Source: Media Outreach
Reviewers spotlight noteworthy wine discoveries based on criteria such as sustainability, innovation, investment value and age-worthiness.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 19 November 2020 – Following on the success of unveiling ten top wine discoveries last year at their New York Matter of Taste event, the review team at Robert Parker Wine Advocate take this initiative a step further, announcing their best newly discovered, under-the-radar wines of the year: Top 100 Wine Discoveries 2020. True to Robert Parker Wine Advocate’s vision to independently evaluate and highlight wines from all around the world, this innovative move means to encourage wine lovers to explore new territories and learn about the passionate work of often previously unheralded wine makers.
Domaine Franco-Chinois is the new product to emerge from the old Sino-French experimental vineyard and winery located in Hebei, China. This is a joint venture between the Chinese government (CITIC) and the French government
From over 30,000 wines reviewed by the ten-strong team of wine critics over the last year, this Top 100 Wine Discoveries list complements the 100-point rating system developed by Robert Parker Wine Advocate back in 1978, spotlighting not the well-known, highest scoring wines, but those singular wine gems revealing unexpected greatness or fresh, exciting new takes on familiar labels.
The selection discovers a number of wines produced from lesser-known grape varieties and/or in non-traditional growing regions, and also rediscovers dozens of renowned marques that are making significant innovations, such as in sustainability and terroir-driven decisions, that are informing the taste of the new generation. Wineries in the Old World regions such as France and Italy show plenty of innovation, while the United States has emerged as one of wine’s most innovative frontiers.
“The results of our assessment highlighted to us that there are wines that are not necessarily our top-scoring wines, but have compelling stories behind the bottle. So much change and innovation is currently happening in regions around the world, whether new like California or those with a long history like Bordeaux. Even if the labels are not at all new, what’s happening behind those famous names and all that regional tradition is occasionally quite innovative. These stories and innovations are what consumers are increasingly motivated by when they seek out new discoveries–hence the creation of what we offer our readers as our Top 100 Wine Discoveries,” said Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Editor-in-Chief.
As noted by Robert Parker Wine Advocate China reviewer Edward Ragg, “China is expanding into producing a wider range of wine styles, as interest within and outside of the country grows. The two whites showcased in this list make this point. While Domaine Franco Chinois, a joint venture between the Chinese and French governments, is associated with red blends in a Bordelais mould, its best wine is arguably its sweet Petit Manseng. This 2014 example has all of the vibrant quince fruit and buoyant acidity of the varietal and is one of China’s highest quality and more age-able sweet whites. And at Chateau Nine Peaks in Shandong, a region better known for beer, its Chardonnay has the abundant fruit of Meursault, with softer acids and no lack of texture.”
Deciding the Top 100 Wine Discoveries
As the world’s most recognised authority on fine wines, the Robert Parker Wine Advocate team of wine critics cover the entire globe in their quest to inform readers of the most noteworthy wines, including the major wine-producing regions of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, the United States and more.
This year’s Wine Discoveries were handpicked by all 10 reviewers from over 30,000 wines reviewed between October 2019 and October 2020. The selection criteria for the Top 100 Wine Discoveries are founded on wines that come from outside the mainstream or are new, and have one or more of the following attributes: value, age-worthiness, sustainability, and wines that represent innovative approaches, whether in the vineyards, winery or otherwise. Not every wine region will be equally represented, and not every vintage is created equal.
“The regional composition of this list will vary considerably from year to year, depending on local weather conditions and the number of wines reviewed from the different parts of the wine-growing world,” said Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Managing Editor.
