Blanc de Blanc Extra Brut Chardonnay (Finger Lakes). Limnad is a new label from quality producer Red Tail Ridge. There’s a quiet richness to this BdB, with toasty, pastry crust notes simmering…

BAROLO 98 Cavallotto 2019 Riserva Vigna San Giuseppe (Barolo). If Barolo is the king of wines, this is the crown jewel of Cavallotto. The legendary San Giuseppe vineyard has produced liquid aristocracy in a wine of breathtaking power and otherworldly elegance. Layer after layer of black fruits, exotic spices, and heady earth notes unfold endlessly. The palate is a masterpiece of tension between raw power and balletic grace. This is why we cellar great Barolo. This wine is a monument to what’s possible in the Langhe. Drink from 2027. Cavallotto. Editors’ Choice. —J.P. abv: 14.5% Price: $230 98 Giacomo Fenocchio 2021 Bussia (Barolo). From one of Barolo’s most revered sites comes a wine of quiet confidence. The limestone-rich soils of Bussia created something profound in 2021. Fresh roses and dark cherries float…

RIESLING 96 Johannes Zillinger 2021 Numen Riesling (Niederösterreich). Initially showing a flinty, reductive note, this Riesling bursts into an electrifying palate of kiwi and mangosteen, all lifted by razor-sharp acidity. Layers of fleur de sel and lime create a stunning interplay of salinity and citrus, extending through a finish of remarkable tension and complexity. This is a masterful expression of Riesling, with extraordinary length and precision, benefiting from a little extra age. Johannes Zillinger KG. —A.Z. Price: $60 93 Weingut Sommer 2021 Handwerk Riesling (Weinland Österreich). Flint and wet stone mingle with guava and white raspberry notes, giving a fragrant, lifted nose. On the palate, vibrant acidity wraps around the flavors, coating the mouth evenly and creating a sense of harmony. Precise, complex, and beautifully structured, this Riesling shows both energy and…

On September 30, ICEX/Foods and Wines from Spain hosted the 31st edition of Spain’s Great Match at Mercado Little Spain in New York City. More than 50 food, wine, and spirits exhibitors participated in this trade event, which welcomed importers, distributors, buyers, sommeliers, chefs, and media professionals. During the walk-around tasting, emerging and established food producers showcased regional ingredients, including the debut of the first authentic Spanish lamb, now USDA-authorized for the U.S. market, and single-estate extra-virgin olive oils with limited production. Wine producers poured their latest releases, highlighting the diversity of Spain’s terroir and winemaking styles. The day featured wine seminars and roundtable discussions on Spanish food and wine trends, including a panel led by Brandon Borcoman, Wine Enthusiast writer-at-large and reviewer for Northwest Spain. Wine Enthusiast supported the…

If you need a signature cocktail to serve on New Year’s Eve, give the fluffy, creamy, fruity Champagne Lassi a try. The drink hails from Close Company, a casual spot from the same group behind the Death & Co. cocktail bars. Think disco balls and hot pockets delivered via an automat-style snack window. The first location arrived in Nashville in May 2025, followed by outposts in Atlanta and Las Vegas. At heart, this playful drink is a Ramos Gin Fizz, lengthened with Champagne instead of soda water and given some Indian flair. The base of the drink channels a mango lassi, a refreshing Indian drink made with yogurt, mango, and a hint of cardamom. (The lassi mix can be enjoyed on its own as a non-alcoholic drink.) An ounce of…

I’d like to think I’ve grown more patient as I’ve gotten older. I can sit through long dinners, endure train delays, and even stomach a warm glass of red that should have been tossed in the back of the freezer for a few minutes. But the one thing that makes my eyes roll hard enough to count as exercise is when someone wastes my time at a wine tasting. I’m offcially calling out wine-tasting hijackers. You know the type. They’re always the first to say something. They get revved up with a swirl, a sniff, and a smirk. Then they spew a full-blown TED Talk about what’s in the glass, a never-ending comment disguised as a question. They need everyone there to think they know a little about wine—like they’re…

