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The Enthusiast 100: The Best Wines of 2024

The Enthusiast 100: The Best Wines of 2024
Photography by Tom Arena Photography by Tom Arena

Our blind reviewers tasted 23,000 wines this year. Boiling this down to The Enthusiast 100 is no mean feat (no wine was harmed in this process, don’t worry), but you, dear reader, are left with some of the most exciting wines in the world to discover.

As usual, our list features a number of upper-echelon price points, such as the nearly $400 Blandy’s Sercial Madeira from 1988, the $300 Napa, Champagne and Bordeaux in the $200 range. There are more than 25 others representing the $100-and-up range, from Spain’s Ribera del Duero and Portugal’s Alentejo to Australia’s Barossa Valley and Oregon’s Rogue Valley .

But The Enthusiast 100 isn’t just for deep-pocketed collectors: This list feature 14 wines priced $30 and under. There’s a $22 Cabernet Sauvignon from California’s Napa-adjacent Lake County , a $23 blend from Rhône Valley and a $29 Lambrusco from Central Italy , to name just a few.

Most significantly, this showcase serves those who appreciate wines from the entire globe. More than 14 countries grace the 2024 Wine Enthusiast 100, including Saperavi from Georgia , a sweet Tokaji from Hungary and three from Canada : two from Ontario and a Merlot from British Columbia. A grand total of 68 appellations from 36 different regions are represented, with especially strong stateside showings from Oregon, Washington and California, whose always-over-delivering Central Coast clocks in with 10 wines of the top 30 alone.

So please use this as a reference for buying wines, of course, but also as a map to plot your next wine country adventure . Because when any winery achieves this recognition, you can be confident that their neighbors are approaching similarly brilliant results through the same relentless passion and dedication. Matt Kettmann

When you buy something through our link, we may earn a small commission from our affiliate partners. Wine Enthusiast maintains complete editorial independence and all wines are blind tasted. Read more about our policy.

Emily Saladino: The Georgian word for Saperavi, the indigenous red wine grape here, translates to “dye.” It's easy to understand why when you spot this inky, opaque pour in the glass. Eucalyptus,... Full review

Tom R. Capo: Elegance rules the day as fresh leather, green peppercorn and currant aromas dominate the nose of this softer-style Cabernet. The palate brings fresh licorice, plum and juicy blackberry flavors. The... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is focused, with aromas of dried blackberry, red currant compote, violet and dried herbs on the nose. The flavors on the palate are boysenberry confiture, grilled yellow plum,... Full review

Matt Kettmann: Black cherry, cola, sarsaparilla and pepper aromas are spicy and complex on the nose of this bottling. The palate lands with a thick mouthfeel, as just enough tension exists to... Full review

Roger Voss: Selected from the best 23 barrels of Touriga Nacional and Syrah, the wine is a blend of the two. Smoky tobacco and dark chocolate aromas are allied with dense blackberry... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This bottling is sumptuous with baked Fuji apple, Asian pear, apricot, white nectarine and candied peach, woven together with allspice, nutmeg and candied orange. It has good acidity, making for... Full review


What Is Blind Tasting?

All tastings reported in the Buying Guide are performed blind. Typically, products are tasted in peer-group flights of from 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. When possible, products considered flawed or uncustomary are retasted.

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About The Scores

*Products deemed unacceptable (receving a rating below 80 points) are not reviewed.

98-100

Classic
The Pinnacle of quality

94-97

Superb
A great achievement

90-93

Excellent
Highly recommended

87-89

Very Good
Often good value; well recommended

83-86

Good
Suitable for everyday consumption, often good value

80-82

Acceptable
Can be employed


Tom R. Capo: The explosive nose on this wine is redolent of crushed raspberries, caramel and cocoa. The palate gives spiced cherry-fig compote, black pepper, fresh tobacco leaf and freshly ground coffee. There's... Full review

Jim Gordon: Cedar, mint and dill aromas catch your attention before bold, vibrant black cherries, black currants and dark chocolate coat the palate. This nicely structured, moderately tannic wine shows generous ripeness... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is fresh, with aromas of pineapple, citrus, green apple and mineral. The palate offers pink grapefruit, red apple and lemon zest, interwoven with cucumber, sedimentary rock and a... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is zesty, lush, with aromas of pineapple, cantaloupe, apricot, white peach, white flowers, white tea, citrus blossoms. The palate is baked apple, pears, dried apricot, fresh caramel, sliding... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is opulent, inky with aromas of black and blue fruits, wild florals, cinnamon, toasty vanilla spice, and star anise on the nose. The flavors on the palate are... Full review

