Top 50 Wines to Try in 2024: Best Picks Revealed

13

Discover the best wines of 2024! From classic regions to innovative varietals, explore top picks like Syrah and Verdicchio that define this year's wine scene.

The Best Wines of 2024: A Year in Review

As we approach the end of 2024, it’s time to reflect on the remarkable wines that have graced our tables this year. At VinePair, we have tasted a diverse range of wines, from classic producers to innovative newcomers. This year’s selection showcases the best of both worlds, highlighting traditional regions and lesser-known varietals.

Celebrating Diversity in Wine

The world of wine is vast and varied, offering something for every palate. This year, we explored wines from renowned regions like France’s Loire Valley and California’s Sonoma Coast. Notably, we discovered exceptional expressions of Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, which exemplify the terroir of their origins.

Moreover, we ventured into the realm of lesser-known grapes and innovative techniques. For instance, we tasted herbaceous skin-contact wines from Oregon and Spain. These unique offerings challenge traditional wine norms and invite drinkers to explore new flavor profiles.

In addition, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of Nebbiolo from various regions, as well as a standout Verdicchio from the Apennine Mountains. The Finger Lakes also impressed us with more than just Riesling, showcasing a range of exceptional wines.

The Tasting Process: How We Select the Best

At VinePair, our tasting process is thorough and transparent. Throughout the year, our tasting panel samples thousands of wines to identify the best. We believe in tasting wines as consumers would, with full knowledge of the producer and price. This approach allows us to evaluate each wine’s quality and value effectively.

Our panel assesses wines based on several criteria, including aromas, flavors, structure, and balance. We also consider whether the wine reflects the characteristics of its grape or region. This year, we gathered for a group tasting to compile our list of the top 50 wines of 2024.

After much deliberation, we narrowed down our favorites based on quality, regional diversity, and availability in the U.S. Each wine on our list represents the pinnacle of what 2024 has to offer.

Top Picks: The 50 Best Wines of 2024

Here are some highlights from our top 50 wines of 2024:

1. Arnot-Roberts Sonoma Coast Syrah 2023

   

   • Average Price: $40
   • Rating: 95
   • This Syrah showcases the grape’s savory characteristics, with notes of smoked meat and brambly berries.

2. Las Jaras Wines Alder Springs Chardonnay 2021

   • Average Price: $78
   • Rating: 94
   • A bright and mineral-driven Chardonnay with flavors of lemon curd and vanilla bean.

3. Hundred Suns Willamette Valley Gamay Noir 2023

   • Average Price: $35
   • Rating: 95
   • This Gamay is juicy and refreshing, bursting with notes of raspberries and blackberries.

4. Stefano Zoli Verdicchio di Matelica 2023

   • Average Price: $26
   • Rating: 96
   • A crisp and complex white with jasmine, pear, and fresh citrus flavors.

5. Outward Wines Santa Ynez Valley Syrah 2023

   • Average Price: $34
   • Rating: 93
   • A savory Syrah co-fermented with Viognier, offering notes of violets and black raspberries.

These selections represent just a fraction of the incredible wines we tasted this year. Each bottle tells a story, reflecting the passion and dedication of the winemakers behind them. As we move into 2025, we look forward to discovering even more exceptional wines to share with our readers. Cheers!

Photo by Dan Cristian Pădureț on Unsplash

Source: VinePair – The 50 Best Wines of 2024