Os Bordeaux voltam ao topo com Saint-Emilion, Pomerol (margem direita) e Pessac-Léognan (margem esquerda) da safra 1998. Excelentes supertoscanos (Ornellaia e Sassicaia) 1998, alguns Piemonteses Riserva 1997 e, prestem atenção a este que é (na minha opinião) um excelente vinho em sua faixa de preço (R$100) e será figurinha recorrente nos Top 100 futuros: Allegrini Pallazzo della Torre (Grand Cru, R$105).
Outra novidade, na 75ª posição, aparece pela 1ª vez um vinho da Argentina: Catena Malbec 1999! Logo atrás (83ª posição), o Almaviva 1999.
Top 100 Wines of 2001
Rank Wine Vintage Score Release Price
1 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia 1998 96 $110
A cool and sleek Tuscan red, with tarragon and fresh sage aromas, blackberry and cherry undertones. Full-bodied, with a wonderfully silky palate of fine tannins and a long, fruity finish. Very sophisticated and reserved. Best after 2004. 13,330 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
2 Château Cheval-Blanc St.-Emilion 1998 98 $190
Subtle, complex and refined, with aromas of cherry, licorice, mineral, berry and other sweet, ripe fruit. Full-bodied and compacted, with masses of fine, silky tannins. Long, long finish. Best after 2010. 8,330 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
3 Viader Napa Valley 1998 95 $65
Extraordinarily rich, deep, complex and concentrated, yet remarkably elegant and graceful, this deft red blend reveals layers of exotic spice, black cherry, currant, coffee, tobacco and cedary notes ending in a long, complex aftertaste. Best from 2002 through 2008. 3,500 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Napa
4 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Grandi Annate Riserva 1997 96 $40
Emits phenomenal aromas of crushed berries, roses, lilacs and currants. Full-bodied, with an incredible backbone of ultrafine tannins and a long, fruity finish. Not big and thick, but powerful and subtle. A very special wine indeed; the greatest Vino Nobile ever made. Hard not to drink it now. Best after 2005. 2,600 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
5 Château Canon-La Gaffelière St.-Emilion 1998 95 $52
Wonderful aromas of ripe fruit, Indian spices and mineral. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a plush structure that caresses every inch of your palate. Really fine and fabulous. Much better than from barrel. Best ever from this estate. Best after 2010. 4,580 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
6 Antinori Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso 1998 95 $65
Wonderful balance here. Violet and berry aromas, with intense tarragon and currant character. Full-bodied and gorgeous, with wonderful finesse and subtlety. Very long. Best after 2005. 9,500 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
7 Pio Cesare Barolo 1997 95 $58
Unbelievable quality. Made in serious quantity. Glorious aromas of crushed flowers, prunes, cedar and cigars. Full-bodied, thick and tannic, yet ripe and round, with a sleek, caressing finish. A classic Barolo that is well-priced. Best after 2005. 6,200 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Piedmont
8 Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 1999 93 $19
Gorgeous. Black in color, supple in texture, rich and thick, with lots of pure black- and red-fruit aromas jumping out of the glass. This Rhône red is full-bodied, with distinctive wild herbs, pine forest, garrigue-like aromas that go on and on. Fabulously long finish. Drink now through 2012. 6,500 cases made. –PM Country: Region: France Northern Rhône
9 Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte Pessac-Léognan 1998 94 $36
This young Bordeaux shows intense aromas of wet earth, stone and berries. It's full-bodied, with super well-integrated tannins and a long, long finish. Very well made indeed, and much better than when tasted from barrel. Best after 2008. 9,165 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
10 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde 1998 93 $38
Caresses the palate. Elegant, with mineral, red and black fruit and supple tannins. Seductive balance on the fresh finish, where the firm tannins make a surprise appearance that suggests a bit of cellar time is needed to bring out the best of this red. Best from 2003 through 2010. 31,665 cases made. –PM Country: Region:
France Northern Rhône
11 Château L'Evangile Pomerol 1998 98 $143
