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The Enthusiast 100 Wines of 2019

The Enthusiast 100 Wines of 2019
Photo by Jens Johnson / Animation by Eric DeFreitas Photo by Jens Johnson

It isn’t easy tasting more than 24,000 wines in a year, but someone’s gotta do it. Well, O.K., we really can’t complain: We here at Wine Enthusiast love the job and are happy to take on the burden to find the top 100 wines of 2019.

Each year, we recap a full calendar’s worth of wine tasting with three top lists. Our Top 100 Best Buys, a roster of wines that provide the most bang for your buck. The Top 100 Cellar Selections list showcases a compilation of stand-out wines with serious long-term potential.

Now comes the ultimate: The Enthusiast 100.

This best-of-the-best list is a showstopper in its own right and exemplifies a dazzling variety of wines available to consumers today. With top-rated selections from 16 countries and nearly every wine style—dry whites and reds, rosés, bubbles and beyond—there’s truly something for everyone. Boasting an average score of 93 points and an average price of $33, this is a list of the best wines to crack open and revel in right now.

The selections here are not to be missed and are sure to be snapped up fast, so find your favorites, grab a glass and cheers to the top wines of the year!

Click here for a downloadable PDF of The Enthusiast 100 of 2019.

Roger Voss: This grassy, herbal Sauvignon Blanc conveys touches of white grapefruit and gooseberry. Light and crisply textured, it finishes with a squeeze of lemon. Drink now.

Sean P. Sullivan: Oak aromas are at the fore, with notes of green wood, coconut and vanilla. Plum and orange zest aromas are underneath. The lighter-styled palate shows more of the same. Fruit... Full review

Michael Schachner: Spunky aromas of grapefruit and lime are typical for Leyda SB. A fairly full palate feels a bit oily, while this is briny and mildly salty tasting, with lime as... Full review

Christina Pickard: This is a straightforward bubbly that's fruity and crisp in feel, with a slightly slippery texture. It ticks all the boxes.

Alexander Peartree: Aromas of ripe dark cherry, tobacco and mentholated herbs show a pleasing concentration on the nose. There's nice richness to the fruit on the palate, with zesty acidity and fine,... Full review

Michael Schachner: Gritty red-berry aromas announce a Garnacha that's not overly ripe and definitely not heavy or jammy. A lean palate is slightly acidic and tannic, while this tastes of red currant... 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


Roger Voss: This easygoing wine is softly textured and full of blackberry flavors. It is ripe, fruity and ready to drink.

Kerin O’Keefe: This opens with delicate aromas of spring wildflower and white stone fruit. The fresh, easy-drinking palate offers yellow apple, honeydew and a hint of citrus.

Anna Lee C. Iijima: Honeyed yet spry, this semidry, easy-drinking Riesling suggests fresh, primary white grapefruit and lemon flavors. It's delicately sweet but refreshingly brisk. Enjoy now.

Roger Voss: With a perfumed touch of Moscatel in the blend, this wine is fragrant and tangy. Its orange peel flavor is enhanced by a ripe lemon fruitiness. Drink now.

Kerin O’Keefe: Made with Sangiovese and a drop of Cabernet Sauvignon, this has aromas of red berry, baking spice and underbrush. The easygoing palate offers red cherry, clove and a hint of... Full review

Lauren Buzzeo: Crushed violets, purple fruits, berries, boysenberry and bramble dance on the nose of this attractive red. The palate is smooth and plush in just-ripe red-fruit flavors, with ample acidity to... Full review

Mike DeSimone: With aromas of cranberry, apple peel and butterscotch, this violet-colored wine offers flavors of raspberry, black currant, coffee, aniseed and black pepper. There is a pleasing mix of fruit and... Full review

Mike DeSimone: Deep garnet in the glass, this wine features a bouquet of raspberry and fennel seed. Light tannins frame flavors of strawberry, pomegranate, butterscotch and orange rind, with a pleasant note... Full review

Roger Voss: This crisp wine is bright, tangy and full of attractive lemon flavors. A riper side suggests red apples. Drink this balanced wine now.