Roberta Corrà has redefined what it means to lead in the global wine industry. As CEO of Frederick Wildman & Sons, Managing Director of Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV), and President of Consorzio Italia del Vino, Corrà’s visionary leadership and people-first philosophy have propelled her to the forefront of the wine business. Her ability to unite tradition and innovation while fostering collaboration across multiple organizations has earned her the 2025 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Award for Person of the Year. Corrà’s journey into the wine world is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Unlike many industry leaders, she did not inherit her position from familial ties. Instead, she brought a wealth of experience from outside the wine industry, having spent nearly two decades in human resources and organizational leadership for prominent…

Rick Tigner doesn’t look for shortcuts. In fact, he’s the sort of guy who rides his bike up and down mountains for fun on the weekends. He’s also the sort of guy who embodies professional endurance, having worked with Jackson Family Wines since the first Bush administration. Tigner has played a vital role in the expansion of the family-owned wine group, developing a deep connection to the brands, the stories, and the iconic wines. Tigner started his career as a campus rep for Miller Brewing Company at San Diego State University; next came a stint with Gallo that got him locked into the wine world for good. After a time at the Louis Martini Winery, Tigner joined Kendall-Jackson in 1991, as the brand’s Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay was becoming America’s most…

When brothers Ernest and Julio Gallo founded their eponymous winery nearly a century ago, they understood the key to their success. “We must endeavor constantly to win new friends for wine,” echoes Ernest’s granddaughter, Stephanie Gallo, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer. “And there isn’t a brand in the United States that welcomes more new friends to wine than Barefoot Wine.” The best-selling wine in the United States, with more than $555 million in sales last year, Barefoot introduced 3.7 million new buyers to the brand in 2024 alone. That includes considerable growth among younger generations attracted to the $15-or-less prices, and a major foothold in the United Kingdom, where it is also the top-performing brand. That’s quite a leap from when it began as a side project in 1965 for…

Jesse Katz has been very, very busy. Over the past few years, the 2025 Winemaker of the Year has partnered with celebrities to launch brands and raise tons of money for charity. He’s announced exciting partnerships with chefs of Michelin-starred restaurants as well as airlines. Perhaps most notably, he’s been racking up perfect scores in his trophy case, refining his craft, and raising the bar for a whole new generation of winemakers in Sonoma County and beyond. Raised in Colorado by a globetrotting photographer father, Jesse soon found a love for the world’s great wines and the places that grew them. This passion led him to the Viticulture and Enology school at Fresno State and stints in Bordeaux (Pétrus), Argentina (Viña Cobos, Bodega Noemia), and Napa Valley (Screaming Eagle, Robert…

The latter is more the case with the 2025 Innovator of the Year, XXL. Over the past few years, it seems like everyone in the wine business has been looking to get into the low - or no-alcohol space. While there are certainly plenty of amazing innovations happening there, Marc Oliveira and his team at Tri-Vin Imports saw an opportunity and pounced. They combined a slightly higher alcohol profile with a dash of flavor and bold branding, and XXL was born. Working with partners in Moldova who had experience crafting the styles of wine they were after, Tri-Vin was able to bring XXL to the American market pretty quickly. XXL launched in 2023 with distribution in just a few states on the East Coast, selling about 85,000 cases, with a…

Since celebrity-owned tequilas seem to be everywhere these days, it’s refreshing to find a brand that centers agave as the star of the show instead of a celebrity name. The brand began in San Francisco in 2005 with Tres Agaves Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Lounge, where the fresh margarita gained a following. Founded by Barry Augus, that drink spawned two products: Tres Agaves Tequila and a line of organic cocktail mixers. By 2010, the portfolio included the only shelf-stable organic margarita mix, a cocktail-ready agave nectar, and an estate-grown tequila line priced under $40—a groundbreaking combination in the category. In 2020, Augus exited the brand, which Trinchero Family Wine and Spirits subsequently purchased. “We’re very proud of the brand,” says Trinchero President and CEO (and 2019 Wine Star Award winner)…

Products are blind-tasted in peer-group flights of 5–8 samples. Reviewers may know general information about a flight to provide context—vintage, variety, or appellation—but never the producer or retail price of any given selection. Classic 98–100 The pinnacle of quality. Superb 94–97 A great achievement. Excellent 90–93 Highly recommended. Very Good 87–89 Often good value; well recommended. Good 83–86 Suitable for everyday consumption; often good value. Acceptable 80–82 Can be enjoyed in casual, less-critical circumstances. Products deemed Unacceptable (receiving a rating below 80 points) are not reviewed. Special Designations Editors’ Choice: Are products that offer excellent quality at a price above our Best Buy range, or a product at any price with unique qualities that merit special attention. Cellar Selections: Are products deemed highly collectible and/or requiring time in a temperature-controlled…

