Top or Flop?! WINE SPECTATOR'S Top 10 of 2024

[@KonstantinBaumMasterofWine]

Use the discount code CCFREE for a one-month Free trial of Cellar Class Plus: www.cellarclass.com/membership

[@winemoneysong]

Can’t agree more that Chile offers great value at the mid-price point. Many Interesting and complex wines are produced in Chile for under $50.

[@Kim-jw7je]

Let’s have your 2024 list of wines.

[@jasonp5246]

We need a top 10 from KB! lets gooo!

[@rmelgar9]

⁠@@jasonp5246 i’m picturing 7 rieslings, 1 oregon pinot , 1 value Chardonnay and a value Bordeaux .

[@RCTricking]

Let’s see Paul Allen’s list 😂

[@PantherTrax]

@@RCTricking This is exactly how I read the comment in my head haha

[@rmelgar9]

@@jasonp5246 i am Picturing; 7 Rieslings , 1 pinot, 1 value Chardonay & a value Bordeaux.

[@AnarchoKapital]

When Konstantin commented on the composition of the top 10, I instantly thought, that it might make more sense to do a Top 10 in each category: white, red, rosé, sparkling, sweet, and “other” (orange, natural).

[@eduardoribeiro383]

This is definitely my humble request to KB. actually two lists for each category. Top 10 and Top 10 up to Euro 50,00. And KB can (no problem whatsoever) put affiliate links. I'd buy his suggestions with no problems.

[@AnarchoKapital]

I second that,but that is a lot of work for him.

[@glennjohnson4919]

Top wine lists can expand horizons, but generally inflate the price and limit availability of selected wines. My emphasis has changed to “it’s not about the wine, it’s about the people you share it with.” Of course, it is about the wine but I am heavily influenced by the who and where of the wines, the intent and techniques used, and who I shared it with. Great fun, thanks, your comments are always insightful and get me enthused.

[@davidramey7523]

Thanks!

[@stickshifter8]

I used to buy Don Melchor at the Publix chain of supermarkets in Florida years ago at $50. Crazy it’s a $170 wine today!!

[@shingon666]

Publix rocks for wine, though. GOAT supermarket.

[@jasonp5246]

I used to buy it 20 years ago for $35. I so miss those days.

[@pandafragrance]

Blame WS. They have it in the top 100 wines regularly. I think it even won their top wine once.

[@JamesonWilde]

​@@shingon666Aldi wine is super inexpensive and also rated very high

[@MirandaandBensDad]

Not trying to one-up, but I got a case in ‘93of the ‘88 for $12 a bottle! Probably the best deal ever. It was a cold night (like -5) in January when I went into “Liquor Town” in Madison, WI. The owner wanted to clear it out so he cut me a deal. It was a very BIG wine…bold, rich. We sucked that case down in a month and a half.

[@Pseudopimelodidae]

This is by far the best take on the wine spectator top 10 I’ve seen. When the top 10 came out there were several KZbinrs who instantly released videos poopooing the wines. Having tasted some of these wines myself, I can say, they are all well made wines in their own categories.

[@AnarchoKapital]

Is “well made” enough for the Top 10. For me the answer is no. Especially at the given prices. I fell “availability” is factored in too much. And even the availability is more theoretical than practical for the average consumer.

[@pandafragrance]

Sure, they're well-made but there are tons of great wines they review every year that are also available but the same retread wines keep getting the focus year after year.

[@emilianoguzman4244]

As a sommelier and wine director, i never follow this charts and lists,. But is an interesting exercise to know if is really true what this magazines says.

[@mcrayfourd]

its down to what winery pays the most

[@johnsharpp2484]

@@mcrayfourd6 USA wines in the top 10, really tells you everything you need to know…

[@darkerbinding6933]

Thank you, Konstantin. Very enjoyable video. Those wines are mostly out of my price range but interesting to hear about them non-the-less.

[@dangareau3143]

Love your tastings and this one definitely followed suit and definitely one of the better takes on the top 10 list that I have seen so far. Great job as always. Cheers!!