The next big thing: Spotlight on wineries in the list
For the inaugural list, the reviewers have discovered or rediscovered an exciting range of wines in a new light. Each one has its story of why it stood out, whether it’s a rising star, an experiment, or a value investment that would match similar styles in a reader’s cellar. Get to know a few here:
Pasarene Union 2016, Tulbagh, South Africa
“Even though their labels are beautiful and catch the eye, it’s what’s inside the bottle that is truly captivating,’ said Robert Parker Wine Advocate South Africa and Washington State reviewer Anthony Muller of this rising star from Tulbagh, South Africa. “The 2016 Union is a Rhône style blend made from Syrah, Carignan and Mourvèdre, which boasts dusty, dark-berried aromas with a floral elegance, that is both food-friendly and age-worthy.”
Aquilini Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain 2017, Red Mountain, USA
Anthony Muller has also spotted this relatively new kid on the block in Washington State, USA. “Focusing on Bordeaux varietals, Aquilini wines are owned by the Canadian billionaire family of the same name, who spare no expense to craft fine, high-quality wines from Red Mountain,” he noted. It’s not too late to start investing in discoveries from this region, which has produced 100-point wines in recent years.
Chateau Montfin Corbières Vincent Sans Sulfites Ajoutés 2018, Languedoc, France
There are rising stars in the southern French region of Languedoc, and this is one that stood out for Joe Czerwinski. “Made without added sulfites, and selling for a song (under $20), this new cuvée does a fine job representing the ‘new Languedoc’. Organically farmed, it’s a delicious blend of traditional grape varieties (Grenache, Carignan and Syrah) from an underrated appellation,” he explained.
Castello dei Rampolla Liù 2018, Toscana, Italy
Robert Parker Wine Advocate Italy Reviewer Monica Larner’s search led her to the heart of Tuscany and the Conca d’Oro vineyard in Panzano in Chianti where biodynamic vintner Maurizia Di Napoli offers the iconic wines d’Alceo and Sammarco. “A pure expression of Merlot, Liù is an exciting new addition to the Castello dei Rampolla portfolio,” she shared, of this winery that isn’t afraid of innovating, first with international blends in the 1970s, to biodynamics for the past 20 years.
Chateau Séraphine 2017, Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
“Expect great things in the future from this producer, this is a Chateau to watch!” observed Lisa Perrotti-Brown. A newcomer to Pomerol, Séraphine was purchased by British businessman Martin Krajewski in late 2016, and this 2017 is the first vintage and a very promising beginning. Krajewski is also the owner of Grand Cru Saint-Émilion estate Clos Cantenac and Aristea Wines in South Africa.
In summary, “While our critics spend much of their time reviewing traditional wines from classic wine regions, part of the ethos at Robert Parker Wine Advocate has always been about discovering great wines, regardless of where they’re from and how they’re made. With the team’s global reach and decades of experience, Robert Parker Wine Advocate is uniquely qualified to highlight new or innovative wines that today’s modern wine consumers should seek out,” said Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW.
To mark the occasion of this inaugural list, Robert Parker Wine Advocate is giving a one-month complimentary trial for all new subscribers, where they can access the full details of the selection. After that, the essential one-year subscription to RobertParker.com can be continued at the usual membership fee with access to an unparalleled database of more than 450,000 wine tasting notes, ratings and in-depth reports from expert reviewers around-the-world, as well as priority booking for Matter of Taste (a premier fine-wine tasting event) and more.