Anna-Christina Cabrales: Fresh and complex aromas of black fruits, olives, iris, violet and oak spice make for an inviting nose. The palate boasts a generous and balanced delivery of ripe blueberry, black... Full review

Reggie Solomon: Not for the faint of heart, this is a bold, serious, grown-up Grenache. Deep ruby in color, the wine has a perfumed nose of cassis, black cherry and boysenberry, with... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is vibrant pale-pink hued, with aromas of raspberry, orange, watermelon and fresh mint on the nose. The flavors on the palate are strawberry-rhubarb and red licorice, gliding into... Full review

Anna-Christina Cabrales: Fresh cherry mixed with bramble fruit and preserves meld into a nice touch of spice and vanilla tones in the glass. The palate is deliciously ripe, with lush red fruits... Full review

Jesica Vargas: This wine was born in the cool-climate Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near the Atlantic Ocean. Delicate aromas of dried herbs and roses form the bouquet. It has excellent acidity and a savory... Full review

Tom R. Capo: Aromas of sweet berries, cherry liqueur and cola dominate the nose of this Pinot, while the palate is loaded with cedar cigar box, coffee and maraschino cherry. The combination of... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is black-purple-hued with aromas of blackberry, olallieberry, chicory, dried cigar leaf on the nose. The flavors on the palate are dried black currant, lingonberry, black molasses, dried herbs... Full review

“Most significantly, this showcase serves those who appreciate wines from the entire globe. More than 14 countries grace the 2024 Wine Enthusiast 100”

Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast Writer at Large

Reggie Solomon: This elegant Sancerre is confident in its own skin. Golden apple, freshly cut grass, sage brush and dried white blossom open on the perfumed nose along with subtle hints of... Full review

Jesica Vargas: Coming from old vines planted in 1905-1920, this Chenin is layered and structured. There is a rich bouquet of white flowers, dried fruit and spices on the nose. The textured... Full review

Michael Alberty: What's love got to do with it? This is pure lust, driven by a blend of mostly Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Huckleberry is fill the glass, with additional aromas of... Full review

Emily Saladino: Honeyed apricots, juicy grapefruits and stewed figs convene on the palate of this beautifully balanced and structured Hungarian dessert wine. The long finish is bright, keeping the sweetness in check... Full review

Jim Gordon: Enticing cedar, cinnamon, cocoa and graphite aromas convey the new-barrel magic of this wine before abundant black cherries, black currants, vanilla and café latte flavors coat the palate. So well-polished... Full review

Jesica Vargas: Delicate aromas of violet are followed by bright red-fruit aromas on this structured Malbec. Lively acidity and a chalky texture contribute to the wine's vibrant character. It has tart berry... Full review

Tom R. Capo: Kirsch, candied raspberry and blueberry dominate the nose of this deeply colored blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The palate is a pleasure bomb of berry fruit within a framework... Full review

Jesica Vargas: Coming from Gualtallary, one of the top subregions in Uco Valley, this red starts with aromas of dried herbs, and peppercorn followed by pomegranate. It has a savory palate, where... Full review

Jesica Vargas: Malbec grows at 5,000 feet in the winery's Rio Hurtado Vineyard in Limarí Valley. This structured and layered red opens with aromas of blueberry, black pepper and dried basil. The... Full review

Roger Voss: The village of Les Riceys, famed for its rosé wine, is widely planted with Pinot Noir. In this Champagne, the aroma has depth and shows the wines's ripe fruits. Textured... Full review

Reggie Solomon: Pouilly Fumé can be multifaceted and complex, and this wine is a perfect example. Gold in color with a decidedly herbal nose, this wine immediately dives into overripe green pear,... Full review

Michael Alberty: This is one of the best méthode traditionnelle Oregon sparklers I've tasted. The wine's aromatic combination of a lemon crème brûlée and fresh pine needles won me over instantly. Then,... Full review

Michael Alberty: The Gambit opens with a lovely combination of violets and blueberries, with wee bits of balsa and saline. The flavors lean to the tarter side, with cranberries and red raspberries... Full review

Tom R. Capo: Fresh linen, orange blossom, zested lemon, and nectarine aromas swirl from the glass of this vibrant and acid-driven Chardonnay. The palate is flush with pineapple and green apple freshness while... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is opulent, with aromas of raspberry, black plum, cedar, dried florals and star anise on the nose. The flavors on the palate are strawberry-pomegranate compote, black currant confiture... Full review