[@crrizello5157]

Thanks for the video. As a former Oregonian, good to see an Oregon wine on the list! And since it is an affordable Pinot, I am going to look for it.

[@RCTricking]

I recommend Lingua Franca Amity Hills!

[@cjjohnson4231]

Great video with 7 of the top 10. Would love to see an update if you can locate the other three. Best YT review of the Top 100 from WS.

[@MrBruno656]

nice work! i learned solid things. thank you!

[@brianpite0893]

I like what you said about cooling down the Chateauneuf . Now I won't feel guilty doing that. Excellent video.

[@tedholland7613]

Yes, that's a great recommendation. It's something I've done for some time with CdP and it definitely improves the experience of drinking one of these.

[@pandafragrance]

It's a good idea with all higher alcohol wines, red or white.

[@grape_jj4434]

i had a Don Melchor 2018 last year, was really good, didn't expect the 2021 one become the top #1 this year for me, "Château l'Hospitalet La Clape Grand Vin Rouge" will be my #1 this year, this bottle taste really impressive, almost unbeatable at this price

[@nietzsche1985]

I have been waiting for your video on this!❤

[@rdc5470]

Fantastic reviews of the WS top 10 list. Appreciate your tasting notes, opinions, and score on these wine!

[@eric644]

Love your channel and insights, Konstantin. ❤

[@dr7246]

I think that until the viewers, who complain about your pronunciation of “Syrah”, can correctly pronounce “Winzergenossenschaft”, they should stop complaining

[@orangeshake1]

The viewers who complain are most likely French, and we love to complain

[@viniciusmagnoni6492]

I'm not a native German speaker and that name is quite easy to pronounce. Spätburgunder is much harder.

[@paweenutanun3090]

I had 2021 Tignanello at my favorite Italian restaurant in Bangkok and could not be happier.

[@andrebidersten7146]

Hi Konstantin, thank you for the well reviewed list! I'm very curious though of how you preserve your opened bottles after a tasting like this. Do you re-cork them, take the oxygen out, putting them into new, smaller bottles. What's the magic here?

[@normannagy3216]

Dear Constantin! I am watching your videos constantly and I am always wondering what do you do with the wines that you open during your tasting. How long do they stay enjoyable ? Thx

[@acommongardener2262]

Thank you! I think I’ll try the reasonably priced wine from Oregon!

[@karlinggard]

Been waiting for your take on this! 🤩

[@andrewbennett6089]

The only wine of this list I have had is Don Melchor - the 2020 vintage at a free tasting hosted by Concha y Toro. It was my first 96 point wine ever scored and very, very special for me. (The second was the following day - Nicolas Catena Zapata red blend!)

[@Shacknerz]

I live near Napa and was a member of chimney rock wine club for several years. It’s a great wine from stags leap but have recently been big fans of cliff lede. Thanks for your videos!

[@cven1103]

I value your opinion Konstantin, will search out some of these, thanks, keep on drinking 🍷👍

[@tjakkomartijn]

I definitely agree with your assessment that there're too little white wines in the list and some countries / regions / varieties are missing. (where are the german rieslings???? answer: in Sucklings list actually. thanks to Stuart Pigott). This year I've tasted the Barolo Albe by Vajra. Next to a few other of their Barolos, this wasn't my favourite (that'd be their Coste di Rose, incredibly delicate style of Barolo). I've also drank the Roserock, which I absolutely loved. I bought some of the other Drouhin wines from Oregon and they're snoozing in the cellar for another 2/4 years or so. cheers!

[@VoltaireParis]

thanks for these nice little discoveries, cheerz

[@David34981]

Thank you for this wonderful video, Konstantin.

[@SteelyTheVan]

Costco in Oregon had the RoseRock 2022 for $30 until just recently. They now have the 2023 also for $30 which is just as lovely as the 2022.

