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Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2022

Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2022
Photography by Joel Goldberg and Prop Styling by Charlotte Havelange Photography by Joel Goldberg and Prop Styling by Charlotte Havelange

Choosing the 100 most collectible, age-worthy wines of the year was not exactly a chore. In fact, Wine Enthusiast editors found that picking the Top 100 Cellar Selections this year was a dream job—like creating a restaurant wine list on an unlimited budget. Go for the classic, proven collectibles of Europe and the New World and then sprinkle in some terrific discoveries from around the globe, confident that they will age well and make any wine lover happy.

To be considered for this honor, the wines must have been among the top-rated of those identified already as ageable Cellar Selections by our team of reviewers during the blind tastings they conducted throughout the past 12 months.

We easily found dozens of truly world-class, proven collectibles: the top, heavy-hitting, most consistent, trusted wines of the world, whose track records speak for themselves. These picks, starting with Louis Roederer 2014 Cristal Champagne at No. 1, and the original Super Tuscan, Tenuta San Guido’s Sassicaia at No. 2, represent about two thirds of the 100.

The rest of the list shines a light on age-worthy wines that are not so well-known but deserve to be. Many of these are from newer wineries, lesser-known regions and grape varieties and range in price from as low as $28 to about $100. To be clear, all Top 100 Cellar Selections are good investments in drinking pleasure, no matter what the price.

Stocking stellar wines from our list will guarantee you have something exceptional on hand to drink at that next special occasion, without having to rush out and shop. More importantly, if you can wait to pull the cork until the wine has had time to mature, you will experience a whole new dimension of wine appreciation.

Click here for a downloadable PDF of Top Cellar Selections of 2022.

Were you named in this list? Congrats! Learn more about reprints, badge licensing, plaques, posters and other opportunities here.

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.

Anna Lee C. Iijima: Soapy green-floral aromas and ripe white peach and lemon flavors mark this blend of Müller‐Thurgau, Silvaner, Riesling, Scheurebe and Ortega grapes. It's an uncomplicated, fleshy wine that unabashedly fruity and... Full review

Mike DeSimone: Medium straw to the eye, this wine has aromas of grapefruit and cut grass. Flavors of apple, peach, vanilla and toast wind down to a soft floral finish.

Jim Gordon: Good, direct berry flavors and a medium to full body make this a hearty, fruity wine. Blackberries, black grapes and light baking spices make a pleasant combination.

Paul Gregutt: In an eco-friendly box wine format that holds the equivalent of two regular bottles, this brings the price down to about as low as you will find for any vintage-dated... Full review

Michael Schachner: This brut Cava offers a standard mouthfeel and solid overall balance. Yeast, apple and green melon flavors finish with a creamy note of cultured butter.

Kerin O’Keefe: Aromas of dark-skinned fruit, spice and underbrush lead the way. The straightforward palate offers black plum, white pepper and clove alongside pliant tannins. Drink soon.


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


Jesica Vargas: This light to medium-bodied red opens with peppercorn and blackberry aromas. Soft tannins and moderate acidity frame the sweet notes of ripe black fruit flavors on the palate. It finishes... Full review

Sean P. Sullivan: Generous, very varietal aromas of fresh melon, pear and apple lead to a crisp palate with a lot of fruit flavor. There's much to enjoy.

Jeff Jenssen: This wine is light straw-colored with aromas of lemon zest and apple blossom. The palate expresses flavors of melon, apple and cantaloupe.

Roger Voss: This is a smoky, spicy, wood flavored wine that also has plenty of ripe black fruits. As the wine develops and is smoothed by the wood aging, it will develop... Full review

Mike DeSimone: With a fresh nose of grapefruit, lemon and just-mowed grass, this wine dances on the tongue with flavors of toasted pineapple, white peach and white flowers. There is a touch... Full review

Kerin O’Keefe: This savory rosato has delicate aromas of wild red berries, Spanish broom and wild herbs. On the bright palate, tangy acidity accompanies red cherry, pomegranate and a hint of white... Full review

Jesica Vargas: Herbs and lime appear on the nose of this fresh and lively white. It's medium bodied with vibrant acidity. Citrus and green flavors are intense leading to a lemony finish.... Full review

Kerin O’Keefe: This bright white opens with aromas of white spring flower and white stone fruit. On the refreshing palate, crisp acidity accompanies Granny Smith apple, tangy saline and a hint of... Full review

Matt Kettmann: Light apple flesh and white melon aromas pick up a toasted almond warmth on the easy nose of this bottling. The palate is very straightforward with honeysuckle and light pear... Full review

Jim Gordon: This concentrated, well-balanced and broad-textured wine wraps light tannins around dark plum, black cherry and light oak-spice flavors. A full body and velvety texture make the wine mouthfilling.