Aleks Zecevic: There's a flinty quality to this rather young, but beautifully put-together white, which is framed by firm acidity, while displaying flavors of sea salt-accented smoke, quince, lemon curd, honeysuckle and... Full review

Roger Voss: Alicante Bouschet forms the backbone of this seriously impressive wine. Mushroom and fresh black cherry aromas show its poise between youth and maturity. Rich black plum flavors give the wine... Full review

Christina Pickard: One of Torbreck's strongest bottlings, this offers an upfront lift of blue- and red-berry fruit. It's plump and sensuous, and woven with heaps of savory baking spice, sassafras bark and... Full review

Elaine Chukan Brown: A sophisticated red blend with command of its style, this wine brings Cabernet Sauvignon together with the attributes of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec to deliver savory flavors of blue... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is rich, with aromas of blueberry, black plum, cardamom, violets and earth on the nose. The flavors on the palate are fresh raspberry, boysenberry and dried fennel, sliding... Full review

Anna-Christina Cabrales: A beautiful melding of black cherry and violet creates a beautiful bouquet. The palate is round, with a good texture and density that is balanced with mouthwatering acidity and fine... Full review

Tom R. Capo: The captivating nose of this wine expresses aromas of Anjou pear, honeycomb, marzipan and white flower. On the palate, a kaleidoscope of fresh Golden Delicious apple, pear and Rainier cherry... Full review

Michael Alberty: It leads with zesty lemon and guava aromas that are tempered by notes of wet slate and macadamia nuts drizzled in honey. This is a seamless experience, with a mouthfeel... Full review

Michael Alberty: If you poached a pear, then drizzled on lemon amaro and a puff of talcum powder, you might have a rough idea of the aromatic magic wielded by this Roussanne.... Full review

Mike DeSimone: Dark ruby in the glass, this wine offers aromas of brambly fruits of the wood and butterscotch. It is a touch spicy on entry; flavors of clove and mint leaf... Full review

Anna-Christina Cabrales: This wine binds black cherry, strawberry, mushroom and white peppercorn aromas with a soft perfume of violet florals. The palate offers an elegant delivery of plum, red cherry, cardamom and... Full review

Aleks Zecevic: Notes of sea salt, myrrh, prickly pear and orange blossoms run along a medium-bodied frame and plush texture, underscored by mouthwatering acidity that belies its expressive manner. The notes of... Full review

Elaine Chukan Brown: A classic Napa Valley Zinfandel, this bottling offers savory and earthy aromatics that carry into flavors of dark plum, tobacco and dark chocolate. It's rich in flavor, well balanced by... Full review

Jesica Vargas: There is depth and balance in this wine. The nose exhibits aromas of jarilla, cranberry, cherry and mint. The wine shows its full character in the midpalate with a good... Full review

Pale pink in the glass the wine has subtle aromas of peach, white flowers and wet stones. Leading off with grapefruit the palate quickly transforms into fresh apples with a... Full review

Tonya Pitts: This wine is rich, with aromas of dark cherry, plum, vanilla, violet and dried bay leaf. Flavors include blackberry, boysenberry, baked nectarine and allspice, sliding into mocha, espresso and leathery... Full review

Reggie Solomon: This wine opens with crushed-dried red rose petal, raspberry, red cherry and just-ripened red plum along with whisps of graphite. Lively acidity dances with red fruit on the palate undergirded... Full review

Danielle Callegari: The nose is intensely floral—nearly ethereal—but with a quiet, weighty earthiness, before the palate bursts forward fresh, wild and invigorating, with raspberries, cool wet stones and a bracing salinity. Orderly,... Full review

Jim Gordon: Smooth and relaxed, this elegant wine coats the palate with peaches, poached pears, butter and toast without overdoing any of them. Great layering and creaminess are balanced by a touch... Full review

Danielle Callegari: A layered nose leads with salt and pepper, then turns earthy, vegetal and woody, before finishing with black cherries and blackberries. On the synthesizing palate, a smudge of earth keeps... Full review

Roger Voss: While there is a strongly mineral texture, the wine also has a ripe, rounded edge that gives it weight. Creamy Alvarinho shines strongly, illuminating the wine's power. Drink from 2025.