Anna Lee C. Iijima: This is a full-bodied but crisply balanced rosé. Dry in style, it offers pert red-cherry and raspberry flavors accented by a zesty mineral edge. It's an easy drinking, refreshing wine... Full review

Kerin O’Keefe: Wild berry and violet aromas lead the nose while the straightforward palate offers crushed raspberry, Marasca cherry and a hint of clove. It's light-bodied and easy drinking, with soft tannins.... Full review

Michael Schachner: A mild note of brine shares space with bolder black plum and berry aromas on the nose. It is zesty in feel, with ripe berry and dark plum flavors.

Lauren Buzzeo: There's a light bubblegum accent upfront, but it quickly subsides to reveal more central notes of watermelon rind and citrus zest. The palate is nicely balanced and harmonious, with ample... Full review

Kerin O’Keefe: Rose petal, wild strawberry and cherry aromas carry over to the bright palate along with a hint of white pepper. It's elegant and easy drinking, with a light mousse and... Full review

Jim Gordon: Bold and structured, this Cabernet, Merlot and Zinfandel blend packs a punch in terms of its ripe fruit flavors, firm tannins and a grippy mouthfeel. The color is quite dark,... Full review

Paul Gregutt: Right on the heels of the 2016 comes this early release from 2017. It's almost a twin—smooth, ripe and remarkable for the price. Flavorful berry and plum fruit with well-massaged... Full review

Jim Gordon: This friendly red wine is medium to full in body and shows warm, generous fruit flavors like black cherries and blackberries. It has a smooth texture that keeps it easy... Full review

Alexander Peartree: Aromas of lemon peel, green apple, melon and chamomile translate to the light-bodied palate. It is silky upon entry, with persistent, drawing acidity that builds. Ripe fruit flavors mix with... Full review

Anne Krebiehl MW: Spicy grape and honeysuckle notes give this wine an aromatic bouquet. The light-bodied palate presents balanced freshness. It ends dry and with a sense of ease.

Alexander Peartree: Ripe cherry and blackberry aromas are lifted by orange and potpourri spices. Rounded in feel, the palate pops in bright, bouncy red-fruit flavors, with spicy tannins riding underneath. Accents of... Full review

Anna Lee C. Iijima: Whiffs of saffron and pollen lend a savory tone to this medium-sweet wine. It's easy-drinking yet vibrant, with notes of orange peel, lemon and dusty minerality. Racy acidity offers levity... Full review

Lauren Buzzeo: Prominent scents of mentholated herbs and black currant leaf form the nose of this wine, overriding the secondary black plum and berry aromas. The palate is full and structured, with... Full review

Michael Schachner: Citrus and tropical fruit aromas are fit and normal for this variety, which isn't common to Rioja. A pulpy body with acidic balance offers salty flavors of green melon and... Full review

Michael Schachner: Burnt oak and dry barrel aromas dominate a nose with baked berry-fruit scents. A stout palate is dense and full, while this offers a burnt-oak lead flavor balanced by peppery... Full review

Sean P. Sullivan: Cabernet Sauvignon (42%), Merlot (25%), Syrah (20%) and Cabernet Franc (13%) make up most of this wine. Pungent aromas of blueberry, plum, fresh herbs, flower, smoke and sweet spice lead... Full review

Michael Schachner: Aromas of blackberry and black cherry carry this easygoing Carmenère. Toasty black-fruit flavors offer a hint of smoke on the palate, with a balanced finish that ends clean.

Sean P. Sullivan: Aromas of fig and spice carry the nose of this lush white. The palate brings a lovely sense of texture, with notes of honeycomb, fig and tropical fruit. A warm... Full review

Paul Gregutt: A pale, pretty light-wheat hue, this surprises with exceptional concentration. It's a clean, fruit-driven style, notable for its varietally true scents and flavors of freshly cut pear. A delicate whiff... Full review

Michael Schachner: Rubbery, slightly blackened aromas of berry fruits, beef stew and olive lead to a wide, fleshy palate with solid tannins. Black plum, vanilla and prune flavors are derived from a... Full review

Paul Gregutt: This wine offers a deft mix of rose petal, baby powder and lychee aromas. There's plenty of spice, and, as it's bone dry, it matches well with peppery noodle dishes.