Jeff Jenssen: Straw colored in the glass, this dry Hungarian Furmint has aromas of guava, pineapple and quince. In the mouth it is well balanced with flavors of lemon pith, lemon curd... Full review

Anna Lee C. Iijima: Dusty, salty mineral tones cut through tart, juicy streaks of pink grapefruit and lemon in this easy-drinking wine. Just a shade off dry, it's a bang-for-your buck, elegant wine that's... Full review

Sean P. Sullivan: Syrah makes up 44% of this wine, Grenache 25%, Mourvèdre 24% and the rest a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon. It's a very appealing pale copper color with a pink tinge.... Full review

Juicy raspberries and cherries with a touch of spice are featured on the nose of this wine. Ripe cherry, raspberry and cassis bounce off the palate. There is crisp acidity... Full review

Lauren Buzzeo: Spiced plum, raspberry and cherry aromas lead the bouquet of this attractive wine, with top notes of earthy, whole baking spice for added interest. It's ripe and fruity on the... Full review

Roger Voss: This wine comes from an estate owned by the Bortolussi family since the 1950s. The classically rich wine has plenty of the firm Tannat tannins. These are mitigated by perfumed... Full review

Kerin O’Keefe: Lovely aromas of spring wildflowers, stone fruit and botanical herbs form the enticing nose. On the gently foaming palate, fresh acidity and a polished perlage accompany white peach, ripe pear... Full review

Paul Gregutt: This carbonated, easy-drinking fizz is principally Pinot Gris, with small percentages of Riesling and Chardonnay. Apple and lemon meringue flavors are in play, and it's finished dry, though not searingly... Full review

Jesica Vargas: Dried herbs, strawberry and raspberry are combined with dark chocolate on the nose. This is a fresh, full-bodied Malbec with smooth tannins, herbaceous notes, plenty of fruit and toasted oak.... Full review

Lauren Buzzeo: Enticing aromas of ripe red plum, boysenberry and blackberry form the nose of this bright, refreshingly fruit-fueled Cab. It's smooth and satiny on the palate, with more of those ripe... Full review

Jesica Vargas: This red opens with vanilla and nutmeg aromas followed by cherry and red plum. The palate shows intense red fruit flavors with a hint of vanilla. It's balanced with good... Full review

Sean P. Sullivan: Pale peach in color, the aromas offer notes of watermelon, bubble gum, cherry and herb. Fuller flavors follow, with enough acid to stand them up. Light kiwi notes are threaded... Full review

Jeff Jenssen: This light cherry red Bulgarian Pinot Noir has aromas of black cherry and red raspberry with top notes of tobacco and saddle leather. It is soft on entry with flavors... Full review

Mike DeSimone: Pale straw-colored in the glass, this wine has aromas of grapefruit and mountainside brush. It feels good in the mouth, with bright flavors of pineapple, grapefruit, lemon zest and thyme.

Jim Gordon: Very ripe, very deep and moderately tannic, this potent and full-bodied wine oozes dried cherries, dried plums and black-fig flavors over ample, oaky, vanilla and nutmeg notes.

Kerin O’Keefe: Made from organically farmed 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, this features aromas of dark-skinned fruit, underbrush and spice. The lively palate offers blackberry, star anise and black pepper alongside velvety... Full review

Sean P. Sullivan: The aromas bring notes of cornfield, herb and melon. Rounded, fresh, very varietal flavors follow. It's a Chardonnay prototype at a-can't-be-beat price.

Jim Gordon: This rich and oaky wine offers plenty of butterscotch, ginger and nutmeg flavors on a full body. It's very concentrated in flavor and balanced to the soft side.