Roger Voss: The wine originates in a small parcel of soil specked with marble for which the city of Estremoz is well-known. It is a powerful blend of Alicante Bouschet and Trincadeira.... Full review

Tom R. Capo: The wildly complex nose of this wine blossoms with a few swirls, giving distinctly rocky minerality, green pear, orange blossom and tangerine peel aromas. The palate of this concrete-egg-fermented-and-aged Chardonnay... Full review

Roger Voss: This leather and black-pepper-spiced wine has richness, structure and density. It comes from a 40-acre vineyard in the heart of Pomerol. There is structure from the generous tannins and black-plum... Full review

Roger Voss: The long wood aging shows well in this wine's aroma. This is a dry style of Madeira, impressive for its longevity and intense old gold and spice flavors. It is... Full review

Elaine Chukan Brown: Vibrant and generous aromatics lead to a flavorful palate and lingering finish. This wine offers a tantalizing combination of flinty aromas, pithy citrus flavors and an energizing, palate-refreshing presence.

Danielle Callegari: The nose asserts aromas of dark fruit and berries, with rubbery, slightly smoky notes drifting around the edges. A juicier, denser berry streak defines the satiny palate, while bitter undertones... Full review

Michael Alberty: After 80 months of tirage, this traditional method blend of 82% Chardonnay and 18% Pinot Noir is eager to please. The wine's combination of Golden Delicious apple and browned butter... Full review

Anna-Christina Cabrales: With aromas of cassis, plum, wild strawberry, rhubarb, beef stock, and wild thyme, this wine offers a complex bouquet. Drying tannins coat the mouth, balanced by acidity that prevents excessive... Full review

Jeff Porter: Prepare to be enchanted by a Barolo that effortlessly lifts out of the glass with aromas of crushed raspberries, wild strawberries, and succulent red cherries, intertwined with delicate rose petals... Full review

Danielle Callegari: An exhilarating nose starts with a slap of blood and earth, like a spooky autumn evening, before lightening into the wild, herbal aroma of a diviner's tea. On the palate,... Full review

Michael Alberty: This frothy treat is about as good as it can possibly get in the Willamette Valley with sparkling chardonnay. Classic brioche and butter aromas meld seamlessly with notes of toasted... Full review

Jesica Vargas: A well-made Carménère that doesn't need makeup to hide its nature and instead appeals to honest fruit flavors and subtle herbs, offering a delicious experience. It has aromas of berries... Full review

Jeff Porter: Lifted aromas of high-toned red fruits, with fresh cherries, raspberries, and cranberries leading the charge mingle notes of clove, anise and cinnamon. Hints of thyme and rosemary, along with a... Full review

Jeff Porter: Enter a fragrant garden of delight with this Barbaresco, where each sniff reveals a lush blend of ripe cherries, red currants, and hints of rose petals mingling with delicate spices... Full review

Michael Alberty: Quality high elevation Laurel Vineyard fruit is the first step for this remarkable traditional method wine. Bright raspberry and orange zest aromas are punctuated by a touch of sage butter.... Full review

Christina Pickard: A margarita-style Chardonnay if ever there was one, this feels like you're standing at the edge of the Indian Ocean (less than four miles from where these grapes are grown)... Full review

Matt Kettmann: Baked cherry and red plum aromas meet with vanilla and a kiss of oak on the comforting, familiar nose of this bottling from a historic vineyard. The palate is remarkably... Full review

Elaine Chukan Brown: A mix of black fruits spun through with stimulating and flavorful spices fill the mouth with juicy and savory flavors. These are carried by a balance of acidity and fine-grained... Full review

Matt Kettmann: Earthy aromas of toasted wood and coffee meet with dusty boysenberry on the nose of this bottling from the historic producer in its eponymous appellation. The palate is rich with... Full review

Matt Kettmann: From a vineyard named after the region's pionering pair of Garys (Pisoni and Franscioni), this utterly satisfying bottling begins with aromas that blend umami-focused hints of soy, shiitake and smoke... Full review

Jeff Porter: Aromas of macerated cherries with mixed spices, thyme, dried violets and roses all work like a spell to draw you deeper into the wine. Each part of the palate is... Full review

Jeff Porter: A Barolo of unparalleled elegance and complexity, this wine captivates from the first encounter. Aromas of roasted and grilled fruits intertwine with singed herbs and tea, creating an inviting and... Full review

Roger Voss: Produced from top parcels of Chardonnay in the Côte des Blancs, this fine Champagne is impressive. It is rich and mature, the almond aroma and croissant flavor balanced by still... Full review