Captivating aromas of wild raspberry, cherry, mineral and grilled meat mark this full-bodied wine, along with huge,silky tannins and an extra-long, caressing finish. Envelops the palate like a perfectly tailored silk shirt. Incredible class, with everything in wonderful proportions. The greatest L'Evangile ever made. Best after 2010. 3,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
12 Tenuta San Leonardo Vallagarina 1997 95 $50
Black ruby in color, intense aromas of blackberries, licorice, red berries and green tobacco, this is a full-bodied red with loads of silky tannins and a long, long aftertaste of tobacco, sage and berry. A huge core of fruit in this wine. Needs time. An Italian interpretation of great Bordeaux from bygone days. Best after 2006. 7,450 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Northeast
13 Montirius Gigondas 1999 94 $24
Lovely and mineral-tasting, with black fruit galore. Full-bodied and fleshy, ripe and balanced, with sweet tannins turning chewy on the long, smooth finish. Drink now through 2010. 6,250 cases made. –PM Country: Region: France Southern Rhône
14 Domaine du Pesquier Gigondas 1999 94 $18
Rich and ripe, a lovely and seductive Rhône red. Packed with wild herb, plum and blackberry complexity, it caresses the palate with its rich fruit and silky tannins. Full-bodied, with mineral, slight smoke, leather and game character on the finish. Drink now through 2008. 4,165 cases made. –PM Country: Region: France Southern Rhône
15 Clos de l'Oratoire St.-Emilion 1998 94 $37
A blockbuster. Black in color, with extremely grapey, toasted oak and dark chocolate aromas. Full-bodied, with loads of big, velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Best Clos de L'Oratoire ever. Best after 2010. 4,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
16 Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay Columbia Valley Cold Creek Vineyard 1999 93 $28
Vibrant and juicy Chardonnay, beautifully focused to show off its creamy pear, tangy citrus and generous pineapple aromas and flavors, which linger effortlessly on the impeccably balanced finish. Drink now through 2007. 5,000 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Washington Washington
17 Spring Mountain Reserve Napa Valley 1997 95 $90
A big, rich, dense and distinctive California red that adds some earthy, leathery dimensions to its appealing core of currant and plummy, minerally Cabernet fruit flavors. Tightens on the finish, with mouthcoating tannins. Best from 2003 through 2012. 3,486 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Napa
18 Penfolds Shiraz South Australia Grange 1996 97 $195
A massive wine, with cascades of potent plum, cherry and blackberry fruit swirling around wafts of black pepper, bay leaf and exotic spice, which last and last on the finish, hinting at smoky, meaty notes. It's all packed in tightly, suggesting this should evolve spectacularly with age. Best after 2005. 10,228 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Australia Australia
19 Château La Mission-Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan 1998 95 $105
A tight and muscular young wine. Very floral on the nose, with gorgeous berry and cherry. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, fresh and fruity finish. Very fine and harmonious. Best after 2008. 6,500 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
20 Krug Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Clos du Mesnil 1988 99 $370
A tightly wound thoroughbred, with complex nut and biscuit notes playing off a floral freshness. Driving it all is a racy acidity matched by a seamless elegance and innate power that lingers through the persistent ginger-tinged finish. Will age beautifully. Drink now through 2008. 1,200 cases made. –BS Country: Region: France Champagne
21 Château Haut-Corbin St.-Emilion 1998 93 $22
Aromas of mineral, berry, flowers and cherry. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long and fruity finish. I love this. Outstanding for this estate. Best after 2008. 3,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
22 Chateau Reynella Syrah McLaren Vale Basket Pressed 1998 93 $29
Crisp and juicy Shiraz, rich with fruit, bursting with flavor, offering a cascade of bright berry, guava, plum and anise flavors, echoing with a distinctive black pepper note on the spicy finish. Fine-grained tannins don't get in the way. Drink now through 2012. 8,000 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Australia Australia
23 Mer Soleil Chardonnay Central Coast 1998 93 $40
A full-blown Chardonnay, opulent, lush and creamy, displaying juicy fig, tangerine, pear, pineapple and melon flavors that are neatly layered and persist for a long finish, where pretty notes of toasty oak fold in. Delicious. Drink now through 2004. 13,000 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Other California