For more information visit: https://www.robertparker.com/wine-discoveries/2020
ANNEX: Robert Parker Wine Advocate Top 100 Wine Discoveries List
Country
Region
Wine Name
Vintage
Argentina
Patagonia
Chacra Chardonnay
2018
Australia
Clare Valley
Koerner Gullyview Vineyard Pigato Vermentino
2019
Australia
Margaret River
Evoi Reserve Chardonnay
2018
Australia
McLaren Vale
D’Arenberg The Anthropocene Epoch Mencia
2018
Australia
Swan Valley
Corymbia Chenin Blanc
2019
Australia
Swan Valley
Faber Vineyard Grand Muscat
NV
Austria
Kamptal
Weingut Bründlmayer Riesling Zöbinger Ried Heiligenstein Alte Reben 1ÖTW
2018
Austria
Südsteiermark
Tement Ried Zieregg Sauvignon Blanc Reserve IZ
2015
Austria
Wachau
Prager Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Wachstum Bodenstein
2018
Canada
British Columbia
CheckMate Queen’s Advantage Chardonnay
2016
Chile
Limari Valley
Tabalí Talinay Pai Pinot Noir
2018
Chile
Malleco Valley
Baettig Selección de Parcelas Los Primos Chardonnay
2018
China
Hebei
Domaine Franco Chinois Petit Manseng
2014
China
Shandong
Chateau Nine Peaks Qi Chardonnay
2018
Cyprus
Cyprus
Vouni Panayia Woman in the Wine Press
2017
France
Alsace
Valentin Zusslin Pinot Noir Bollenberg Luft
2016
France
Beaujolais
Jean-Marc Burgaud Beaujolais-Villages Les Vignes de Lantignié
2019
France
Bordeaux
Chateau Asphodele
2019
France
Bordeaux, Lalande de Pomerol
Les Champs Libres
2017
France
Bordeaux, Margaux
Chateau Palmer
2017
France
Bordeaux, Pessac-Leognan
Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion
2017
France
Bordeaux, Pomerol
Chateau Séraphine
2017
France
Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion
Chateau La Gaffeliere
2017
France
Burgundy
Domaine Dureuil-Janthial Rully 1er Cru Meix Cadot Vieilles Vignes
2018
France
Burgundy
Domaine Jean-Marc Vincent Santenay 1er Cru Les Gravières
2018
France
Burgundy
Domaine Bruno Lorenzon Mercurey 1er Cru Clos de Champs Martin Cuvée Carline
2018
France
Burgundy
Domaine Lamy-Caillat Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets
2017
France
Burgundy
Aurélien Verdet Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Le Prieuré
2018
France
Champagne
Champagne Roses de Jeanne (Cédric Bouchard) Blanc de Noirs Côte de Val Vilaine
2017
France
Languedoc
Chateau Montfin Corbières Vincent Sans Sulfites Ajoutés
2018
France
Northern Rhone
Stephane Rousset Crozes Hermitage Marsanne Vieilles Vignes
2017
France
Northern Rhone
Benjamin et David Duclaux Cote Rotie Unnamed Cuvée
2018
France
Roussillon
Oiseau Rebelle Vin de France P’tit Rebelle ClanGrenGris
2017
France
Southern Rhone
Domaine Isabel Ferrando Chateauneuf du Pape F601
2018
France
Vouvray
Domaine Huet Vouvray Clos du Bourg Sec
2019
Germany
Franken
Weingut Rudolf Fürst Spätburgunder Hundsrück GG
2018
Germany
Mosel
Markus Molitor Riesling Erdener Prälat Auslese *** (White Capsule)
2018
Germany
Mosel
Jakob Tennstedt Waldportier
2018
Germany
Mosel
Max Ferd. Richter Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett
2019
Germany
Rheingau
Peter Jakob Kühn Riesling Trocken Landgeflecht Unikat
2015
Germany
Rheingau
Robert Weil Riesling Monte Vacano
2018
Germany
Rheinhessen
Weingut Saalwächter Silvaner Grauer Stein
2018
Greece
Evia
Vriniotis Assyrtiko Sur Lie
2018
Greece
Santorini
Karamolegos Winery Papas
2016
Greece
Drama
Oenops XinomavRaw
2018
Italy
Alto Adige Valle Isarco
Köfererhof Kerner
2018
Italy
Barolo
Arnaldo Rivera Barolo Undicicomuni
2016
Italy
Campania, Roccamonfina
I Cacciagalli Phos
2017
Italy
Colli Tortonesi
Vigne Marina Coppi Colli Tortonesi Timorasso Fausto
2016
Italy
Etna
Tenute Bosco Etna Rosso Pre-phylloxera Vico
2016
Italy
Etna
Tasca d’Almerita Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova V.V.