[@b286guy]

I’m glad you mentioned this because I was going to buy a bottle of the 2022 but it was gone with the 2023 in stock now to replace it. I went ahead and bought a bottle but haven’t drank it yet. Sounds like I made a good choice. Are you able to discern any differences between the two vintages?

[@kentpiano2600]

Excellent and enjoyable, my fave is Vieux Telegraph

[@federicorios156]

I was blessed to try that tignanello 2021 a few weeks ago and I just want to say that it gave me goosebumps. I’m happy to see it on this list.

[@j.r.lalancette4588]

Astonished the Albe from Vajra is on that list, I've tasted over three vintages and could never get much of a perfume from them and found them really tight without revealing any complexity. Best avoid and reach for better and surely less expensive bottlings.

[@williamrobinson7435]

Really interesting! Thanks Konstantin. 🌟👍

[@BromleyViking]

Got to visit Domaine Drouhin and I got to try and buy Rose Rock. I loved Rose Rock wine and need to find where I can buy it!

[@KyleCrawford-k5o]

I visited G.D. Varja this past fall and it was a great tasting. I didn't try their Albe but their higher end offerings were remarkable. The facility itself is also beautiful with stained glass overseeing their stainless tanks and a really unique cellar. I highly recommend their Ravera offering.

[@gordonyoul9515]

Oregon Pinot Noirs are incredibly good and consistent. I think they are among the best value wines you can buy both at the bottom and the top end. Always delicious. Always well made. And unlike, say, NZ Sauvignon Blanc (which are also always well made and consistent), you can get some complex and interesting wines as well.

[@Bobrinsky]

Very interesting and useful. I went for a tasting at Ramey's HQ in Healdsburg in October, and all the wines they offered us were red cabernet. I wonder why it never occurred to them to offer a Chardonnay - especially if it is that good?

[@SiroMek]

Hi Konstantin. Here in Sweden the G.D Vajra Barolo cost around 26€ pretty cheap I think 🍷

[@enthusiastic_amateur]

I visited G.D. Vajra two weeks ago for a tasting and had that exact vintage Albe. For a non-single vineyard Barolo, I thought it was quite good. Vajra's portfolio overall is quite impressive especially in the single vineyard wines.

[@paullhuillier1215]

As you are bringing the prononciation topic: the final c in Sauvignon blanc and Cabernet franc are silent in French 😊. Thank you for the top notch videos!

[@KonstantinBaumMasterofWine]

Yes, I know.

[@joe-zp7ge]

i found the albe barolo to be overwhelmingly good. i had a 2019 and the 2020 and i found the wines to be more subtle than some of the more expensive barolos . give the 2020 a few years in the bottle and this wine will flourish.

[@juan99guz]

I agree, it just need time

[@jcdupp]

You also need to open the bottle a few hours earlier. I find the rose notes don't appear straight away.

[@fuzznakano]

thank you. really enjoyed this one.

[@NoSediment]

I do agree, Langhe is a region that is hard not to fall in love with! Cheers to a great tasting! 🍷

[@darillus1]

167k , your really getting big these Konstantin!

[@anthonyashley6884]

Having been an avid wine aficionado for 40 years. I know currently released wines don’t taste their best seconds after the bottle has been opened. How can you give a score to a wine that hasn’t opened up to its full potential?

[@TinFoilHatPipeDude]

Excellent, informative and fun! So many wines that I’d like to try, but like you say they should have more regions and styles represented. IMO especially white wine. Vajra seems to be a very reliable producer with affordable prices, the Barolo is under 30EUR here in Sweden. Their Langhe Rosso is only like 13 EUR and quite tasty! Speaking of Chile, I had a beautiful Riesling from Casa Marin this weekend. I loved it! Really like your vids. Emil

[@melsialiaj]

Every time Tignanello enters this list or any similar famous list, the price goes up by $20-$30. That means an increase of revenue of 7 to 10Million $, every time. The quality is there, but I think the above is the real reason there is an Antinori wine in the list almost every year. They can pay !