24 Landmark Chardonnay Sonoma-Santa Barbara-Monterey Counties Overlook 1999 92 $25
Smooth, rich and creamy on the palate, this Chardonnay offers a charming array of spice, pear, apple, tangerine, pineapple, fig and guava flavors, staying tightly focused, turning elegant and sophisticated. Drink now through 2005. 18,000 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Other California
25 Gaja Langhe Sperss 1997 96 $190
A superb Sperss, with refined aromas of minerals, flowers, berries and just a hint of mint. Full-bodied and powerful, with chewy tannins and a long berry, cherry and mineral aftertaste. Impressive structure. Best after 2005. 2,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Piedmont
26 Domaine Brusset Gigondas Le Grand Montmirail 2000 94 $20
Fantastic. Dark and deep, with lots of black fruit, this is as silky a red as you can imagine¿all cream and smoothness and seduction. Full-bodied, it kicks in with a touch of fresh fruit character on the long, juicy finish. Massive, sweet tannins lurk in the background, so it should age. Drink now through 2010. 3,750 cases made. –PM Country: Region: France Southern Rhône
27 Domaine de Chevalier Pessac-Léognan 1998 93 $35
A wine bursting with berry and green tobacco character, plus lots of currant, raisin and spice aromas. Full-bodied, with full, velvety tannins and a long aftertaste of tobacco and earth. Mouthpuckering. Best DC in years. Best after 2006. 7,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
28 Freie Weingärtner Wachau Riesling Smaragd Trocken Wachau Loibner Loibenberg 1999 94 $29
Brilliant effort. Amply proportioned and spicy, this '99 Riesling combines fascinating smoke, quince and peach flavors with a vibrant structure that drives the flavors. Explodes on the finish with a potpourri of mineral and spice. Drink now through 2006. 1,200 cases made. –BS Country: Region: Austria Niederösterreich
29 Château St.-Martin de la Garrigue Coteaux du Languedoc Bronzinelle 1999 94 $13
A powerhouse red from the south of France. Rich and complex, with vivid and well-defined flavors of dark plum, meat and spice. Deeply colored with a meaty aroma, this has the stuffing to age. Peppery and brickish notes linger on the finish. Drink now through 2005. 1,000 cases imported. –KM Country: Region: France Languedoc-Roussillon
30 Planeta Chardonnay Sicilia 1999 93 $32
A triumph. Masses of ripe apple, toasted oak, with dried pineapple, mango and apricot aromas. Full-bodied, with super flavors, yet it remains fresh and lively on the palate. The "full monty" for Chardonnay. Drink now through 2004. 6,665 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Sicily
31 Fattoria del Cerro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 1997 93 $31
Ripe and powerful aromas of berries and smoke, with hints of raisins. Full-bodied and massive in the mouth, with big, velvety tannins and a long, long finish. A blockbuster riserva. Best after 2004. 7,100 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
32 Château Monbousquet St.-Emilion 1998 93 $51
A big, new-wave wine. Extremely grapey, with toasted oak, grilled and berry aromas. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a long finish. A crowd pleaser. Monbousquet is serious. Best after 2008. 7,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
33 Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri-Sassicaia Sassicaia 1998 95 $160
Lovely, subtle yet complex aromas of currants, sage and green olives lead to a full-bodied red with a solid core of fruit and well-integrated tannins. Still very reserved on the finish, but those who are patient should be rewarded. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2005. 13,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
34 Daumen Père & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Domaine de la Vieille Julienne 1999 93 $26
Supple, balanced and subtle. Traditional Châteauneuf that emphasizes the sweet, ripe fruit, mineral character of the land, and roasted, plummy notes. Medium- to full-bodied, it's delicious from start to finish. Drink now through 2010. 2,500 cases made. –PM Country: Region: France Southern Rhône
35 Château La Grave à Pomerol Pomerol 1998 93 $31
Like a whirlpool of fruit that draws you to the center. Full-bodied, with wonderfully silky tannins and a finish that lasts for minutes. Drink now. 3,300 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
36 Château Grand-Mayne St.-Emilion 1998 93 $45
