Top 100 - 2015, Varietals
Top 20 International Wines of 2015
Jan
The world of wine is huge and at Wine Spectrum we taste, score, and sell wines from all over. Here are our Top 20 scored wines of 2015 from outside the United States. In this list you will find:
5 Red wines from Italy
4 Red wines from Burgundy
4 Red wines from the Rhone
2 White wines from Burgundy
2 Sparkling wines from Champagne
2 Red wines from Bordeaux
1 Red wine from Slovania
Unlike our Top 100 which was based upon our staff’s ratings during tastings, as well as popularity with our clients, our top varietal countdowns are based purely upon score (In the event of ties, we award the higher ranking to the more popular wine with our clients). We took the thousands of wines that we tasted and narrowed it down to the best of the best.
It’s not just Domestic Reds that we are counting down, take a look at the bottom of this post for full countdown schedule.
*If you are curious on how we tabulate our scores, please see the bottom of this post.
1 – 2006 Remoissenet
White Burgundy | ‘Le Montrachet’ Grand Cru | Inquire Here
Wine Spectrum Rated 98, Wine Advocate 94: Intense citrus, peach and pineapple aromas on the nose with some cedary oak still jutting-out. Supporting notes of chalk dust, burnt match, oatmeal, butterscotch and ginger. Opulent palate boasting a full body and nice viscosity though still very young, tight and difficult to drink at this stage. Crisp acidity. Needs another 2 years or so in bottle at least. Very long finish.
2 – NV Egly Ouriet Brut Rose
Champagne | Grand Cru | Inquire Here
Wine Spectrum Rated 97: One of the most captivating, precise and effortlessly elegant rosé Champagnes in the world—this has no peer in terms of quality, period. Forty-eight months on lees; 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay—aged completely in barrel for the first time. Pale salmon in the glass; red currants, black cherries and a dust of pepper over pink and red roses fill the nose. Ripe and impressively structured, this rose delivers the perfume and poise of a noble red wine but the liquid grace of the finest Champagnes—incredibly long and persistent in the mouth, with hints of licorice and spiced cherries. Disgorged July 2014.
“Egly-Ouriet remains one of Champagne’s leading small growers. From top to bottom these wines impress for their inimitable class. A non-interventionalist approach in the vineyards and cellar, old-vine parcels in top vineyards and long lees-aging are some of the qualities that define these sublime Champagnes.” ~ Antonio Galloni
3 – 2009 Edi Simcic ‘Kolos’
Cuvee | Single Cru Goriska Brda Slovenia | Inquire Here
Wine Spectrum Rated 96+: If one ever desired to challenge Bordeaux in a blind tasting, Aleks’ Kolos would be THE competitor to knock any Bordeaux champion off its pedestal! Bold statement? Hardly – If you have Kolos as your secret weapon. Understanding the supreme pedigree of this transcending wine is simple as one taste vividly displays the entangled, sultry finese of pine oil, cherry liqueur, bilberry and dehydrated blueberries, blended with steeped tea leaves, liquid smoke, cinnamon stick, fern leaf and dirt road minerality. Kolos is truly Slovenian in its purest expression and not in fact at all Bordeaux! 1/3 Merlot, 1/3 Cabernet Sauvignon, 1/3 Cabernet Franc. 100 – 6-PACK CASES MADE
4 – 2008 Oasi degli Angeli ‘Kurni’
Montepulciano | IGT Marche | Inquire Here
Wine Spectrum Rated 96: Montepulciano vines are planted over a large part of central Italy, and it is an authorized variety in 20 of the 95 Italian provinces. But it is widely planted above all in two regions: Abruzzo, where it is the source of the excellent Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, and the Marche, where it is an important component of DOC red wines such as Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno. It is cultivated as well in the regions of Molise and Puglia. Montelpulciano is capable of producing a reliable quantity of mature, deeply colored grapes that result in wines with a healthy level of alcohol and extract. The variety has a large quantity of anthocyanins (the substances that give color to red wine).
Deep, dark black cherry color. Complex bouquet with aromas of ripe black cherry fruits, coffee and leather, and raisins. Smoky, ripe cherry fruits and spice on the palate. Multi-dimensional, with ripe, round tannins and a silky, velvety texture. Perfect balance and great length.