Alexander Peartree: Ripe aromas of yellow apple, melon and white blossoms mix with a hint of candied banana. It's juicy and gently creamy on the palate, with driven acidity pushing along all... Full review

Roger Voss: Fresh and crisp, this floral wine has bright acidity. The wine's texture is tangy, hinting at spice and lively with tongue-tingling acidity. Drink now.

Christina Pickard: This is a straightforward Riesling with a touch of sweetness and, as the name implies, a wee bit of fizz. Honey, petrol, lime leaf and lavender lead on the nose,... Full review

Jesica Vargas: Blackberry and raspberry aromas are followed by light notes of espresso and chalk. Medium firm tannins and good acidity on the smooth palate. This is a medium-bodied wine with plenty... Full review

Christina Pickard: This is a bright, zippy and balanced Sauvignon for drinking cold in the height of summer. Passionfruit and lime burst from the glass followed by fresh herbs like fennel fronds... Full review

Mike DeSimone: Pale yellow and with a steady column of tiny bubbles, this wine has a nose of nectarine and pear. Flavors of peach and pineapple are joined by light notes of... Full review

Alexander Peartree: Rounded aromas of yellow apple and white peach meet dried field flowers and sun-baked clay in this semidry Riesling that deftly balanced fruit and earth elements. The palate shows a... Full review

Roger Voss: Perfumed and with fine fruit, the wine is full of baked apple fruitiness. Its rounded spicy aftertaste gives the wine complexity and a fine tangy aftertaste. Drink now.

Jesica Vargas: Aromas of lime and grass shape the nose. The palate shows herbaceous and mild citrus fruit flavors alongside light acidity.

Jesica Vargas: Red berry, spice and a light note of licorice show in the glass of this medium-bodied wine. Vanilla blends nicely with bright red-fruit flavors and herbaceous notes on the palate.... Full review

Christina Pickard: This ballerina pink rosé is a balanced and refreshing drop that drinks like a straight SB. The varietal vegetal characters are out in full force on the aromatic nose. Summer... Full review

Anna Lee C. Iijima: Bold streaks of sun-drenched yellow peach and nectarine are accented by hints of saffron and cut stone in this delightfully honeyed white. Semidry in style yet balanced by a piercing... Full review

Matt Kettmann: Crisp aromas of melon, peach and rose petal are doused in an engaging tinge of fresh lime on the nose of this bottling. The palate is very approachable with ripe... Full review

Jesica Vargas: Blackberry, blueberry, and peppercorn aromas on the nose. Light to medium in weight, the palate offers concentrated black fruit flavors and subtle notes of spices alongside nice acidity. It has... Full review

Christina Pickard: Aromas and flavors are subtle and layered, reminiscent of peach skin, lime, grapefruit and jalapeño. There's a roundness to the midpalate and the acidity is bright and well integrated, with... Full review

Paul Gregutt: This medium-sweet wine pays tribute to a style that seems to be vanishing from most “serious” portfolios in favor of the dry Rieslings that can often be more versatile with... Full review

Matt Kettmann: This widely available bottling of a variety that is often made in a watery style is fresh and dynamic on the nose. Aromas convey grass, lime pith, red apple and... Full review

Kerin O’Keefe: Made entirely from Nero d'Avola, this opens with black-skinned berries, eucalyptus and culinary spice aromas. The straightforward palate offers dried black cherry, baking spice and cinnamon alongside smooth tannins. Enjoy... Full review

Matt Kettmann: This widely available wine is worth stocking for midweek enjoyment. Light aromas of lemon, honey, nectarine and crushed white rock lead into a palate of baked apple and lemon juice,... Full review

Jesica Vargas: Aromatic and intense notes of white grapefruit, guava and a hint of asparagus in the glass of this Sauvignon Blanc sourced from Casablanca. The palate is creamy with rich citrus... Full review

Paul Gregutt: This is an exciting new release from a challenging vintage. It's sharp and crisp, packed with white peach and apple fruit backed by vivid acidity. Fresh and inviting, it's a... Full review

Jim Gordon: This medium-bodied wine shows the classic snap peas and fresh herbs in the nose, and tangy citrus and green veggie notes on the palate. A savory, brothy expression sets it... Full review

Kerin O’Keefe: Aromas of dark-skinned fruit, cedar and underbrush emerge from the glass. The polished, easy-drinking palate offers black plum, star anise and clove alongside smooth tannins. Drink through 2025.