California in St.-Emilion. Black color, with spice, coffee and tobacco aromas. Full-bodied and thick, with loads of fruit and velvety tannins. A blockbuster. Best after 2008. 5,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region:
France Bordeaux
37 Stonestreet Chardonnay Sonoma County 1999 92 $24
Sharply focused, rich and complex, this is an impressive Chardonnay, with pretty pear, fig, melon and apricot flavors. Turns spicy, with anise and cedar, and finishes with a long and lively aftertaste. Drink now through 2005. 13,928 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Sonoma
38 Allegrini Verona Palazzo della Torre 1997 92 $18
This Veneto red is glorious and rich, yet sophisticated. Dark ruby color, it emits aromas of raisins and berries, and hints of cocoa and spice. It's full-bodied, with chewy yet velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Best after 2001. 11,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Veneto
39 La Chablisienne Chablis Premier Cru 1999 92 $24
Amazing. This is a beautiful Chablis, tightly structured and very refined, expanding its mineral base to encompass some vanilla, ripe fruit, honey and slightly spicy oak. Medium-bodied and very long on the finish, it just keeps riding into the sunset. Best from 2003 through 2010. 16,000 cases made. –PM Country: Region: France Burgundy
40 Columbia Crest Chardonnay Columbia Valley Grand Estates 1999 91 $11
Rich and vibrant, beautifully focused to show off its plush honey, spice and smoke-accented pear and apricot flavors. Finish is seductively polished and as smooth as a Jean Arp sculpture. Drink now through 2005. 120,000 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Washington Washington
41 Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2000 91 $11
Delicious and stylish young red, balancing fresh, focused and ripe fruit, clean and pure, with mineral, spice, mocha and coffee notes. Dark-colored and medium-bodied, its tannins are sweet, and there's pure fruit on the lively finish. Drink now through 2007. 40,000 cases made. –PM Country: Region: France Southern Rhône
42 Wolf Blass Riesling South Australia Gold Label 2000 91 $12
Wonderfully aromatic Riesling, its glorious noseful of apricot and floral notes segueing into off-dry flavors that center around lime and apple, with mineral and peppery-floral overtones. Tempting now, but should develop more depth and texture with age. Best from 2003 through 2010. 7,000 cases made. –HS Country: Region:
Australia Australia
43 Leasingham Shiraz Clare Valley Bin 61 1998 91 $15
This rich, complex red drips with juicy blackberry, cherry and exotic spice flavors, weaving in hints of game and pepper as everything lingers on the long finish. Tannins are soft, making the wine seductive. Drink now through 2010. 15,000 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Australia Australia
44 Beringer Chardonnay Napa Valley Private Reserve 1999 92 $35
The smoky, toasty, figgy, buttery aromas of this enticing white lead to similar rich flavors running deep and persistent, picking up notes of pear, apricot, citrus and melon. Finish zooms on and on. Drink now through 2004. 20,000 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Napa
45 St. Supéry Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1997 91 $22
A rich, complex and concentrated mouthful, delivering ripe plum, black cherry, blackberry and mineral flavors and finishing with a firm core of tannins, this '97 is a tremendous value as both a ready to drink and an ageable Cabernet. Best from 2002 through 2009. 29,317 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Napa
46 Foppiano Petite Sirah Sonoma County 1998 91 $20
A dazzling red, dark, rich and exuberant, this wine reveals layers of peppery plum, black cherry and blueberry fruit that turn lush, with smooth tannins. Great example of its type. Drink now through 2008. 8,000 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Sonoma
47 Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2001 91 $17
Bright and lively, beautifully proportioned New Zealand white, juicy with cascades of melon, apple and passion fruit flavors that echo on the finish against a note of bracing acidity. Drink now. 8,900 cases made. –HS Country: Region: New Zealand New Zealand
48 Château Faugères St.-Emilion 1998 91 $20
Fantastic aromas of berry, chocolate and cherry. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Very well done. A château on the rise. Best after 2006. 9,580 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
49 Bodegas Montecillo Rioja Gran Reserva 1994 91 $23