Alexander Peartree: Refreshing aromas of lime, crushed stone, white peach and green-apple skin carry to the light-bodied palate, where a brisk tonic tone keeps things pristine and crisp. This dry-style Riesling is... Full review

Roger Voss: This ripe wine offers tropical fruit and a smooth texture lifted by bright acidity. The tangy, ripe character creates a juicy feel that lingers. Drink now.

Mike DeSimone: This wine offers aromas of apple and lemon zest. It is bright at first sip and then fills out with flavors of lemon-lime, grapefruit, pineapple and honeysuckle, all framed by... Full review

Christina Pickard: This easygoing, fruity Chardonnay offers notes of stone fruit and lemon, with undertones of wool and ginger. Crisp, crunchy acidity freshens the fruit on the palate, which is chalky in... Full review

Paul Gregutt: This popular, fruity white blend includes portions of eight different grapes, yet pulls itself together in a refreshing, coherent style. Tart apple and grapefruit flavors are at the heart of... Full review

Michael Schachner: Grapy blackberry and black plum aromas come with oak spice on the side. While this is round in feel, the palate is packed with fruit flavors, blackberry and cassis in... Full review

Kerin O’Keefe: Aromas of white stone fruit, citrus and pistachio take center stage on this fresh white. The fruity aromas carry over to the savory, light-bodied palate along with yellow peach.

Christina Pickard: Ripe, brambly berry fruit, florals and soft peppery spice on this wine are buoyed by crisp acidity and a tight line of tannins. An herbal tonic note appears on the... Full review

Christina Pickard: Pale yellow in color, this wine shows notes of flint, salt and seashell along with tangerine, ginger and grapefruit. The palate is texturally rich but is lifted by bright acidity... Full review

Paul Gregutt: This is a juicy and fruity wine, with forward and delicious flavors of apple and pear. The lively acidity adds a touch of grapefruit, keeping the mouthfeel fresh and the... Full review

Mike DeSimone: Aromas of blackberry and juniper berry prepare the palate for flavors of cassis, dark plum, mocha, anise and a hint of mint. It is juicy at first, but robust tannins... Full review

Christina Pickard: This simple but thoroughly drinkable wine offers upfront raspberry, pepper, violet and eucalyptus notes. The fruit is a little sweet, but there's enough acidity to prop it up, as well... Full review

Michael Schachner: Saucy plum aromas are lightly herbal and suggest paprika or Spanish pimenton. A plump, grabby palate is tannic but not rough. Gamy dark-fruit flavors display grip across a structured, fresh... Full review

Roger Voss: Always an attractive wine, this release remains as reliable in this vintage. The classic blend is full and ripe, with a touch of caramel as well as raspberry flavors. Lightly... Full review

Susan Kostrzewa: Aromas of plum, black cherry and dried fruit lead into a vibrant balance of red fruit and spice. It's clean and focused, but complex.

Anne Krebiehl MW: Juicy black and red cherry create a very cheerful, appetizing nose. The palate presents the same juicy freshness and shows tar-edged fleshy black cherry. This is full to the brim... Full review

Jim Gordon: Vivid pear and peach aromas give way to gentle, ripe but still crisp pear and floral flavors in this smooth and full-bodied wine. It's charming and aromatic, made more intricate... Full review

Roger Voss: This ripe wine offers red berry fruits sitting on a light texture. The acidity and the fruitiness are lifted, giving a ready-to-drink feel that is easy and open.

Anne Krebiehl MW: Hints of lemon and green pear on the nose become fully fleshed and expressive on the dry, fresh palate. Bright lemon provides freshness and grip throughout. It's a refreshing wine... Full review

Christina Pickard: Less rosé-hued than the previous vintage, this Pinot Gris is hard not to like. The highly fragranced nose bursts with aromas of apples, lychees, lime blossoms and a touch of... Full review

Michael Schachner: As spring and summer take form, this deserves a spot in the patio lineup. The nose of this Verdejo is citrusy and round, but with snap. A fresh palate with... Full review