Matt Kettmann: Fresh red fruit and dark wood spice aromas make for a very approachable and familiar nose on this widely available bottling. There's decent heft to the palate, where soft tannins... Full review

Jesica Vargas: Full bodied and balanced, this red opens with aromas of rose petals, plum, and struck match. The palate features concentrated blackberry, plums and meaty flavors with just enough acidity to... Full review

Jim Gordon: Beautiful, fresh fruit flavors light up this no-nonsense wine, delivering the varietal's classic red and black cherries, along with light cinnamon nuances and a good, lightly tannic texture. It's easy... Full review

Christina Pickard: Youthful and fruity, this perfumed wine opens with juicy lemon and lime, peach skins and chalky dust, underscored by green herbal notes. The palate is round and lightly creamy with... Full review

Sean P. Sullivan: The aromas provide plenty of appeal, with notes lime leaf, herb, peach and jasmine. Off-dry-drinking stone-fruit flavors follow. There's pleasing acidity throughout.

Anna Lee C. Iijima: Crisp Asian-pear and yellow-apple flavors abound in this bright-fruited Riesling. There's just a whisper of sweetness here lending richness to a svelte palate framed by streaks of tart tangerine acidity... Full review

Alexander Peartree: Perfumed aromas of lemon thyme, citrus peels, crushed stone and pink grapefruit show incredible lift on the nose. Loads of upfront acidity propel a river of fruit and earth flavors... Full review

Kerin O’Keefe: Delicately scented, this offers aromas suggesting spring blossom and white stone fruit. Made with organic grapes, the linear, savory palate offers juicy white peach, ripe yellow pear and fennel seed... Full review

Kerin O’Keefe: Aromas of violet and strawberry follow over the dry, juicy palate along with raspberry compote and blood orange. Bright acidity keeps it vibrant and refreshing while small, continuous bubbles create... Full review

Christina Pickard: The latest release of this value white blend consists of Roussanne, Marsanne and Chardonnay. It's aromatic and fruity, with fresh tropical fruit, peach and lemon backed by flowers and oyster... Full review

Kerin O’Keefe: Made with organically grown grapes, this lightly hued, polished sparkler opens with delicate aromas of violet, red berries and a hint of bread dough. Elegant and vibrant, the dry palate... Full review

Perfumed floral aromas, this wine is elegant in the glass. Black currant, blueberries, dried thyme and cassis on the palate; complex with round medium tannins and well balanced acid.

Jim Gordon: Generous aromas and flavors of white peaches, fennel-bulb slices and a touch of vanilla give this medium-bodied and well-balanced wine plenty to appreciate.

Roger Voss: Venturing out of DFJ's usual Lisboa region, this wine from the Douro has plenty of structure and a fine mineral undertone. Thanks to its ripe black fruits, the wine is... Full review

Jim Gordon: This warm, generous and rounded wine has a relaxed, broad texture embracing mulled plums, cherries and subtle vanilla and cinnamon notes. Full in body and light in tannins, it's easy... Full review

Christina Pickard: From the warm, inland Riverland of South Australia, this is a surprisingly fresh tipple. While the cherry, black-currant and black-licorice candy notes suggest ripeness, the wine also has lifted acidity... Full review

Jim Gordon: This full-bodied yet well-balanced and smooth-textured wine fills the bill nicely with concentrated black-fruit flavors, mouthfilling body and soothing, velvety tannins.

Jim Gordon: This nicely ripe yet well-balanced wine delivers the classic apples and pears accented by lightly toasted oak, nutmeg and a touch of balsam. It is complex, nicely layered and deftly... Full review

Roger Voss: Dense with rich tannins, this wine shows off black fruits and a powerful structure. With its concentration and succulent acidity and texture, the wine is set to age further. Drink... Full review

Sean P. Sullivan: Appealing aromas of blueberry, blackberry, smoked meat and herb lead to savory and blue fruit flavors. The palate shows intensity, layering and depth, leading to a long, flower-filled finish, bringing... Full review

Roger Voss: This vineyard in Douro Superior has produced fruit for a fine, full-bodied and structured wine. With its black fruits, firm tannins and concentration, the wine will age. Drink from 2024.