Lovely. This youthful red is both elegant and concentrated, with spice, licorice and gamy notes accenting a core of ripe cherry. It's supple, yet firm enough for food. Drink now through 2010. 20,000 cases made. –TM Country: Region: Spain Spain
50 Georges Duboeuf Moulin-à-Vent Aged in Oak 2000 90 $16
Raspberry confiture aroma draws you in, then a blast of black cherry and cassis hits the palate, followed by sweet smoke, vanilla and cinnamon notes. Flavors drip off the back end, but stay elegant and refreshing all the way through. Drink now through 2002. 12,000 cases made. –JM Country: Region: France Beaujolais
51 Belle Père & Fils Crozes-Hermitage Les Pierrelles 1999 92 $19
Ultrathick and concentrated Crozes; the liquid hangs on to the inside of the glass as you swirl it. The wine has mineral, iron, wet earth and ripe, clean fruit character that seduces, thanks to the sweetness of the whole package. Full-bodied, tough and long, this needs time in the cellar to smooth out. Best from 2005 through 2012. 5,415 cases made. –PM Country: Region: France Northern Rhône
52 Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape 1999 93 $29
Fabulous. Deep and rich, very sweet and ripe, a complex wine, with roasted game, plum, blackberry, smoke, leather and grilled meat. Full-bodied, with a long-lasting finish. Drink now through 2010. 3,750 cases made. –PM Country: Region: France Southern Rhône
53 Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Monterey Great Estates 1999 92 $27
Maintains a sense of elegance and finesse, even with its rich, creamy core of earth, pear, fig, citrus, hazelnut and nectarine flavors. Long and complex on the finish. Drink now through 2005. 4,029 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Bay Area/Central Coast
54 Bodegas LAN Rioja Viña Lanciano Reserva 1996 92 $35
Powerful and still youthful, this dark and muscular red from Spain has firm, ripe tannins supporting ripe, fresh flavors of black cherry, cassis, vanilla and licorice. A fine example of the international style. Drink now through 2010. 14,000 cases made. –TM Country: Region: Spain Spain
55 Château Mont-Redon Châteauneuf-du-Pape White 2000 92 $30
White Châteauneuf with beautiful clean, fresh, juicy, ripe fruit. Mingles honey, fresh figs, apricot and loads of other stuff. It's medium- to full-bodied, long and amazingly attractive. Drink now through 2010. 6,665 cases made. –PM Country: Region: France Southern Rhône
56 Domaine du Grapillon d'Or Gigondas 1999 92 $29
Beautiful. Subtle, supple and elegant, this medium-bodied, ripe Gigondas also delivers lovely plum, mineral, roasted game and other flavors. Exciting, long finish, layered with fat tannins. Drink now through 2010. 4,580 cases made. –PM Country: Region: France Southern Rhône
57 Charles Ellner Brut Rosé Champagne NV 93 $34
Sophisticated. A dry-style, elegant rosé, displaying complex flavors of citrus, dough, honey and flowers, with a light oxidative note. Really harmonious and long in the mouth, with a dense, creamy texture and excellent length. Walnut aftertaste. Drink now through 2003. 4,000 cases made. –BS Country: Region: France Champagne
58 Château Troplong-Mondot St.-Emilion 1998 93 $51
Intense aromas of ripe berries, tobacco and toasted oak with mineral. Full-bodied, with well-integrated, superfine tannins and a long, long finish. Extremely sexy, yet elegant. Best after 2008. 6,665 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
59 Terrabianca Toscana Campaccio 1997 92 $31
A lovely, juicy wine, with very soft and polished tannins, ripe and smoky fruit and a long and beautiful finish. This is gorgeous. The best Terrabianca in years. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2003. 7,915 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
60 Beaux Frères Pinot Noir Yamhill County The Beaux Frères Vineyard 1999 94 $63
Bright, supple and open-textured, offering disarmingly pure currant and blackberry flavors that linger elegantly on the extra-long finish. Not a blockbuster; it's just yummy and refined. Tannins aren't intrusive, making it tempting to drink already. Drink now through 2009. 3,100 cases made. –HS Country: Region:
Oregon Oregon
61 Château La Vieille Cure Fronsac 1998 91 $15
Subtle aromas of mineral, berry, cherry and licorice. Full-bodied, with wonderfully polished tannins and a long, long finish. Amazing quality for this estate. One of the great buys of the vintage. Best after 2008. 5,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
62 Domaine de Beaurenard Côtes du Rhône-Villages Rasteau 1999 91 $15
