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January 8, 2025

A First Look at Our Editors’ Most Exciting New Wines

France

Margaux

chateau-rauzan-seglamargaux Label
chateau-rauzan-seglamargaux Label
96 points | $114 | Red

This is dreamy, with deliciously juicy mulberry and blackberry puree flavors that stream through, carried by a vivid mix of iris, violet and anise, along with a long, well-embedded iron note. As this airs in the glass, it gains a caressing feel and greater depth, ending with a long echo of warm earth. Beautifully done. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2026 through 2042.—J.M.

chateau-cantenac-brownmargaux Label
chateau-cantenac-brownmargaux Label
95 points | $59 | 9,000 cases made | Red

Another beautifully rendered expression of the vintage, this marries lush boysenberry and blackberry fruit with fresh violet and iris notes, then stitches it all up gently with warm earth on the stylish, lengthy finish. It's hard to lay off already, but cellaring is warranted. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2038. —J.M.

chateau-giscoursmargaux Label
chateau-giscoursmargaux Label
95 points | $68 | 15,000 cases made | Red

Warmed cassis and plum notes form the core, while lilting lilac, violet and iris accents stream throughout. Offers a flash of black tea on the finish, along with a beguiling, cashmerelike mouthfeel. Judicious toast lets it all play out beautifully. A pitch-perfect example of the vintage profile. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2040. —J.M.

chateau-kirwanmargaux Label
chateau-kirwanmargaux Label
94 points | $60 | 700 cases imported | Red

This is flush with blackberry and mulberry reduction flavors, inlaid with violet, iris and ink notes. The inky edge adds a sense of tension through the finish, with snippets of iron, rose hip and black tea mixed in through the long, focused finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2026 through 2040. —J.M.

chateau-marquis-d-alesme-beckermargaux Label
chateau-marquis-d-alesme-beckermargaux Label
94 points | $55 | 4,000 cases made | Red

Broad and velvety in feel, this delivers a steady wave of blackberry and black cherry reduction supported by a light graphite spine. Infused through the finish with warm earth, violet and dark tobacco notes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2038. —J.M.

chateau-marquis-de-termemargaux Label
chateau-marquis-de-termemargaux Label
94 points | $51 | 10,000 cases made | Red

Lush in its fruit, with waves of dark currant and blackberry reduction, this also shows form thanks to alder, tobacco and savory accents providing cut, while rose hip and dried violet notes add lift. Offers a long, smoldering finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2026 through 2040. —J.M.

chateau-siranmargaux Label
chateau-siranmargaux Label
94 points | $40 | 2,000 cases imported | Red

Hibiscus and iris accents are infused liberally throughout a core of mulberry and blackberry puree in this version. Black tea and sanguine hints add range on the fleshy finish, which ends with a lovely sweet cedar echo. Textbook for the AOC and the vintage. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2040. —J.M.

These wines are the Wine Spectator editors’ picks of the top scorers, great values, famous names and rising stars from their latest tastings! Subscribe to Wine Spectator Online and get Insider Weekly included for the first look!

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California

Chardonnay

aubertchardonnay-napa-sugar-shack Label
aubertchardonnay-napa-sugar-shack Label
96 points | $110 | 645 cases made | White

A rich, bold and mesmerizing Chardonnay, with tangerine, orange blossom and candied ginger notes up front. Nutmeg, cinnamon candy and peach preserves, along with marmalade, honeycomb and toasted sesame seeds, add complexity, creating a long, compelling finish, with a fresh thread of acidity weaving in and out. Drink now through 2035. —M.W.

black-kitechardonnay-sonoma-coast-jasper-freestone Label
black-kitechardonnay-sonoma-coast-jasper-freestone Label
95 points | $85 | 193 cases made | White

An intense version, offering a generous mix of succulent lemon curd, dried mango and coconut cream. Shows mouthwatering acidity and fresh focus, with lime sherbet and candied orange peel notes. Details of lemon basil, ruby grapefruit syrup and tangerine juice gain momentum on the long, lush finish. Drink now through 2034. —M.W.

firetreechardonnay-napa-valley-los-carneros-bunny-hills-single-vineyard Label
firetreechardonnay-napa-valley-los-carneros-bunny-hills-single-vineyard Label
95 points | $49 | 374 cases made | White

