The Wine Edit · 2026
Wine Spectator’s Top 10 Countdown
Meet the vineyards behind the rankings and shop two of the wines that made the list.
See the countdown ↓94 points
Melville Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills 2024
Sta. Rita Hills, California
Melville grows the fruit for this Pinot Noir on its own estate, where early plantings still thrive in sandy loam. Winemaker Chad Melville uses some intact grape clusters and ages the wine without new oak. Expect bright cherry, fresh acidity and a savory edge.
Wine Spectator’s review →
95 points · Available at Case Wine Life
Alión Ribera del Duero 2022
Ribera del Duero, Spain
The family behind Vega Sicilia created Alión as a modern expression of Ribera del Duero. Its Tempranillo comes from vineyards around Valbuena, Padilla and Pesquera. Black cherry, plum and spice make this a natural pour with grilled lamb or aged Manchego.
Shop Alión 2022 →95 points
Château Carbonnieux Pessac-Léognan White 2023
Bordeaux, France
After a severe frost in 1991, the Perrin family replanted white varieties on a cooler, north-facing part of the estate with clay and limestone soils. This Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon blend brings citrus, fresh herbs and a saline finish to the table.
Wine Spectator’s review →96 points
Law Estate Sagacious 2023
Adelaida District, Paso Robles
Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre come from steep limestone slopes at roughly 1,600 to 1,900 feet. The winery ferments the varieties separately before blending. Look for dark berries, pepper and spice.
Wine Spectator’s review →
95 points · Available at Case Wine Life
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars FAY Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Stags Leap District, Napa Valley
Nathan Fay’s Cabernet inspired founder Warren Winiarski to plant his first vineyard next door. The winery acquired FAY in 1986 and released its first vineyard-designated bottling with the 1990 vintage. The 2023 brings cherry and blackberry with a savory edge. Pour it with ribeye and rosemary potatoes.
Shop FAY 2023 →95 points
Château St.-Pierre Saint-Julien 2023
Bordeaux, France
Henri Martin bought this Saint-Julien estate in 1982, and it remains family-owned. Its vines average about 70 years of age. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot give the 2023 dark fruit, a graphite edge and firm structure.
Wine Spectator’s review →95 points
Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino 2021
Tuscany, Italy
This Sangiovese draws on vineyards in four distinct parts of Montalcino. Caparzo ages it for two years in large Slavonian oak casks. Cherry and raspberry lead, with tobacco and firm tannins.
Wine Spectator’s review →95 points
Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet–Shiraz 2024
South Australia
Max Schubert introduced Bin 389 in 1960. The 2024 combines fruit from Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Padthaway. Some of its appeal comes from the combination of Cabernet structure and Shiraz richness, with plum, blackcurrant and spice.
Wine Spectator’s review →98 points
Produttori del Barbaresco Rabajà Riserva 2021
Piedmont, Italy
Rabajà is the vineyard behind this Nebbiolo Riserva. The 2021 combines cherry, rose and earthy notes with pronounced acidity and tannin, a structure that gives it room to develop in the cellar.
Wine Spectator’s review →Wine of the Year
Wine Spectator has scheduled the reveal for November 13.
Rankings and scores from Wine Spectator’s 2026 countdown.
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