5 – 2013 Gerard Raphet
Red Burgundy | ‘Clos de la Roche’ Grand Cru | Inquire Here
Wine Spectrum Rated 96: Always a more brooding cru, in 2013 this wine shows darker, deeper fruit and lots of earthy nuances, with pin-point balance and serious complexity. Perfumes of warm earth, smoke and warm raspberry sauce; flavors of red/purple fruits mix with peppery spice and earth. A noble cru that will certainly go the long haul in a cool cellar.
Raphet wines are a Burgundy-lover’s Burgundy. They are best appreciated by those already familiar with the light color and earthy flavors of classic Burgundian Pinot Noir. Aromas depart from the traditional Burgundian violets to suggest a potpourri of cinnamon, clove and incense. The wine’s light color and fine texture require a studied attention on behalf of the drinker.
6 – 2010 Chateau Croix de Labrie
Bordeaux | Saint Emilion | Inquire Here
Wine Spectrum Rated 96: This tiny winery produces on average just 280 cases, from three small vineyards. One is next to the winery in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, one is near Pavie, and the third is near Valandraud. All three vineyards total 6.2 acres. The wine is aged 24 months in 100% new oak before bottling. Jean-Luc Thunevin, the proprietor of Valandraud, and Michel Rolland, are the consulting enologists. Chapelle de Labrie is made from younger vines, and is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. 350 cases produced this vintage. Stunning wines for the value!
7 – 2013 Delarche
White Burgundy | ‘Corton-Charlemagne’ Grand Cru | Inquire Here
Wine Spectrum Rated 96: The style of Delarche Burgundy, both red and white, is determined completely by terroir. All of their wines are mineral-rich in the most complex and tantalizing ways, with a luscious core of citrus-spiced fruit. Never superficial, the wines respect the soils that produced them and are slavishly true to them.
The family’s few older vines in this noble grand cru sit at the top of the slope, and deliver fruit that is well-balanced and complex, with a stony, high-altitude edge. The Corton Charlemagne is a gorgeous wine, with a reserved, brooding nose of smoke and citrus; silky and weighty on the palate, with more citrus and peach.
Another characteristic all Delarche wines share is their ability to age gracefully. This isn’t immediately obvious, as so many of his wines are rich and approachable upon release. Yet underneath those smiles lie delicious depths and mysteries just waiting to be discovered years—or even decades later.
8 – 2012 Remoissenet
Burgundy | Clos Vougeot Grand Cru | Inquire Here
Wine Spectrum Rated 95+, Antonio Galloni: The 2012 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru is finely cut and focused to the core. Graphite, crushed rocks, plums and black cherries burst from the glass as the 2012 shows off its energy and intensity. There is a brightness and pure, saline-infused tension I find hugely appealing. The Clos Vougeot is another wine that demands patience.
Antonio Galloni: Remoissenet continues to make massive strides in quality. President Pierre Rovani is one of the most outspoken people in Burgundy. It’s hard to argue with the results Rovani and his all-star team led by General Manager Bernard Repolt, Vineyard Manager Fred Le Prince and Winemaker Claudie Jobard have achieved over the last few years. Several top-notch vineyard sources will be coming on line shortly. Still, what impresses me most, especially among the whites, are the value-priced wines in the range. There are few houses in Burgundy that give wine lovers the opportunity to explore so many of the lesser known appellations without spending crazy sums of money. The 2011s are solid across the board. For the most part, the whites will drink well upon release.
9 – 2009 Collosorbo ‘Riserva’
Brunello di Montalcino | DOCG, Italy | Inquire Here
Wine Spectrum 96: Made only in excellent years using grapes selected from the best vineyards, aged for 31/2 years in 12-hectolitre Slovenian oak barrels, with 12 months of bottle aging. The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is an unctuous wine bursting with dark fruits. This is a seamless Brunello, with rich, smooth tannins, hints of toasty oak, Asian spices and balanced, nuanced fruit. This is a big wine-without being weighty on the palate- that shows a long finish and a full-bodied mouthfeel.