[@bergbergberg4976]

waiting for your top10 2024 list =)

[@elfblood9127]

Great tasting! Thanks for continuing to educate and entertain me. You are the best wine channel on youtube and I fully appreciate your efforts. It seems as though WS did a decent job. BTW, when you rate a wine at 97 then say that it will be really nice ten years from now is that 97 rating reflecting more on how you think it will be later or how you think it is now or that it might actually be a higher rating ten years from now? Just wondering.

[@jeffers1234562]

Great video! Nebbiolo always needs some air in my opinion. Maybe it would have scored higher?

[@silasrobertshaw8122]

I really enjoyed the difference between your notes and Agnes over at No Sediment. Really shows how every palate is indeed different. Domaine Drouhin is one of my favorite wineries, though I haven't had the wine that made the top 10 list. Also, I'd a Mater of Wine has a hard time getting hold of a wine, it might not be that widely distributed.

[@jcdupp]

It would be interesting to see the difference in your opinion when the bottles had been opened serveral hours earlier. Particularly with the Barolo, i find the rise notes arent always there straight away and need some time to appear.

[@michaelmortensen9669]

Hi Konstantin What is the name of the glass? Thx for at an amazing channel❤

[@Tobiasgron]

Interesting tasting ! Which wineglasses are you using for your tasting?

[@hocheye]

Very nice review! As far as the list goes, it's all subjective. As you mentioned, there are other wines from other countries and regions that deserve to be on the list. Looks like their main focus is on the U S. West Coast. Some of the wine coming in out of Chile and Portugal are fantastic at reasonable prices.

[@Ildskalli]

I’m really happy that you loved the Don Melchor, it’s a really good wine that’s been years in the making, in the sense that it’s been extremely difficult for top-class Chilean wine to get reviewed and talked about. This is changing, albeit slooowly, much more slowly than for our Argentinian neighbors (and I’m happy that they’re getting some recognition too!) Regarding the list, this is only from hearsay, but apparently wines from the US have gotten really good and competitive, and they’re having quite a moment. Maybe that’s why WS decided to put so many in there. I definitely agree that more variety is needed, but considering they do this every year, it would also make sense if they sometimes do more “thematic” or regional lists.

[@christianbayerstein5243]

I really like the Tignanello, I still have some older bottles in my cellar, but the price went up crazy over the last 3 years, I don't think that 160 Euro per bottle is justified.

[@ericeybert7832]

Fully agree on your evaluation, even if I m chocked to see Alba Barolo in this list which has desapointed me many times and which i would not even rate 90 points when the rest of his wines can be delicious. This is complete mystery or they have an excellent PR company. Cheers

[@potsdam521]

I tasted Terrunyo CS 2021 a few miles away from the vines. It is the younger brother of Don Melchor and is stunning, something happen there in 2021! And please don’t age it, it’s a lush wine that can be enjoyed fully now.

[@milestrevelyan3858]

Where can I get that picture of faust on your wall?

[@peterburlin8198]

I did try the Albe Barolo too and also found it good but a little underwhelming. Have tried earlier vintages and really enjoyed them though, they are great value for a Barolo!

[@brunopampolini2087]

Don Melchor has been one of the best wines in whole South America for many years now.

[@AnarchoKapital]

@@brunopampolini2087 Going to Chile and Argentina soon. What does Don Melchor retail for in Chile? Anything in the $20-30 range I need to try?

[@Fisklina]

G.D. Vajra makes somewhat regular appearances in my house when I'm in the mood for a "simpler" Barolo. Granted it's only €26 here in Sweden, for a bit over €40 there are better value alternatives, I think. And while I don't really get the poit of or care about these types of lists, I agree that there should be more affordable wines included as well as a more diverse selection.

[@chep1313]

I am trying to find the Pinot Noir from Oregon in european shops and I struggle. Any advise?

[@tomerlandson2524]

Here in Sweden we can get the G.D Varja 2020 Barolo for 299 sek so about 26 euro or 27.5 USD right now from our state own wine and sprit store. Great wine for that price in my opinion!