Anna Lee C. Iijima: Fresh pear, lemon and apple flavors are forward and fruity in this easy-quaffing dry Riesling. There's just a hint of minerality on the midpalate and zesty acidity lends an invigorating... Full review

Anne Krebiehl MW: Green pear, lemon and red currant are most appetizing on the nose. The palate introduces gentle, rounded but fresh strawberry notes on a light, dry body. All this is supported... Full review

Michael Schachner: Berry, spice and tobacco aromas work in unison to give this Crianza a nice start. A firm palate avoids jamminess and shows grip. Dark plum, raspberry, spice and pepper flavors... Full review

Jim Gordon: This medium-bodied wine tastes ultrafresh and fruity, feels rich and lightly tannic and has enough underlying concentration to add depth. Perfect for casual occasions.

Jeff Jenssen: Aromas of green apple, white flowers and white peach excite your palate for bright fruit flavors of Granny Smith apple and yellow peach. This wine is well balanced, with a... Full review

Anna Lee C. Iijima: Equal parts fruit and mineral, this charming semidry Riesling offers layers of juicy white-grapefruit and yellow-peach flavors juxtaposed by bracing hits of slate and earth. It's an approachably sweet-and-tart yet... Full review

Matt Kettmann: This wine starts with plush aromas of yellow melon, plumeria, wild lime sorbet and a hint of cream. There is ample zip to the palate, where acidity and a strong... Full review

Michael Schachner: A full black-fruit nose punches above its weight class, with depth of fruit and smokiness normally found in more expensive wines. A full, fleshy palate is held together by firm... Full review

Mike DeSimone: Red-violet in color, this wine offers aromas of blackberry, bacon and black pepper. Flavors of raspberry, pomegranate, cured meat, coffee and freshly ground black pepper carry the palate. It is... Full review

Sean P. Sullivan: This wine's aromas are pleasing, with notes of apple, cream and spice. Full-feeling yet nuanced fruit flavors follow. Spice notes linger on the finish. It displays a lovely sense of... Full review

Roger Voss: With records dating back to the 15th century, this walled clos has produced an intense wine that is ripe, full in the mouth and packed with lemon, apricot and apple... Full review

Christina Pickard: This aromatic Cab opens with a plummy, red currant tang, flanked by white pepper, dried green herbs, graphite and a hint of dried flowers. Medium to full in body, the... Full review

Jim Gordon: This full-bodied wine is saturated with berry and bramble flavors, pushing the edge of sweetness. It's big and mouthfilling, but light on tannins, giving a jammy sensation that's supplemented by... Full review

Paul Gregutt: Off dry in style, this pops out a tasty mix of orange, grapefruit and apple fruit, with acidity that suggests a dash of lemon tea. There are more highlights, unexpected... Full review

Jim Gordon: Lush and plush, this spice box of a wine offers a velvety, mouthfilling texture and a nicely soft structure of melted tannins. It is scented with pencil shavings, cinnamon and... Full review

Roger Voss: A blend of four grapes, including Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine comes from the Relvas family home vineyard. It is juicy in bright acidity and full of young,... Full review

Alexander Peartree: Made from organically grown Aglianico, this rosato offers ripe watermelon and strawberry on the nose alongside crushed stone and a balsamic edge. Tangy red fruit melds with lush melon on... Full review

Matt Kettmann: The Beckett brothers deliver a wine that starts with aromas of concentrated blackberry jam, toasted wood, plum and violet. The palate is floral and fresh, with penetrating flavors of blueberry... Full review

Anne Krebiehl MW: An initial whiff of flinty reduction is dispelled with some air to reveal fresh, easy citrus and green-pear fruit. The palate is light, fresh and dry, but has some zesty... Full review

Michael Schachner: This wine shows a lot of purity, balance and quality. A ripe, jammy nose is full of blackberry and cassis, while this blend of Monastrell, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon is... Full review

Jim Gordon: This ripe and rich wine has orange blossom and honey aromas that lead to a palate of vanilla, orange and peach flavors. It displays a smooth, thick texture, with soft... Full review

Roger Voss: This is a concentrated wine that has fine tannins that are integrated with the ripe blackberry flavor. It is rich and dense in feel, with a succulent texture. Drink now.