10 – 2010 Giuseppe Lonardi
Amarone della Valpolicella | Italy | Inquire Here
Wine Spectrum 96: Of all the wines of Italia, none is more breath-takingly unique than the wine of Verona called Amarone. And, in our opinion, few make it better than Giuseppe Lonardi. His Amarone is remarkably port-like and very concentrated, with powerful, heady aromas of dried fruit potpourri, chocolate, cedar chest, and exotic spice. The production is micro, and it shows in this luxurious, breathtaking wine. That is one reason why this monumental wine will age for 30+ years. 75% Corvina, 20% Molinara, 5% Rondinella.
11 – 2012 Remoissenet ‘Le Trio’
Burgundy | Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru | Order Online
Wine Spectrum Rated 95+, Antonio Galloni: Smoke, tobacco, menthol, licorice, plums and violets meld together in the 2012 Gevrey-Chambertin Le Trio. Broad, textured and generous on the palate, the 2012 offers plenty of the richness Remoissenet has become known for over the last handful of years. Sweet floral notes add freshness on the finish. Le Trio is a blend of fruit from Cherbaudes, Craipillot and Champonnet, harvested and vinified together.
12 – 2012 Clos du Caillou ‘Les Quartz’
Rhone Blend | Chateauneuf du Pape | Inquire Here
Wine Spectrum Rated 95+, Wine Advocate 94: The 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape les Quartz is one of the more powerful, structured 2012s and exhibits wonderful black raspberry, creamy licorice, smoked earth and crushed rock/liquid minerality. Medium to full-bodied and classically styled on the palate, with a broad, expansive feel, it has sweet fruit, plenty of tannin and beautiful length. Give it another year or two and drink bottles through 2027. This Chateauneuf Estate is located directly between Chateau Rayas and Chateau Beaucastel, and costs a fraction of the price!
13 – 2008 Caprili ‘Riserva’
Brunello di Montalcino | DOCG, Italy | Inquire Here
Wine Spectrum Rated 95, Vinous Media 93+: Dark red. Aromas of dark cherry, peppery plum, fresh herbs and tarry oak. Dense and full in the mouth, with sneaky depth to the dark cherry, underbrush and aromatic herb flavors. Finishes vibrant, with fine tannins and very good freshness.
This wine is much more refined than the 2009.
14 – 2012 La Pousse d’Or ‘Clos de la Bousse d’Or’
Burgundy | Volnay 1er Cru Monopole | Inquire Here
Wine Spectrum Rated 95: Another exceptional Volnay – a wine of finesse and balance. More delicate aromas of red currants and cassis. Hints of bramble and strawberries linger on the lengthy finish highlighting fine-grained tannins and balanced acidity.
Antonio Galloni 92-94: The 2012 Volnay Clos de La Bousse d’Or is more reserved than the Caillerets, although it has a similarly dark profile. Graphite, pencil shavings and a host of mineral-inflected notes give the 2012 its sense of energy and thrust. Violets, white pepper, pomegranate and blood orange add substantial lift and a flair of exoticism to the intense, dark fruit. I can’t imagine the 2012 giving much pleasure in the immediate future. Readers need to be patient here.
15 – 2009 Luca Brunelli
Brunello di Montalcino | DOC, Italy | Available Online
Wine Spectrum Rated 95: This truly exceptional Brunello satisfies even the toughest of critics. It is exceptionally powerful, yet elegant, made in a neo-classic style that is pleasing from the first sip. Typical aromas of dried morello cherry, black tea, rosemary, plum, and soy intermingle into a palate layered with delicious, refined cooperage that tastes decadent.
Made by emerging Brunello sensation Luca Brunelli.
16 – 2012 Clos du Mont Olivet ‘Cuvee Papet’
Rhone Blend | Chateauneuf du Pape | Inquire Here
Wine Spectrum Rated, 95 Wine Advocate 94: Much more concentrated than the traditional cuvée, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape La Cuvee du Papet is a blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre, from the Montalivet, La Crau, Palestor, Bois Dauphin lieux-dits, that was aged 85% in foudre and 15% in demi-muids and small barrels. Its deep purple color is followed by fabulous notes of black raspberry, currants, crushed rock and peppery herbs. This flows to a medium to full-bodied, structured and classically put together Châteauneuf that has fresh acidity and no shortage of tannin. Give this beauty 3-5 years in the cellar, and enjoy bottles through 2032.