CHARDONNAY 93 Viña Cobos 2023 Zingaretti Chardonnay (Mendoza). Paul Hobbs sources grapes from Tupungato in the Uco Valley to craft this elegant Chardonnay that opens with floral notes and a touch of ginger. Optimal acidity provides balance and depth to the fruit-driven palate, where delicate notes of baking spices enhance the wine’s character. Paul Hobbs Selections. —J.V. abv: 14.3% Price: $70 92 Zuccardi 2023 Poligonos Chardonnay (Tupungato). Sweet pear and honeydew aromas on the nose lead to a delicate palate of similar fruit flavors, including mango and lime. Hints of lemon verbena add freshness to the aftertaste. Winesellers, Ltd. —J.V. abv: 13% Price: $32 92 Trapiche 2023 Terroir Series Finca Las Piedras Chardonnay (Uco Valley). Coming from Los Árboles in Uco Valley at over 4,000 feet, this Chardonnay features a mineral texture.…

TOSCANA 98 Bibi Graetz 2022 Colore (Toscana). Bibi Graetz is known for wines that defy categorization, that color outside of the lines. The Colore is the apex of this experiment. Indescribable. Folio Fine Wine Partners. Cellar Selection. —D.C. abv: 14% Price: $196 96 Sesti 2020 Sangiovese (Toscana). Aromas of peonies, crushed rocks, top soil, and sour cherry peek over the edge of the glass on the floral, saline nose, in anticipation of a palate that brings sweet and tart berries and cherries, lots of earth, and chalky tannins that improbably cohere into an ethereal, almost satiny mouthfeel—like spun silk. Sesti. —D.C. abv: 14.5% Price: $60 95 Bibi Graetz 2022 Testamatta Sangiovese (Toscana). Wild strawberries and raspberries star on the nose, while undertones of wild fennel and sweet chili pepper add nuance. More…

TOKAJ 95 Disznókő 2018 Dorgó Aszú 6 Puttonyos Furmint (Tokaji). This elegant, amber-colored wine has fresh and stewed stone fruit aromas and flavors. Drink it on its own as dessert, or pair it with flan or crème brûlée (whoever didn’t get to crack the surface deserves a second glass ASAP). Monsieur Touton Selection Ltd. —E.S. abv: 13% Price: $NA 94 Disznókő 2022 Sárga Borház Aszú 6 Puttonyos Furmint (Tokaji). Amber in the glass, this elegant wine has stewed peach, apricot, and honey aromas and flavors. The luxuriously viscous texture wraps up in a long, nuanced finish. Monsieur Touton Selection Ltd. —E.S. abv: 12.5% Price: $NA 94 Disznókő 2021 Dorgó Furmint (Tokaji). This late-harvest wine has honey and candied peach aromas, while stone fruit, candied lemon and lime peels, and faint herbaceous notes…

The second edition of Vinitaly. USA was held at Chicago’s Navy Pier in early October. A total of 250 companies, representing approximately 2,000 labels, exhibited at the trade show, which was organized by Veronafiere in collaboration with Vinitaly, the Italian Trade Agency, Fiere Italiane, and the Italian American Chamber of Commerce Midwest–Chicago. Vinitaly. USA’s program explored strategies to strengthen Italy’s position in the U.S., its top export market. Wine Enthusiast Tasting Director Anna-Christina Cabrales led a master class on the magazine’s blind-tasting protocols and 100-point scoring system. Jacqueline Strum, president and publisher of Wine Enthusiast Media, shared insights on why the company created the Wine Enthusiast Tasting Room Directory and Cork+Compass Travel, and how these new resources can help attract more visitors to wineries. The 2025 Vinitaly. USA welcomed more…