Christina Pickard: This is an attractive, perfumed Sauvignon with heaps of lime popsicle, peach blossoms and dried green herbs. The palate is both chalky and slippery in texture, nicely balanced by crunchy... Full review

Jim Gordon: This medium-bodied wine finds an enjoyable point of balance between fruit flavors and crisp refreshment. Strawberry and raspberry aromas meet tangy light flavors that nevertheless have good depth and length.

Roger Voss: Ripe and rich, this juicy wine is full of black fruits. It is balanced, with soft tannins partnering with berry flavors and acidity. The wine will develop well, so drink... Full review

Kerin O’Keefe: A 50–50 blend of Carignano and Monica, this savory red opens with aromas of Mediterranean scrub, wild berry and a whiff of sea breeze. The smooth, juicy palate doles out... Full review

Michael Schachner: Black fruit aromas are bold and friendly, but simple in a good way, meaning the nose is open and uncomplicated. A dense, chewy palate is ripe and full, while this... Full review

Roger Voss: This generous wine offers flavors of licorice and black fruit. It comes from a blend of Touriga Nacional and Aragonez grown on the Quinta do Gradil estate. Rich and full... Full review

Jim Gordon: This full-bodied and immensely fruity wine, with no added sulfites, has such intense and concentrated fruit that the black fig, dried cherry and blackberry seem to tumble over each other... Full review

Roger Voss: Bold tannins, rich wood flavors and equally rich black fruits have produced a powerful wine. Its richness and concentration are going to yield an impressive wine as it develops. Drink... Full review

Jim Gordon: Crisp and tangy, this light- to medium-bodied wine offers tones of citrus, green apple and a touch of tropical fruit. It is smooth and easy to enjoy.

Anne Krebiehl MW: A touch of green-pear peel is all the nose gives away. The palate comes in with proper savoriness where yeast, dried yarrow and citrus pith figure. This is fresh but... Full review

Matt Kettmann: Freshly crushed blackberry, leafy herbs, charred meat and a hint of oak show on the nose of this value blend of 65% Grenache, 33% Syrah and 2% Mourvèdre. It's fresh... Full review

Michael Schachner: Pulpy, grapy berry aromas are moderately concentrated. This blend of Garnacha, Carignan and three other red grapes feels grabby and pulpy, while flavors of blackberry and raspberry are slightly minty... Full review

Christina Pickard: Ripe plums and red berries are followed by licorice, flowers and tarmac aromas. The palate is plump and rich, with a vice-like grip of savory, woody, tight-grained tannins, lifted acidity... Full review

Lauren Buzzeo: There are lovely top notes of sweet smoke, hickory-cured bacon and sweet cedar grounded by rich, ripe red cherry, raspberry and mulberry throughout this wine. It's smooth and slightly creamy... Full review

Jim Gordon: This is a rich style of Chardonnay that shows pear and apple aromas, with vanilla and butter flavors. The palate offers a good balance of ripeness and natural acidity. It's... Full review

Anna Lee C. Iijima: While the nose is demure, the palate of this medium-bodied white offers loads of fresh white grapefruit, peach and apricot flavors. Made from a blend of Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Ugni... Full review

Jim Gordon: This exuberant wine is packed with expressive fruit aromas and irresistible flavors that range from cherry to black plum and blackberry. No noticeable oak gets in the way of the... Full review

Roger Voss: The ripe, creamy character of Alvarinho from the Monção and Melgaço subregion of Vinho Verde gives this wine a smooth character that is sharpened by touches of minerality. It is... Full review

Sean P. Sullivan: The aromas are vibrant, with notes of tangerine peel, lime zest and jasmine. It drinks medium sweet, with plentiful stone fruit and citrus flavors, with zippy acidity on the finish.... Full review

Jim Gordon: This can of bubbles offers a lot of Chardonnay character in the apple and pear aromas and a lightly toasty vanilla accent. The flavors are layered but light and the... Full review

Jim Gordon: This medium- to full-bodied wine is one of the best values in Pinot today. It shows classic black and red-cherry aromas, a broad palate of dark fruits and light oak... Full review