Matt Kettmann: A lovely core of ripe berry makes for a creamy and approachable nose on this bottling, which is just the start of its pleasures. The density immediately impresses on the... Full review

Michael Alberty: Wow! This ice wine's strawberry gelato and quince paste aromas are a perfect sweet and tart one-two punch. Then there are the rich, thick flavors of strawberry-rhubarb crumble and guava—as... Full review

Matt Kettmann: From a vineyard in the western Santa Maria Valley hills that had gone nearly fallow, this delicious, eight-barrel bottling challenges conventional viticulture on many fronts. Smooth, rich and spicy aromas... Full review

Danielle Callegari: The nose features adventurous aromas of wood and stone after a storm, along with warmer notes of dark chocolate and dried cherries. The chocolate and cherries headline the palate, but... Full review

Jesica Vargas: Aromas of jarilla, rosemary, peppercorn and flint are followed by wild berries. The wine is full-bodied, with elegant tannins and silky texture. Bright ripe fruit flavors are enhanced by hints... Full review

Matt Kettmann: There's a tremendous purity of fruit on this single-vineyard expression from second-generation vintner Ryan Alfaro. Aromas of frozen strawberry and black raspberry sorbet are lifted by wild mint and damp... Full review

Mike DeSimone: This dark garnet colored wine has a nose of black cherry, aniseed and vanilla. It is a touch spicy at firs sip, offering notes of clove and eucalyptus that are... Full review

Jim Gordon: Elegant but rich, structured but velvety, this well-balanced, classically flavored wine keeps expanding with each sip. It offers deep black cherry, blueberry, spearmint and cocoa aromas followed by enticing oak... Full review

Aleks Zecevic: The essence of limestone in a glass, this is very expressive, with a flinty reduction that adds to the charm of persimmon, freshly squeezed lime and kumquat notes at the... Full review

Tom R. Capo: This is a savory and intense style of native-yeast-fermented Pinot, with loads of mushroom, sarsaparilla, black tea and black cherry on the nose. The fleshy and textural palate oozes with... Full review

Matt Kettmann: Lavish and intense aromas of Luxardo cherry, toasted spices and warm cherry pie draw the nose into this single-vineyard expression. There's crunchiness to the black raspberry base of the palate,... Full review

Jeff Porter: A wine of history and pure joy, this watermelon Jolly Rancher-colored sparkling wine bursts out of the glass with aromas of wild strawberry, green herbs and candied rose petals. The... Full review

Michael Alberty: When the aroma of a pork chop rubbed with a mild spice and orange zest intersects with dark cherries and blackberries, we have a party. The party doesn't end on... Full review

Christina Pickard: 2022 was on the warm side and this bottling of one of Margaret River's top Chards offers less of the reductive struck match and roasted-nut aromas of past vintages. It... Full review

Anna-Christina Cabrales: Sanguine aromas emerge from a layer of black plum, black cherry, seamlessly melding with violets and eucalyptus. With further aeration, a meaty undertone and black olive emerge, creating a remarkably... Full review

Aleks Zecevic: This shows elevated elegance, with impeccable balance, and harmony between its acidity, light tannins and the fruit. It reveals prominent blueberry and currant flavors, which hold the court, while plum... Full review

Matt Kettmann: Lovely layers of black cherry compote and star anise ride waves of rich spice and dark fruit on the alluring and awesome nose of this bottling from what is arguably... Full review

Mike DeSimone: A bouquet of raspberry, cherry and baking spices emanates from the glass. Pomegranate and Mission fig flavors unfold on the taste buds and are joined by butterscotch and aniseed flavors with... Full review

Jeff Porter: Elegance and purity unite in this wine as focused aromas of wild cherries, potpourri, and drying rose buds lift from the glass. The palate, soft and gentle yet poised, reveals... Full review

Matt Kettmann: The wildly expressive and just plain awesome aromas of this single-vineyard expression from an iconic vineyard blast the nose with intense black raspberry, black cherry, rhubarb pie and star anise... Full review

Matt Kettmann: Winemaker Jordan Fiorentini is using every tool in her belt, from the vineyards to the cellar, to create some of the best wines anywhere right now. This blend of 43%... Full review

Danielle Callegari: The nose is primarily savory, with aromas of old leather, dirt and mixed spices, like a general store in the Old West with cherry and licorice candy in bins. The... Full review

Michael Alberty: This is easily one of the best sparkling wines I had in 2023. After resting for 10 years on its lees before disgorgement, the wine has developed rich aromas of... Full review