Lucy Stork was tasting wines to serve at a benefit dinner in New York’s Finger Lakes region when she came across a Vignoles from the nearby Anthony Road Wine Company. “I was pleasantly surprised,” says Stork, a sommelier who owns Folk Bottle, a small shop in Penn Yan, New York, that focuses on biodynamic and low-intervention wines. “I don’t go searching for much sweet wine, but this wine had acid and freshness to go with its sweetness.” That’s high praise for a grape too often relegated to the hybrid dustbin. Vignoles didn’t even have a consumer-friendly name for the first 40 years of its existence. Formerly called Ravat 51, it became Vignoles in the early 1970s, thanks to the efforts of the Finger Lakes Wine Growers Association. Vignoles’ parentage is…

Likewise, when the avowed “wine witch” tells me, “I manifested this article,” I fully believe she did. Ulloa uses a highly spiritual winemaking process and offers crystal pairings in her tasting room. In the five years since she hand-delivered her first 50 cases of Ulloa Cellars wine from the back of her Chevy Cruze, Ulloa’s faith and intuition have guided her toward success. She’s increased production to 800 cases, opened a jewel box tasting room, and earned a spot on Wine Enthusiast’s 2025 Future 40 Tastemakers list. It’s not hard to see the appeal. Her unapologetic authenticity is exactly what people are craving these days, especially younger drinkers. She satisfies the customer’s desire for deep connection, rather than making them feel like they’re being sold to. “I manifested this article.”—Nancy…

While the wine industry is vast and complex, at its heart it embodies one of life’s simplest and most exquisite pleasures. By embracing a fresh perspective, we can uncover the true essence of this wonderful beverage. This is just one of the reasons for Alejandro Bulgheroni’s tremendous success. He embarked on his inspiring wine journey at 64, and today he proudly operates 15 estates in some of the world’s most prestigious wine regions as the owner of Alejandro Bulgheroni Family Vineyards. His remarkable achievements are a testament to his unique global perspective. “This is not just about selling wine; it’s about cultivating a lifestyle and a legacy,” says Bulgheroni. To him, wine is more than a product; it is “a story, a connection to the land, and a reflection of…

New York’s largest wine-growing region has come a mighty long way in a few decades. Where wine lovers once had to search for quality, these days it’s the norm. The rolling hills that fringe 11 long lakes at the center of the Empire State are home to a plethora of world-class wineries that craft vibrant Rieslings of all shapes and sizes—herbaceous Cabernet Franc, red-fruited Blaufränkisch, a kaleidoscope of sparklers, and so much more. Add to this an increase in wine tourism offerings, breathtaking lakeside vistas, and enchanting waterfalls, and the vibes in the Finger Lakes are entirely grown up. The region has, however, weathered its fair share of growing pains to get to this point. As many Finger Lakes producers will tell you, cultivating wine grapes in Central New York…

In the heart of Rioja, Bodegas Faustino makes some of the most recognizable and celebrated wines in the world. Founded in 1861, Faustino was one of the first to bottle its own wines in Rioja. In the 1960s, they became pioneers in the region for building international sales. Today, sisters Lourdes and Carmen Martínez Zabala are the fourth generation at the helm of the woman-led winery, with wines available in 140 countries. Faustino has become a sustainability leader in Spanish wine. Their newly renovated estate has been recognized as one of the most innovative and environmentally friendly wine centers in the world. Designed in collaboration with Foster & Partners, the facility offers an immersive winery and vineyard experience while showcasing some of the most cutting-edge innovations in sustainability and effciency.…

Even with generations of winemakers in his family and deep roots in one of Italy’s most famous wine regions, the Count Francesco Marone Cinzano of Col d’Orcia winery only truly appreciated the value of his native territory once he left it. A few decades ago, Cinzano left his estate in Montalcino and spent years in Chile to observe local grape farmers. His time there attuned him to biodynamic and organic practices that were beginning to reach more industrial producers. The distance from Italy allowed him to better appreciate the characteristics of the place he knew best. He started to see how the Brunello for which Montalcino was already famous could fit into a landscape celebrated for not just wine, but all of its bounty. When he returned home to his…

The origin story of BeatBox Beverages is as colorful as the brand’s Tetra Pak cartons sold everywhere from concert venues to convenience stores. Founded in 2012 at the University of Texas at Austin, BeatBox gained traction after a 2014 appearance on Shark Tank, where Mark Cuban invested $1 million in the company. Today, the ready-to-drink brand is sold at over 130,000 retail locations nationwide, making it one of the fastest-growing RTDs in the U.S. “Why isn’t anyone taking these flavors and merging them in this packaging that we love? How do we make boxed wine more fun?”—Justin Fenchel, CEO and Co-Founder, BeatBox Beverages The original concept came from college parties, where big boxes of wine often showed up alongside flavored malt beverages. “Boxes of wine were a fun social phenomenon,…