Complex and memorable, offering a seamless mix of tangerine, lemon curd, dried pineapple, perfumed lemon balm and salted butter shortbread notes, with a burnt sugar orange spice hint, all on a silky, smooth frame, while acidity weaves in and out. The finish is long and adds savory details of tarragon and sea salt. Drink now through 2035. —M.W.

cattleyachardonnay-russian-river-valley-the-temptress Label
cattleyachardonnay-russian-river-valley-the-temptress Label
94 points | $75 | 185 cases made | White

Smooth and sleek, with an aromatic note of fresh citrus zest giving way to white peach, pear and fresh apple flavors. Details of freshly grated ginger, white tea, sea salt and lemon blossoms add delicate grace notes, leaving an effortless impression on the long finish. Drink now. —M.W.

hartford-courtchardonnay-mendocino-ridge-dupratt-vineyard Label
hartford-courtchardonnay-mendocino-ridge-dupratt-vineyard Label
94 points | $75 | 101 cases made | White

An impressive version, offering a firm and compact mix of peach, tangerine, mango and grilled Meyer lemon flavors, with details of salted butterscotch, orange blossoms and white tea that expand on the finish, which is long, broad and fresh. Drink now. —M.W.

martinellichardonnay-russian-river-valley-martinelli-road-vineyard Label
martinellichardonnay-russian-river-valley-martinelli-road-vineyard Label
94 points | $62 | 223 cases made | White

Bold and stylish, offering flavors of grilled pineapple, peach preserves, apricot and mango puree at the core, with details of nutmeg, dried lemon verbena, orange blossoms and wild fennel, plus notes of toast and toasted green tea on the finish. Drink now through 2035. —M.W.

martinellichardonnay-russian-river-valley-zio-tony-ranch-vineyard Label
martinellichardonnay-russian-river-valley-zio-tony-ranch-vineyard Label
94 points | $62 | 350 cases made | White

A bold version, with a rich mix of toasted marshmallow, coconut and brioche that mingles with pineapple, peach and baked apple flavors. Despite the richness, there's a fresh thread of acidity, plus a touch of salted butter shortbread and a hint of dried ginger on the long finish. Drink now. —M.W.

paul-hobbschardonnay-russian-river-valley-edward-james-estate Label
paul-hobbschardonnay-russian-river-valley-edward-james-estate Label
94 points | $95 | 490 cases made | White

A complex, bold expression, with fresh flavors of pear, apple and Meyer lemon alongside details of spices, vanilla and toasted brioche. There's a compelling mix of rich notes of marmalade and candied ginger as well as sleek, fresh acidity and crisp fruit flavors. Drink now through 2037. —M.W.

Italy

Barolo

g-b-burlottobarolo-monvigliero Label
g-b-burlottobarolo-monvigliero Label
95 points | $155 | 220 cases imported | Red

Alluring aromas of macerated cherry, licorice, lavender and Indian spices introduce this compelling red. Silky in texture and elegant, with flashes of green olive, cardamom and graphite on the long aftertaste. Offers terrific harmony and complexity. Best from 2027 through 2042. —B.S.

giovanni-rossobarolo-del-comune-di-serralunga-d-alba Label
giovanni-rossobarolo-del-comune-di-serralunga-d-alba Label
95 points | $75 | 175 cases imported | Red

Macerated cherry, raspberry, rose, anise, menthol and iron flavors are the hallmarks of this expressive red. Lively and multifaceted, with a long aftertaste echoing the fruit, savory and mineral elements. Approachable now with decanting but better in two to three years. Best from 2027 through 2047. —B.S.

azeliabarolo-bricco-voghera-riserva Label
azeliabarolo-bricco-voghera-riserva Label
94 points | $288 | 80 cases imported | Red

At 10 years, this Barolo is starting to settle down and reveal its potential. Cherry, raspberry, plum, earth and eucalyptus aromas and flavors ride a solid base of tannins and vivid acidity. Balanced and long, with earth, iron and tobacco notes lingering. Nonetheless, this is still a bit awkward initially, opening nicely with about a half hour of aeration, so decant now or age for a few more years. Best from 2026 through 2042. —B.S.

giovanni-rossobarolo-serra Label
giovanni-rossobarolo-serra Label
94 points | $160 | 750 cases imported | Red

There's a tug of war between the cherry and raspberry fruit and flavors of eucalyptus and pine in this taut, linear red. The tannins mesh nicely with the texture, and this is beginning to settle down, with flashes of mint and iron on the lingering finish. Best from 2026 through 2043. —B.S.