[@tedholland7613]

I agree with many of the complaints about these kind of lists and this one is always difficult to understand the criteria used. That said, I like these lists as they expose me to wines I'm not aware of and spark me to try some of them. I've had the same experience as Konstantin with the Don Melchor in that I'm often pleasantly surprised by a wine I would not have searched out or chosen otherwise.

[@tandmark]

A solid assessment of the Wine Spectator's annual list for 2024. Thanks! I'm inspired to seek out bottles of Vieux Telegraphe, Tignanello, and Rose Rock in the coming year, though I might have to save up my pennies to be able to afford either of the first two of these.... Personally, I think that, instead of people calling their lists the Top Ten (of wines, vacation destinations, candidates for important elected positions, or whatever), they should label them as My Ten Picks of Excellent Things. Most of my objections to specific items on Top Ten lists would instantly evaporate, like dew in the morning sun. 8>)) One other thing: Since Don Melchor was a Chilean, who of course spoke Spanish as his mother-tongue, the CH shouldn't be pronounced like the CH in the German word 'ich,' as you do in this video. It should be pronounced like the German letter-group TSCH, or in other words like the CH in the name of Don Melchor's country, CHile.

[@nvrtm1732]

so why does Konstantin always miss hitting the lens when throwing the cork?

[@christopheraplin]

I've been buying GD Vajra for a long time. Their Langhe Rosso (it's their field blend) is my favorite and I bought it back in like 2020 for $11 a bottle and all through the 2010's. I think it's up to like $20 a bottle now but still totally impressive. The Barolo is maybe my least favorite from GD Vajra (their Ravera Cru is way better). The one on the Wine Spectator list always tasted more watery and lacked the punch and legs of both the field blend and the ravera cru. I was surprised to see that one on the list. Anyways, it's always nice to see wineries I really enjoy get more publicity. Piedmont is just the best.

[@alistaircorbishley5881]

G D Vajra Kye is outstanding.

[@christopheraplin]

@@alistaircorbishley5881 I have not had the Kye, I'll have to pick it up. I'm new to freisa though as a varietal which may be absurd as a Piedmont lover.

[@alistaircorbishley5881]

@christopheraplin Freisa is such a characterful grape, the wild and unruly parent of Nebbiolo!

[@denysdoyban5086]

Konstantin I can’t find name of the company you work for in London . I following you for 1 years already , I remember you saying something- about company in London . Thank you

[@KonstantinBaumMasterofWine]

Hi there. I worked for liv-ex in London

[@denysdoyban5086]

@@KonstantinBaumMasterofWinethanks a lot 🙏

[@cajunfid]

I noticed you're not using your usual glasses anymore. Have you decided on a new best overall tasting glass?

[@KonstantinBaumMasterofWine]

Not really

[@johnmccammon6436]

Great vid! Looking to buy a nice wine bottle opener for Christmas. Any suggestions?

[@jamesarc8192]

Peugeout Clavellin Sommelier - Single action!

[@goodriddance86]

@@jamesarc8192 Great recommendation!

[@JAOB1968]

Hi Konstantin, now that you have mastered “Syrah”, we need to work on your “Don Melchor” pronunciation 😊. With warm regards from a Spanish fan of your channel

[@rickwezenaar]

Some time ago you promoted Coravin on your channel. Do you still use Coravin and is it as good as they say ?

[@KonstantinBaumMasterofWine]

I never promoted it on this Channel, but I use it all the time

[@syberen]

I purchased the coravin pivot (the one without the needle) and I'm a bit disappointed honestly. Especially with fresher wines they are more sour the next day and subtle aromas have disappeared. Wouldn't buy again.

[@blueguitarbob]

@14:18 Cow powder?