Vinous Media 94: Vivid ruby. Highly fragrant aromas of fresh red fruits, potpourri and smoky minerals, with a hint of allspice in the background. Silky, sweet and expansive on the palate, offering intense raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors and a bracing jolt of blood orange. Very suave, precise Châteauneuf with outstanding finishing lift and thrust and gentle tannic grip. As usual for this bottling, finesse is favored over brute strength, but there’s no lack of depth and power here.
17 – 2005 Michel Turgy ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Brut
Champagne | Grand Cru | Inquire Here
Wine Spectrum Rated 95: The same area of Champagne that boasts Salon, Krug and Launois….2005 was captured in all its mineral, fresh glory by winemaker Michel Turgy in this vibrant, chiseled vintage Champagne. Rich floral and nutty components on the nose match the robust mineral and yeast that develop on the palate. Wonderfully fresh, with the depth and complexity found in grand cru white Burgundy. One to treasure and watch evolve.
18 – 2011 Saint Siffrein
Rhone Blend | Chateauneuf du Pape | Inquire Here
Wine Spectrum Rated 95: With vineyards located near Chateau Beaucastel, the 2011 vintage of our Chateuneuf du Pape has a glowing ruby red color, with freshly baked dark fruits and licorice spice on the nose. Its mouth is round, long and complex with abundant body and fruit as well as terrific purity and texture. A harmonious and elegant wine with soft, smooth tannins with a long finish. 65% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, 15% Syrah, and 5% Cinsault.
19 – 2010 Chateau Simian ‘Grandes Grenachieres d’Hippolyte’
Rhone Blend | Chateauneuf du Pape | Inquire Here
Wine Spectrum Rated 95, Robert Parker 95: Close in quality to the profound 2007 is the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Grandes Grenachieres d-Hippolyte. A stunning expression of old vine Grenache, it boasts abundant notes of raspberries, licorice and kirsch intermixed with hints of forest floor and underbrush. With good acidity, precision and freshness as well as a deep, full-bodied, voluptuously textured mouthfeel, this superb example of old vine Grenache should drink well for 15+ years.
This tiny 10-acre estate run by Jean-Pierre Serguier produces 1,500 cases of Chateauneuf du Pape and around 350 cases of their super, old vine cuvee, Les Grandes Grenachieres d-Hippolyte, which is made from 85-year-old vines. These traditionally-made cuvees are aged in foudre or old barrels. Serguier has been managing this estate since 1981, although it dates from 1920. One of the few domaines that is outside of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation, Simian is located in the garlic capital of France, the tiny village of Piolenc, a 10-minute drive from the village of Chateauneuf du Pape.
20 – 2011 Clos 56
Bordeaux | Pomerol | Inquire Here
Wine Spectrum Rated 95: This .56 Hectare is planted to 100% Merlot. Purchased in 2010 by Alexia and Pierre Bouyer, this tiny plot is located in the southwest corner of Pomerol. The vineyard soil is primarily composed of sand and gravel and the average age of the vines is over 60 years. The wine is aged in 100% new French oak barrels for 12-15 months.
Just 150 cases produce
Q. Why should I pay attention to the Wine Spectrum score?
A. The reason is simple. We taste and score wines with our entire sale’s team – the owner, the wine buyer, the sales manager, and all of our sale’s advisors. It’s not only one person’s opinion and rating of the wine, but a total average of the whole tasting panel. That adds up to decades of combined tasting experience to ensure that we bring only the BEST wines to our clients.
It is because of this and many other factors that our clients have come to respect our score and use it to help determine what wines they want to procure for their cellars and display on their tables. At Wine Spectrum you get a much better representation of how people will ENJOY a wine.
2015 wines of the year release schedule
December Schedule
12/10: #10, #9, and #8 ranked wines
12/11: #7, #6, and #5 ranked wines
12/15: #2 ranked wine
12/16: #1 ranked wine
12/18: #11 – #25 ranked wines
12/21: #26 – #50 ranked wines
12/21: 2015 Winemaker of the Year
12/22: #51 – #75 ranked wines
12/23: #76 – #100 ranked wines
January Schedule
1/4: Top Chardonnay’s of the Year
1/7: Top Pinot Noir’s of the Year
1/11: Top Cabernet Sauvignon’s of the Year
1/14: Top Other Domestic Red’s of the Year
1/18: Top International Wines of the Year
1/21: Top Wines of the Year under $60