France

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

bosquet-des-papeschateauneuf-du-pape-a-la-gloire-de-mon-grand-pere Label
bosquet-des-papeschateauneuf-du-pape-a-la-gloire-de-mon-grand-pere Label
95 points | $90 | Red

A stunning, concentrated red, with a deep well of juicy cherry and raspberry coulis firmed up by crushed, chalky mineral energy and juniper and black licorice details. Smoky incense and freshness bring finesse despite the weight. The tannins are silky and pure. Oak sits nicely in the backdrop, allowing the purity of fruit and graphite power to shine. Best from 2026 through 2042.—K.B.

bosquet-des-papeschateauneuf-du-pape-chante-le-merle-vieilles-vignes Label
bosquet-des-papeschateauneuf-du-pape-chante-le-merle-vieilles-vignes Label
95 points | $80 | Red

A seductive, smoky red, with real depth to its savory character. The dried strawberry leather and crunchy cherry fruit profile remains fresh and vibrant, studded with sanguine notes of smoked meat and dusty earth layered atop smoldering iron. The tannins are sculpted to a fine grain, bringing elegance to the texture. Delicious now, this has years ahead for those with the patience to cellar. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2026 through 2040.—K.B.

domaine-du-vieux-telegraphechateauneuf-du-pape-la-crau Label
domaine-du-vieux-telegraphechateauneuf-du-pape-la-crau Label
95 points | $129 | 1,636 cases imported | Red

This red offers an alluring perfume of red currant and dried cherry that’s followed by earth tones of warm chestnut, wet leaves, brown bread and pepper, all built upon a plank of solid iron. There's a bloody, meaty edge to the palate, which is still tightly wound up by fine, persistent tannins. Incense smoke and mineral notes bounce along the lengthy finish. Elegant in spite of its weight and stature. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. Drink now through 2042. —K.B.

m-chapoutierchateauneuf-du-pape-barbe-rac Label
m-chapoutierchateauneuf-du-pape-barbe-rac Label
95 points | $130 | 10 cases imported | Red

A beautiful, harmonious red, salty and rich, with saucisson and grilled herbs infusing red currant and red brick dust on a round, mouthfilling palate. Warm mocha and lavender add to the complexity, with the stunning texture the star of the show. Offers leafy elegance and a refreshing kick of menthol on the finish. Excellent. Drink now through 2038. —K.B.

chateau-la-nerthechateauneuf-du-pape-cuvee-des-cadettes Label
chateau-la-nerthechateauneuf-du-pape-cuvee-des-cadettes Label
94 points | $180 | 50 cases imported | Red

Ripe, expressive and concentrated, with plum pudding and baked fig supported by firming mineral notes and tight tannins. A warm dusting of Christmas spices adds to the opulence, yet the inner density shows the mineral energy to match the broad frame and richness. Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah. Best from 2026 through 2038. —K.B.

lucien-andre-brunelchateauneuf-du-pape-les-cailloux Label
lucien-andre-brunelchateauneuf-du-pape-les-cailloux Label
94 points | $70 | 630 cases imported | Red

Decidedly savory, with tugs of tar, dried sausage and warm soil surrounding plum, melted licorice and anise. Lifted and smooth, with gentle tannins paving the silky finish. Shows depth without heaviness, while sandalwood smoke drifts from beginning to end. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Best from 2026 through 2038. —K.B.

brottechateauneuf-du-pape-domaine-barville Label
brottechateauneuf-du-pape-domaine-barville Label
93 points | $45 | 300 cases imported | Red

A showy, enticing red, with melted licorice draped over linzer torte, black pepper and rooibos tea. Suave, with black tea tannins holding a gentle but solid grip, while bolts of iron keep this grounded. Approachable now, this will only improve with time in bottle. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2026 through 2038. —K.B.

clos-du-mont-olivetchateauneuf-du-pape Label
clos-du-mont-olivetchateauneuf-du-pape Label
93 points | $55 | 1,000 cases imported | Red

An extroverted style, with sweet, ripe chocolate-covered cherry and kirsch on a plush, generous frame. Leafy notes add an earthy dimension, while ballasts of iron keep everything firmly anchored. Shows pretty incense smoke threads through the lush, warm finish, with violet high tones. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise, Vaccarèse, Terret, Picpoul and Muscardin. Drink now through 2035. —K.B.

value pick of the week
California
Value Pick of the Week
joel-gottsauvignon-blanc-california Label

JOEL GOTT

Sauvignon Blanc California 2023

91 points | $12 | 131,000 cases made | White

Tasting Note: Expressive and distinctive, showing plump flavors of Key lime pie, with apricot, peach and ripe melon notes. Freshly grated ginger, candied green apple and lemon verbena linger on the sleek, juicy finish. Drink now. —M.W.