Jim Gordon: This serious, dark and tannic wine is nevertheless sleek and well-balanced. It emphasizes blackberry, wood char and 90% cacao flavors, so it's slightly on the grippy, bitter side, but shows... Full review

Jim Gordon: This light, delicate and well-balanced wine offers fresh strawberry and raspberry flavors, a nice touch of crisp acidity and a lingering, fruity finish.

Lauren Buzzeo: Pungent and fruity from first sniff, this white leads with aromas of mango, peach and melon that are kissed with a spray of lime juice. It's light on the palate,... Full review

Mike DeSimone: This dark garnet wine has aromas of black cherry, caramel and violet. It is very smooth in the mouth, with velvety tannins, flavors of blackberry, raspberry, butterscotch, lavender and juniper... Full review

Sean P. Sullivan: This wine is consistently one of the best values in the world, and the latest vintage does not disappoint. The aromas enchant, with notes of Nestea Lemon Iced Tea, peach,... Full review

Alexander Peartree: Ripe pineapple and mango aromas meld with sunny lemon and iced-tea accents on the nose. It's luscious and juicy on the palate, with loads of creamy tropical fruit flavors met... Full review

Kerin O’Keefe: Red berry, baking spice and floral notes recalling violet waft out of the glass. On the dry, tangy palate, fresh acidity accompanies juicy red cherry, strawberry and white pepper notes.

Jim Gordon: Ripe green apples and a touch of citrus give this medium-bodied wine a good core of fruit flavor, while a tangy balance and smooth texture make it very pleasant to... Full review

Roger Voss: A complete wine, this offers balanced tannins and smoky dark fruits. Acidity and spice from wood aging add to the complexity and potential. Drink this wine from 2023.

Jim Gordon: Delicate aromas of Anjou pear and lemon blossom lead to juicy, crisp and vivid green-apple and lemon-lime flavors in this well-balanced and refreshing wine.

Jim Gordon: An earthy, doughy aroma shows how fresh this wine is, before revealing layered, indulgent flavors of raspberry syrup, blackberry jam and dark chocolate that coat the mouth. With a full... Full review

Mike DeSimone: With persistent bubbles in the glass and aromas of green pear, hazelnut and almond blossom, this sparkling wine has flavors of Granny Smith apple, baking bread, toasted nuts and jasmine.... Full review

Christina Pickard: Despite being Yalumba's entry-level Viognier, this is one of its most delicious white offerings. Highly aromatic, it wafts a perfume of honeysuckle, orchard blossom and fuzzy peach skin. The palate... Full review

Jesica Vargas: This wine shows great varietal typicity with an aromatic nose of geranium flower, white peach and citrus fruit. It has nice acidity with subtle herbaceous notes and green apple, linden... Full review

Mike DeSimone: This deep-hued rosé has a bouquet of green apple and strawberry with a dusting of dried hillside herbs. It is full in the mouth, with flavors of tangerine, lemon sorbet,... Full review

Jim Gordon: An attractive, toasty aroma and a good sense of maturity give extra flavor emphasis to this mouth-filling, smooth and well-balanced wine. Its hints of toasted almond, freshly baked bread and... Full review

Jim Gordon: Nicely concentrated mineral, citrus and light herb flavors are energized by good, snappy acidity in this super well-balanced and mouth-watering wine.

Anna Lee C. Iijima: A blend of 67% Syrah and 33% Mourvèdre sourced from vineyards outside of Marseille, this is a svelte yet juicy wine packed with crisp raspberry, nectarine and apricot flavors. Pale... Full review

Jim Gordon: This full-bodied wine leads with bold new-oak aromas of grilled bread, wood char and butter, followed by luscious, ripe pear and vanilla flavors accented with toasted almonds. It's an unapologetic,... Full review

Matt Kettmann: This is a rather meaty, substantial wine for a fair price. Aromas of boysenberry, elderberry, roast beef and violet lead into a thick palate of cassis, more violet and pleasant... Full review