Traditional-style red that's worth hunting down. Digs the earth. Medium-bodied, it kicks up mineral and terroir, while also delivering a mouthful of beautifully ripe, black fruit and lots of firm tannins. Honest wine, without fancy oak, that will improve and soften with age. Drink now through 2010. 5,000 cases made. –PM Country: Region: France Southern Rhône
63 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2000 91 $28
This stylish white has more pizzazz than most. Crisp in texture, ripe in flavor, with passion fruit and pear flavors up front, picking up hints of mint, celery and grapefruit as the finish lingers and lingers. Drink now. 40,000 cases made. –HS Country: Region: New Zealand New Zealand
64 Chateau Ste. Michelle-Dr. Loosen Riesling Columbia Valley Eroica 2000 91 $20
Zingy, juicy and flavorful. A beautifully packaged cascade of apple, pineapple, apricot and mineral flavors that just don't quit, echoing on the lively finish. It's off-dry, but with a steely backbone and tremendous intensity. Graceful finish. Drink now through 2010. 5,000 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Washington Washington
65 Travaglini Gattinara 1997 91 $30
A poor man's Barolo, with mocha, smoky tea and dried fruit on the nose, and superripe, thick and rich fruit, verging on raisins. Full-bodied, with soft, silky tannins and a juicy, pruny finish. Hard not to drink it now. Best after 2005. 17,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Piedmont
66 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Sauvignon Blanc Toscana Poggio alla Gazze 2000 91 $25
Aromas of peach, flint, gunpowder and ripe fruit come from this full-bodied yet reserved Tuscan white, with fine acidity and a long, long, flavorful finish. A Sauvignon with finesse, like a fine Pouilly-Fumé. Drink now. 6,665 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
67 Shafer Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros Red Shoulder Ranch 1999 92 $37
Sleek, rich and elegant, this Chardonnay offers a pretty array of fig, pear, anise, nectarine, toasty oak and hazelnut nuances, then finishes with a gush of flavors. Drink now through 2005. 7,000 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Carneros
68 Barone Ricasoli Toscana Casalferro 1998 92 $39
Wonderful aromas of blackberries, mineral, licorice and fruit lead to a full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a long, succulent, fruity aftertaste. Generous and rich. Mostly Sangiovese. A consistent top wine from Tuscany. Best after 2004. 8,800 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
69 Château La Gaffelière St.-Emilion 1998 92 $40
A big, Porty, raisiny wine. Very ripe plum and hints of mineral and spice on the nose. Full-bodied, thick and rich, with big, silky tannins. Slightly hot finish. Rather rustic but impressive. Best after 2006. 6,665 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
70 Château Léoville Poyferré St.-Julien 1998 91 $32
Well done. Aromas of black truffles and ripe fruit introducing a full-bodied wine with lots of fruit and velvety tannins. A mouthful. Amazing for the vintage in the Médoc. Best after 2006. 18,330 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
71 Franciscan Oakville Estate Magnificat Napa Valley 1997 91 $35
Appealing from start to finish. It's smooth and seductive, with pretty toasty oak, spice, currant and black cherry flavors. Mocha, raspberry and cinnamon come in on the finish, along with plush tannins. Great length. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2010. 11,500 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Napa
72 Brancott Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Reserve 2000 90 $17
Supple in texture and lively in flavor, this elegant New Zealand Sauvignon shows minty lime, apple and passion fruit flavors that linger through the finish. Drink now. 12,000 cases made. –HS Country: Region:
New Zealand New Zealand
73 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Crozes-Hermitage Les Jalets 1999 90 $14
Very ripe style. Smells and tastes like licorice, and borders on being raisiny but, oh boy, is this a thick, rich and creamy Rhône red. Full-bodied, inky black and very tannic, delivering lots of fruit and lots of oak, this is a big Syrah. Give it time to settle down. Best from 2003 through 2010. 7,415 cases made. –PM Country: Region: France Northern Rhône
74 St.-Urbans-Hof Riesling QbA Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 1999 90 $10