[@MDL-lw9my]

Gave up my sub to WS 10 years ago and have not missed it at all. Glossy bunch of hype an bs. Cheers 🥂

[@getsconesTRUTH]

Great video as always. I will say, spectator puts a lot of emphasis on availability, maybe too much this year. The barolo for example, you will find in so many wine shops. There are better examples, but it's easy to find and a good value. On the other end of the spectrum, I've noticed sucklings top 100 is shifting more towards "these are the best wines, period" with no regard to value. Lots of expensive items on his list. To each his own. Let's see KBs top 10 now... cheers! 🍷

[@frankcarbone7642]

Re: Tignanello, I would challenge to say that Sassicaia is the one that "really changed the Italian wine scene" for many other reasons, and all the others we now call "Super Tuscans" followed suit.

[@stanleovart]

I want to try Telegraphe for so many years, but not yet made that. Hope to do that. Quite famous brand

[@goodriddance86]

I can highly recommend it! It's the wine that changed everything about wine for me. It's not cheap, but in my opinion very worth it. When you like big, complex, deep, rich, berry concentrated flavours in wine, you will love it. It's still my favourite wine, greetings from Switzerland

[@macsaeki]

92 points on the jokes as i appreciate the frequency of them. Keep it coming! lol

[@patrickdemarcevol]

I noticed you said phonetically 'Sira' and not 'Sura'. I did comment on this a few months ago when it reminded me of my early German courses with the pronouciation of 'Gymnasium'. 😀

[@zebhosman9388]

Agree 100% about better Napa Cabs for the money! Chimney Rock is delicious but not top tier in my opinion.

[@horstmeier2569]

We need sparkling wine for new year!

[@Alexois]

That Barolo retails for the equivalent to 26€ here in Sweden.. Alot cheaper then 42$! And people say that alcohol is so expensive here in Sweden! 😂

[@carsonw8223]

Why don't you use a coravin on these? Are you and your close ones going to finish them all soon? Do you need help? Good video!

[@tdtm82]

Filtering strips flavour. Massively.

[@Name_BearSurvivor]

I’ll drink M Chaoutier Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne, Syrah wine on this New Year’s Eve. For the mariage to this wine, what kind of dish should I cook? At this point, I will cook some hamburger steaks with wine-sautéed onions and nutmeg.

[@KonstantinBaumMasterofWine]

Game and grilled Lamb works very well.

[@Name_BearSurvivor]

@ Game, I haven’t known it means gibier in English, will not found around here but sounds good. I will get lamb chops in addition. Thank and love from Japan.

[@adrianfrr310]

At that price for a Napa cab, is prefer an Eisele Vineyard (or aurajo) Altagracia

[@adjusted-bunny]

I see some utility in the WS wine list. I think you have never rated a wine that high like no 1 and 2 on this channel.

[@DominikWegner]

So many great Pinots in Canada and yet none make the list.

[@jeremydavis4372]

Of all the wines in the world to say the majority of the top 10 come from America feels a little Not Quite Right but great video and looks like a couple of the final wines get the big KB points too :-)

[@MDL-lw9my]

I’m sure Antinori buys quite a lot of ad space in that glossy rag…😂 cheers 🥂

[@notoverlyacerbic9574]

Perhaps I am the odd guy out but there are many wines that I would love to try but they are just too far outside of my budget.. Anything over $25 is something I have to think about and plan.. Why can't I just like beer?.?.

[@mjcaban]

Don Melchor, 2018, 2019, 2021 are great vintages.

[@WestonRuhland]

Review Faust please

[@robertthrossell4321]

Poor miss Konstantin 😂😂.... great tasting....

[@pandafragrance]

I have no proof, outside of hearsay, but the idea you can buy a spot in the top 10 wines has been out there for years. It would explain how the same wines get top billing over the years.

[@RedRoverTW]

While these are very good, it's silly not to better represent white wine, rose wine, natural wine, etc. I am part of a large community of passionate, frequent wine drinkers, & I'd say most prefer white, natural, amber & light reds like gamay, pinot & cabernet franc. I've never heard someone say they wished we had a heavy cabernet sauvignon. 😂