2016
Italy
Greco di Tufo
Tenute Capaldo Greco di Tufo Goleto
2017
Italy
Langhe Nebbiolo
G.D. Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo Claré J.C.
2019
Italy
Sicily, Terre Siciliane
Tenuta di Castellaro Nero Ossidiana
2016
Italy
Toscana
Duemani G. Punto
2018
Italy
Toscana
Castello dei Rampolla Liù
2018
Italy
Valdaro di Sopra, Tuscany
Petrolo Val d’Arno di Sopra Bòggina C
2018
Lebanon
Lebanon
Ixsir EL
2011
New Zealand
Canterbury
Greystone Vineyard Ferment Pinot Noir
2017
New Zealand
Hawke’s Bay
Tony Bish Heartwood Chardonnay
2018
Portugal
Bairrada
Filipa Pato Nossa Missão
2016
Portugal
Douro
Márcio Lopes Proibido Grande Reserva
2017
Portugal
Porto
Kopke White Colheita Port
1940
South Africa
65% Franschhoek & 35% Robertson
Colmant Absolu
NV
South Africa
Bot River
Beaumont Family Wines New Baby
2017
South Africa
Stellenbosch
Natte Valleij Stellenbosch Cinsault
2017
South Africa
Tulbagh
Pasarene Union
2016
Spain
Bierzo
Michelini i Mufatto Post-Crucifixión
2018
Spain
Bierzo
Verónica Ortega VO Cobrana
2018
Spain
Canary Islands
Victoria Torres Pecis Viñas y VinosMalvasía Aromática Naturalmente Dulce
2017
Spain
Galicia
Fedellos do Couto Bastarda
2018
Spain
Gredos
Soto y Manrique La Mira
2018
Spain
Jerez
Bodegas San Francisco JavierFino Viña Corrales Pago Balbaína
NV
Spain
Jumilla
Micrit Caliza Micrit
2018
Spain
Manchuela
Ponce Red
2018
Spain
Navarra
Viña Zorzal Wines Punto de Fuga Corral del Mate
2018
Spain
Rias Baixas
Eulogio Pomares Castiñeiro Espadeiro
2018
Spain
Ribera del Duero
Hacienda Solano Finca Peña Lobera
2016
Spain
Valencia
Javi Revert Viticultor Simeta
2018
Switzerland
Valais
Marie-Thérèse Chappaz Grain Arvine de Fully
2018
USA
California
Desperada Sauvignon Blanc Fragment
2018
USA
California, Central Coast
Fingers Crossed Syrah Off the Record
2018
USA
Napa Valley
Hertelendy Cabernet Franc Heavy Metal
2018
USA
Napa Valley
Modus Operandi Antithesis
2018
USA
Napa Valley
Trois Noix Noisette Cuvee
2018
USA
Napa Valley
Cervantes Blacktail Proprietary Red Blend MMXVII
2017
USA
North Fork, Long Island, New York
The Lenz Winery Cuvée RD
2005
USA
Paso Robles
Benom Origin
2017
USA
Paso Robles
Giornata Fiano
2019
USA
Red Mountain
Aquilini Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain
2017
USA
San Luis Obispo County, Edna Valley
Lady of the Sunshine Chevey
2019
USA
Santa Cruz Mountains
Sante Arcangeli Pinot Noir Split Rail Vineyard
2018
USA
Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Bob Cabral Wines Pinot Noir Troubadour
2017
USA
Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Vivier Wines Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
2018
USA
Virginia
Glen Manor Dry Petit Manseng
2019
USA
Walla Walla Valley
Elephant Seven Yellowbird Vineyard Syrah
2017
USA
Walla Walla Valley
Echolands Winery Seven Hills Vineyard Red Wine
2018
USA
Willamette Valley
00 Wines Chardonnay VGW
2018
USA
Willamette Valley
Hundred Suns Pinot Noir Bednarik Vineyard
2018
USA
Yakima
Cairdeas Winery Caislén an Pápa
2017
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