Very tightly wound at this stage, here's a racy, intense Riesling full of finely etched lime, rhubarb and slate flavors. Be patient, it has all the elements. Best from 2002 through 2008. 4,000 cases made. –BS Country: Region: Germany Germany
75 Bodegas Esmeralda Malbec Mendoza Catena Lunlunta Vineyards 1999 90 $20
Serious Malbec. Dense, with a brooding feel to the smoky currant, plum and spice flavors, this Argentine red is really packed with fruit, with ripe, thick tannins coming in on the finish. Just needs a little time to strut its stuff. Best from 2002 through 2004. 9,900 cases made. –JM Country: Region: Argentina Mendoza
76 Penfolds Shiraz Coonawarra Bin 128 1998 90 $22
Rich flavors of dark berry and cherry are balanced against a wiry backbone of fine tannins and acidity in this outstanding Shiraz, gaining momentum on the finish. Impressive for its intensity and elegance. Drink now through 2010. 82,489 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Australia Australia
77 Trimbach Riesling Alsace Cuvée Frédéric Émile 1997 93 $40
Ultraseductive, this Riesling offers suave notes of smoke, quince, peach and stone allied to a steely structure. Beautifully integrated, its velvet fabric buffers the intensity of the fruit and acidity. Great finish. Drink now through 2008. 3,500 cases made. –BS Country: Region: France Alsace
78 Chalone Chardonnay Chalone 1999 91 $31
A ripe, rich, complex and concentrated California Chardonnay, with layers of ripe pear, fig, citrus and nectarine. Turns creamy and buttery in texture, with a long, full aftertaste. Drink now through 2006. 24,310 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Bay Area/Central Coast
79 Château Plince Pomerol 1998 92 $30
Racy and exciting red. Porty. Licorice, berry, coffee, mineral aromas, with hints of wild raspberries. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Best after 2008. 3,830 cases made. –JS Country: Region:
France Bordeaux
80 Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2001 90 $14
Bright and zingy, with lime, green apple and grapefruit flavors mingling nicely right through the lively finish, picking up a welcome touch of cream flavor as well. Drink now. 19,000 cases made. –HS Country: Region:
New Zealand New Zealand
81 Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch 2001 90 $22
Lots of shirt-collar-grabbing verve in this serious South African Sauvignon, a vibrant mix of lime, cut grass, sweet pea and chalk, with good, medium-weight texture and a long, juicy finish. Drink now through 2003. 11,000 cases made. –JM Country: Region: South Africa Coastal Region
82 Château La Roque Coteaux du Languedoc Pic St.-Loup 1999 90 $13
An elegant, well-balanced red, with a chocolaty aroma and pure flavors of red plum and berry. Finishes with brickish and mineral notes. Drink now through 2003. 4,300 cases made. –KM Country: Region: France Languedoc-Roussillon
83 Viña Almaviva Puente Alto 1999 92 $91
This has a laser beam of currant and cassis running through its densely textured palate. Extra notes of cocoa powder, mineral and smoke come in on the finish. Densely structured, but the tannins are sweet and finely grained. A serious wine for the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2002 through 2006. 12,000 cases made. –JM Country: Region: Chile Maipo
84 Quinta do Noval Late Bottled Port 1994 90 $21
An outstanding LBV. Black in color, with wonderful aromas of blackberries, cherries and licorice, it's full-bodied and medium sweet, with soft tannins and a long finish. Delicious now and will improve with age. Great value considering the quality. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 2008. 10,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Portugal Portugal
85 Fattoria di Felsina Chianti Classico Berardenga 1999 90 $23
Lots of dried cherry and crushed black fruit, with polished leather and mineral notes. Medium-bodied, with good acidity on the palate, well-integrated tannins and a well-balanced and fresh finish. Give it a little time in bottle. Best from 2002 through 2005. 14,165 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
86 Leonildo Pieropan Soave Classico Superiore La Rocca 1998 91 $21
Hard to believe it's a Soave. Super, with wonderful late-harvest aromas of honey, light butterscotch and straw, this wine is full-bodied, with lots of ripe fruit and a long, long creamy, fruity aftertaste. Drink now. 3,330 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Veneto
87 Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Great Estates 1997 92 $40