Anna-Christina Cabrales: Burgundy, Champagne, Rhône Valley Cody Wexler: Provence, Bandol, Méditerranée WRITERS AT LARGE Michael Alberty: Oregon, Washington, Alaska, North & South Dakota, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin, Wyoming & Canada Brandon Borcoman: Northwest Spain Elaine Chukan Brown: Napa & Northeast Spain Danielle Callegari: Tuscany & Southern Italy Tom R. Capo: Sonoma County, Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, Texas Cheron Cowan: U.S. states from Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi to the East Coast (excluding New York) Matt Kettmann: Central Coast & Southern California, Languedoc-Roussillon Kara Newman: Spirits & Ready-to-Drink Christina Pickard: Australia, New Zealand, England, New York Tonya Pitts: Northern California & California AVA, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Utah Jeff Porter: Piedmont & Northern Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland Emily Saladino: Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Lebanon Reggie Solomon: Beaujolais, Loire Valley, Southern Coastal Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria,…

CHARDONNAY 97 Auteur Wines 2023 Green Acres Chardonnay (Carneros). Aromas of lively nectarine, lemon, and flowers mingle with whispers of banana peel and spice on the nose of this wine. The palate is plush, but acid driven, with waves of generous green apple, lemon curd, lime peel, and floral flavors that vibrate through the finish. There’s an exciting energy to this wine that’s simply captivating. —T.R.C. abv: 13.3% Price: $65 97 Far Mountain 2022 Bresa Chardonnay (Sonoma Valley). A touch of flint sparks on the nose of this wine, mingling with aromas of Anjou pear, pithy lemon, toasty cinnamon, and grilled bread. The palate feels lifted and nimble, with broad texture, focused acidity, juicy flavors of green apple, nectarine, charred pineapple, and white flowers that linger for well over a minute. Patience…

ALTO ADIGE 99 Cantina Terlano 2022 Primo Terlaner I Grande Cuvée (Alto Adige). Some wines make you understand why humans have been obsessed with fermented grape juice for thousands of years. This is one of those wines. It’s like discovering a secret room in a house you thought you knew completely. Golden apple and white peach float on a cloud of alpine herbs, while crushed stones and salted lemon keep pulling you back to the glass. Each taste unfolds with the precision of a master watchmaker but feels as natural as breathing. The texture makes you question everything you thought you knew about white wine. If you’re lucky enough to find a bottle, cancel your plans for the evening. This is the kind of wine that deserves your full attention and…

95 Domaine Laroche 2023 Les Blanchots La Reserve de l’Obédience Grand Cru (Chablis). From its creation, L’Obédience was produced to be enjoyed as an aged wine. Inviting savory aromas of summer meadow blossom and grass open on the nose followed by toasted apple slice and a forest-floor-sodden layer of dried hay. Mouthwatering acidity launches the palate followed by zested lemon peel and chalk. You can confidently drink now, or be rewarded for cellaring and enjoying 2028 onward. Domaine Laroche. Cellar Selection. —A.C.C. abv: 13% Price: $302 94 Domaine Laroche 2023 Les Blanchots Grand Cru (Chablis). Elegant, entrancing aromas lift from the glass starting with brioche and orange marmalade followed by toasted lemon peel. The palate is fulsome yet guided by a vibrant acidity that lifts and meets the fruit character at its…

Does any spirit whisper “luxury” the way Cognac does? France’s signature grape brandy has it all: gorgeous caramel, polished oak, and spice; gift-worthy decanters; and a fan base that spans from fancy restaurants to a strong-foot-hold in hip-hop culture. Although the ongoing roller coaster around tariffs has crimped supply and raised prices for many European spirits—including Cognac—demand for the iconic spirit continues. The most opulent of all the Cognacs? That’s XO (“extra old”), meaning the bottle includes a blend of brandies aged at least 10 years. And often, much older brandies are part of the mix. By comparison, VSOP Cognacs are aged four years or more, while XXO is aged 14 years and beyond. In general, that translates as spirits with rich caramel, baked fruit, and spice. But XO can…