Hot Wines

These are the most exciting discoveries from our editors’ most recent tastings, published exclusively in Wine Spectator Insider. They are high-scoring wines from around the world that may be difficult to find, but are worth seeking out.

California & France

aubertchardonnay-carneros-larry-hyde-sons Label
aubertchardonnay-carneros-larry-hyde-sons Label
97 points | $100 | 632 cases made | White
United States

Offers a bold mix of power and elegance, displaying generous flavors of mango puree, grilled pineapple, peach cobbler and marmalade, with details of lemon mint, marzipan and wild sage, plus spice notes of nutmeg and cardamom. The vibrant acidity, supple texture and crescendo of flavors on the finish make this a memorable wine. Drink now through 2036. From California.—M.W.

chateau-palmermargaux Label
chateau-palmermargaux Label
97 points | $397 | 8,000 cases made | Red
France

Expressive and well-delineated, with singed iris, ink and alder accents leading off, followed by dark currant, blackberry and black cherry paste flavors that are both lush and racy in feel. Warm paving stone and dark tobacco gird the finish, which has ample structure for the cellar, Shows the floral lift and showy fruit of the vintage married to a growl of real terroir. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2050. From France.—J.M.

chateau-malescot-st-exuperymargaux Label
chateau-malescot-st-exuperymargaux Label
96 points | $69 | 8,364 cases made | Red
France

A flat-out stunner, with waves of blackberry, black currant and plum that tumble through like crumpled velvet, while the vintage's telltale iris/violet gilding weaves throughout. There's a long tug of warm humus and a deftly inlaid alder smoke accent as well. Seriously long, with the fruit providing a steady grip. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2042. From France. —J.M.

clos-des-papeschateauneuf-du-pape Label
clos-des-papeschateauneuf-du-pape Label
96 points | $140 | Red
France

A richly styled, opulent Châteauneuf that offers a streamlined cascade of ripe cherry, licorice root and toasted chestnut. Mineral energy keeps this powering long distance, with a smoldering foundation of iron. Starts off silky in feel, with a caressing texture quickly firmed up by fine tannins that hold real power. Wet soil and baking spices detail the long, winding finish. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2026 through 2042. From France.—K.B.

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Wine Spectator's 100-Point Scale

95 - 100
Classic
80 - 84
Good
90 - 94
Outstanding
75 - 79
Mediocre
85 - 89
Very Good
50 - 74
Not Recommended

Our Editorial Team

Marvin R. Shanken Editor and Publisher

Bruce Sanderson Senior editor, New York

Joined Wine Spectator in 1993. Tasting beats: Burgundy, Piedmont, Tuscany

James Molesworth Senior editor and special projects director, New York

Joined Wine Spectator in 1997. Tasting beats: California Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, Bordeaux, Port

MaryAnn Worobiec Senior editor and bureau chief, Napa

Joined Wine Spectator in 1997. Tasting beats: California Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, Australia, New Zealand

Alison Napjus Senior editor and tasting director, New York

Joined Wine Spectator in 2000. Tasting beats: Italy, Spain, Champagne, South Africa

Tim Fish Senior editor, Napa

Joined Wine Spectator in 2001. Tasting beats: California Zinfandel and Merlot, Oregon, Washington, U.S. sparkling wines

Aaron Romano Senior editor, Napa

Joined Wine Spectator in 2012. Tasting beats: Argentina and Chile

Kristen Bieler Senior Editor, New York

Joined Wine Spectator in 2021. Tasting beats: Rhône Valley and other France, Germany, Austria

Wine Spectator's 100-Point Scale

95 - 100
Classic
90 - 94
Outstanding
80 - 84
Good
75 - 79
Mediocre
85 - 89
Very Good
50 - 74
Not Recommended