A tremendous effort, very rich and full-bodied, with plush tannins wrapped around a complex, concentrated core of earthy currant, toasty oak, hints of sage and chocolate and rich black cherry fruit. Beautifully focused, elegant and tapered on the long, detailed finish. Drink now through 2008. 4,280 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Sonoma
88 Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Bella Oaks Vineyard 1996 92 $50
Supple and elegant, a very impressive style, with creamy black cherry, currant, plum, olive, dill and spice. Finishes with polished tannins and a lingering aftertaste. Drink now through 2009. 4,700 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Napa
89 Rex Hill Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 1999 90 $24
Ripe, round and distinctive for its layers of gamy, peppery, spicy notes that surround the rich core of black cherry and blackberry flavors. Tannins are polished, but present. Drink now through 2006. 7,675 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Oregon Oregon
90 Domaine de l'Oratoire St.-Martin Côtes du Rhône-Villages Cairanne Cuvée Prestige 1999 93 $23
Beautiful. Rich, ripe, thick and flavorful. The sweet-tasting fruit and lush tannins make for an opulent red with smoke, mineral, grilled meat, plum and blackberry character. Balanced. Drink now through 2015. 1,500 cases made. –PM Country: Region: France Southern Rhône
91 Rust en Vrede Stellenbosch 1998 91 $32
Shows serious concentration to its streamlined cassis, briar and currant flavors, framed by suave toast and mineral notes. The flavors really glide on the persistent finish. As good as I've had from the region, and back on form after the subpar '97. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. Drink now through 2004. 2,900 cases made. –JM Country: Region: South Africa Coastal Region
92 Joh. Jos. Prüm Riesling Spätlese Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Wehlener Sonnenuhr 1999 93 $31
Terrific from start to finish. Aromatic, densely flavored and rich, with slate, lime and peach elements on a seamless, well-defined structure. The finish takes on another dimension, and makes it look effortless. Drink now through 2012. 1,600 cases made. –BS Country: Region: Germany Germany
93 Viansa Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County Reserve 1997 92 $40
Packs in lots of delicious flavors, with layers of ripe plum, currant, cedar, anise, sage and mineral, finishing with a long, full aftertaste. Drink now through 2007. 2,894 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Sonoma
94 J. Hofstätter Lagrein Alto Adige Steinraffler 1997 93 $38
A blockbuster red. Esoteric. Black-ruby color. Intense aromas of cooked fruits and grilled meat. Full-bodied and very chewy, with a long, long finish. Like a top Syrah. Best after 2003. 1,500 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Northeast
95 Château Brane-Cantenac Margaux 1998 90 $30
Subtle aromas of violet, berry and crushed raspberry. Medium- to full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, fine finish. Tasted good from barrel, but it's outstanding now. Incredible effort from this estate. Best after 2007. 10,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: France Bordeaux
96 Lewis Chardonnay Sonoma County 1999 92 $37
This young Chardonnay impresses with its ripe, complex flavors¿rich layers of fig, honey, apricot, honeysuckle and citrus, turning elegant and sophisticated. Drink now through 2006. 2,100 cases made. –JL Country: Region: California Sonoma
97 L'Ecole No. 41 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 1998 91 $30
Harnesses the rich, ripe flavors of Cabernet into a supple, seductive package, layering its dark cherry, plum and spice flavors on a plush frame. The flavors echo endlessly, suggesting this will only get better with cellaring. Drink now through 2008. 2,070 cases made. –HS Country: Region: Washington Washington
98 Château de Lancyre Coteaux du Languedoc Pic St.-Loup Grande Cuvée 1998 92 $25
A full-bore, meaty French red, showing ripe flavors and aromas of dark plum, cassis and blackberry with exotic spicy and mineral elements. Dark chocolate, roasted plum and espresso notes make for an intense and long-lasting finish. Best from 2002 through 2007. 1,500 cases made. –KM Country: Region: France Languedoc-Roussillon
99 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Castello di Brolio 1997 91 $45
Dark ruby color, with lots of chocolate, berry and vanilla aromas, this is full-bodied and velvety, with lots of fruit and a long, succulent finish. A beauty from a great vintage. Best from 2001 through 2006. 17,000 cases made. –JS Country: Region: Italy Tuscany
100 Ceretto Barolo Zonchera 1997 91 $46
