As we move into 2023, the world of wine continues to evolve, with new wineries and regions emerging and established producers continuing to refine their craft. With so many wines to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to begin. In this article, we’ll review some of the top wines of 2023, exploring the best bottles from around the world and highlighting what makes each one so special.

Reviewing the Top Wines of 2023

1. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley is known around the world for its Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2023 is no exception. This full-bodied red is rich and complex, with notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, and vanilla. The best Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons are aged in oak barrels, which give the wine a subtle smokiness and hints of spice. Look for wines from established producers such as Silver Oak, Caymus, and Joseph Phelps.

2. Burgundy Pinot Noir

Burgundy is another region famous for its wine, and Pinot Noir is the grape variety that reigns supreme here. Burgundy Pinot Noir is a delicate and elegant wine, with notes of cherry, raspberry, and earth. The best examples come from Grand Cru vineyards, such as Chambertin and Clos de Vougeot. Look for wines from producers such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Armand Rousseau, and Domaine Leroy.

3. Rioja Tempranillo

Spain’s Rioja region is home to some of the world’s best Tempranillo wines. These red wines are medium-bodied with notes of red fruit, leather, and tobacco. Rioja Tempranillos are aged in oak barrels, which give the wine a subtle smokiness and vanilla notes. Look for wines from established producers such as Marqués de Riscal, CVNE, and López de Heredia.

4. Oregon Pinot Noir

Oregon’s cool climate is ideal for producing elegant and complex Pinot Noir wines. These wines are medium-bodied with notes of cherry, cranberry, and earth. Oregon Pinot Noirs are often aged in French oak barrels, which give the wine a subtle spiciness and vanilla notes. Look for wines from producers such as Domaine Serene, Beaux Frères, and Penner-Ash.

5. Mosel Riesling

Germany’s Mosel region is known for producing some of the world’s best Riesling wines. These white wines are light-bodied with notes of citrus, green apple, and petrol. Mosel Rieslings are often aged in stainless steel tanks, which preserve the wine’s freshness and fruitiness. Look for wines from producers such as Dr. Loosen, Joh. Jos. Prüm, and Egon Müller.

Conclusion

There are many great wines to explore in 2023, from the bold Cabernet Sauvignons of Napa Valley to the delicate Pinot Noirs of Burgundy. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of wine, there’s never been a better time to discover what the world’s best wineries have to offer.

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Since you made it here…Interesting Wines to try

2019 Bouchaine Hyde Vineyard Merlot Carneros – Napa Valley

• The legendary Hyde Vineyard unveils a brilliantly structured Merlot
• Ripe tannins dominate, yet irresistibly approachable in its early evolution
• Sarsaparilla, cola spice, and cigar humidor dance with black licorice
• Layers of plum sauce, blackberries, cassis, and black raspberries unfold
• Scrubby herbs emerge with perky acidity, keeping the experience lively
• Immerse yourself in the world of wine with Hyde Vineyard’s masterpiece
• Elevate your tasting experience with this captivating Merlot

2019 Chappellet Merlot Napa Valley

• Inky richness, bursting with toasty cacao, espresso, and grilled vanilla
• Silky mouthfeel framed by sweet, integrating tannins
• Spiced plums, cassis, and bright acidity lingering through a blueberry-kissed finish

2019 Cuvaison Arcilla Merlot Los Carneros – Napa Valley

• Pure evocation of strawberries with evolving tea-like tannins
• Flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, and smashed blueberry
• Notably savory with hints of carob, mineral, black licorice, and plum sauce layers

2019 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley

• A beautiful expression with sweet tannins and well-integrated oak spicing
• Hoisin sauce, cassis, violets, and candied orange peels
• Sandalwood, floral peppercorns, espresso beans, warm vanilla, and loam

2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Estate-grown brilliance structured for mid-term aging
• Ripe red berry fruit and cherries finding counterpoints in dusty tannins and carob
• Minerality pulsing through each sip, delivering a brilliant wine experience

2019 La Jota Vineyard Co. Howell Mountain Estate MerlotNapa Valley

• A classic effort from winemaker Chris Carpenter with astounding mountain-grown grapes
• Age-worthy tannins allowing notes of licorice, granite, cacao nibs, and well-steeped tea to shine
• Cardamom and violets lingering through the long, elegant finish

2020 Macari Vineyards Merlot North Fork of Long Island

• A spicy and fascinating expression, dominated by crushed peppercorns
• Remarkably translucent, revealing red cherries, raspberries, and toasted fennel seeds with oak spice

2018 Meeker Winemakers’ Handprint Collection Merlot Sonoma County

• Lifted and well-delineated, expressive of black raspberries, ripe cherries, and goji berries
• Loamy earthiness, sarsaparilla-dusted tannins, and a bay-leaf note creating an intriguing wine experience
• Elegant yet powerful, structured for cellaring or enjoying now with grilled meat

2019 Mt. Brave Merlot Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley

• Toasty, rich, and brooding, a wine rewarding patience
• Notes of blackberry liqueur, kirsch, cassis, purple plums, and cardamom promising complexity
• Impressive balance and structure with graphite-like tannins and singed laurel nuances

2019 Northstar Premier Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington

• Velvety texture, ripe with a counterbalancing punch of acidity
• Crushed blackberries and mulberries, vanilla, clove, and toasty oak through the finish
• A stellar example of what the wine variety does best in the Columbia Valley

2019 PlumpJack Estate Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• A toasty, modern, crowd-pleasing beauty with rich, chocolatey notes
• Plums, blackberries, and cassis lifted by candied violets
• Aging potential of five to seven years, but delightful fruitiness makes it enjoyable now

2019 Ridge Vineyards Estate Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains

• Shining with the character of the venerable Monte Bello Vineyard
• Cedar, incense, brambly berries, elegant balance, and beautifully calibrated acidity
• Promising another ten to fifteen years of life ahead

2019 Rutherford Hill Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• Silky and herbaceous, less fruit-forward than typical Napa Merlot
• Layers of black and red raspberries, cherries, and chocolate with lively mineral finish
• A solid value delivering a unique wine experience for less than $30

2019 Seavey MerlotNapa Valley

• Estate-grown Merlot marked by toasty oak, cafe mocha notes, and woodsy spices
• Silky tannins, density, and underlying pulse of minerality providing real energy
• A captivating wine experience with impressive aging potential

2020 Seven Hills Winery Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Fruit-forward Merlot from a vineyard planted in the early-1980s
• Underlying bergamot note with nuances of sage, oregano, and cracked peppercorns
• Sweet tannins lingering through flavors of red and purple plums and huckleberries

2018 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Rutherford Estate Vineyards MerlotNapa Valley

• Rich, chocolatey aromas of hoisin sauce and spiced blackberry liqueur
• Balanced acidity with minerality, hint of dried herbs, and fantastic kirsch finish

2019 Vérité La Muse

• One of the most intriguing and appealing new-release Merlots
• A balance of perfume and depth with red currants, raspberries, cherries, plums, graphite, and hints of tobacco and sandalwood