Latest news with #Decanter
Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
The Top American Wines, According To The Decanter World Wine Awards
A map of the USA made from wine corks. getty Six American wines took top honors at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Two California wines received Best of Show honors, while four wines earned Platinum medals. Below are brief descriptions and tasting notes on the six wines that Decanter judged the best in America. Clos du Val is a historic Napa Valley estate, renowned since the 1970s for crafting elegant Bordeaux varietals. Their Stags Leap District Cabernet Franc combines site-specific finesse and structured richness. The wine is a blend of 84% Cabernet Franc, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, and 2% Carmenère. The wine features aromas of dark cherry, graphite, and fresh herbs. The palate showcases flavors of plum, subtle oak spice, with silky tannins and balanced acidity. The finish is long and polished with lingering black fruit notes. The DWWA Judging Panel described the wine as 'a show-stopper: opaque black, with a carnival of scent in which spice, flowers and damsons mingle with carefully schooled abandon. On the palate, the wine has splendid depth and width, just as its Cabernet Sauvignon offspring so often does in Napa; the difference is a lightness of touch here, an aerial grace, and a lithe ease of line to the tannins; the acidity remains tenderly supportive. Rarely does a wine from Stag's Leap leap so gracefully; the result is memorably drinkable.' Kenwood Vineyards is deeply rooted in Sonoma winemaking. The Six Ridges series highlights the distinctive mountain ridges that define Sonoma's terroir. This Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon shows the impact of regional terroir on California cabs. The wine features notes of ripe blackberry, cassis, and hints of mocha. The palate is rich and full-bodied, showcasing ripe dark berry richness, integrated oak, firm tannins, and a brisk acidity. The finish is long and structured, with lingering notes of red and black berries. The DWWA Judging Panel described the wine as showing 'a significantly different style to Napa: amply fleshed, yes, but with a savory, mountain wildness to that flesh, and with a different acid emphasis. The blend, with its seasoning of Petite Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, surely also plays a role in lending this wine its intriguing complexities.' 'It's black-red, with open, affably fruity aromas lent depth by a dry-forest warmth; on the palate, the wine has both breadth and depth as well as a compelling inner sweetness. The acidity is low but soft, while plump tannins with that distinctive savory nuance bring the wine resolution and balance.' Aerial view of vineyards in the Napa Valley wine country of CA as shot from a hot air balloon. Napa County is known for hundreds of hillside vineyards. Hot air ballooning is a popular activity for tourists. getty Four wineries, all based on the West Coast, were awarded Platinum medals at the 2025 DWWA. All four wines received a score of 97 out of 100 points. The tasting notes are drawn from the official Decanter Judging Panel's comments. Walla Walla-based Echolands Winery focuses on expressive, terroir-driven wines. The Blue Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Franc showcases the valley's bright fruit and refined structure. The wine is floral on the nose, featuring vibrant aromas of red currant and raspberry, with subtle notes of green pepper. The palate is medium-bodied, with fresh acidity and polished tannins. The finish is long and clean, with lingering minerally notes. Chandon California, the American arm of Moët & Chandon, has pioneered méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine since 1973. Etoile Brut is their flagship cuvée, aged extensively for layered complexity. It was selected as the highest-rated American sparkling wine. The wine features a fine mousse, exhibiting aromas of baked apple, brioche, and almond. The palate is creamy yet bright, with flavors of pear, citrus zest, and toasted nuts. The finish is long, elegant, and crisp, with lingering notes of apple and brioche. Cupere is a boutique label in the Sonoma Coast AVA, renowned for its minimalist winemaking approach. 'Faces' reflects coastal Pinot Noir's purity, with vivid fruit and earthy nuance. The wine features aromas of wild strawberry, cranberry, and a subtle hint of forest floor. The palate is light-bodied and silky, showcasing pronounced red berries with soft tannins and a brisk acidity. The finish is long, clean, and refreshing, with lingering notes of red berries. Domaine Serene is a benchmark Oregon producer acclaimed for its polished Pinot Noir and Chardonnay bottlings. Yamhill Cuvée highlights the best lots from estate vineyards across Yamhill County in Oregon's Willamette Valley. This wine is typically expressive and aromatic on the nose, featuring aromas of black cherry, rose petal, and baking spice. It's medium-bodied on the palate, with a silky texture that showcases layered red fruit notes and subtle oak nuances. The finish is usually long and elegant, with lingering notes of red fruit. The Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) is one of the world's largest and most influential wine competitions, organized annually by Decanter magazine since 2004. It attracts thousands of entries from over 50 countries, judged blind by top wine experts, including Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers. Renowned for its rigorous judging process and international credibility, a medal from the DWWA is a mark of exceptional quality and global recognition. Winning wines often gain significant attention from collectors, retailers, and wine enthusiasts alike. These six red wines, from three of the most exciting wine AVAs on the West Coast, were judged America's top wines. If your preference is for red wines, these six wines are not to be missed. They offer the layered, nuanced complexity characteristic of superb winemaking as well as an authentic representation of their regional terroir. Whether your passion is for Oregon's superlative Pinot noir or California's world-class Bordeaux blends, these wines are truly at the pinnacle of American winemaking.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Latest Wine Trends From The 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards
Five friends cheering with glasses of red wine. getty Decanter has just announced the results of its 22nd annual World Wine Awards. The DWWA is the largest and one of the most respected wine competitions globally. Below is a summary of the results from the world's leading wine regions and highlights of the industry's most significant trends. Renowned for its rigorous blind-tasting process, the DWWA sets a high bar for quality and consistency in the wine world. This year's event drew an impressive 16,000+ entries from 57 countries, all carefully evaluated by 248 leading experts, including a record 22 Master Sommeliers and 72 Masters of Wine — the highest number of top-level judges in the competition's history. At the DWWA, medals signal excellence across different tiers: the top fifty wines worldwide earn the elite 'Best in Show', followed by Platinum and Gold medals, all awarded to wines scoring 95 points or higher. To put this in perspective, the 50 Best in Show winners represent just 0.30% of all wines judged this year. In addition, the competition awarded 137 Platinum and 732 Gold medals, highlighting truly exceptional wines from across the globe. Only about 5% of the wines entered reached this highest tier of excellence. Another noteworthy list is the Value Gold Top 30, which showcases high-quality wines priced under $20, reinforcing the idea that great wine can still be affordable. France once again led the medal count, securing 187 top-tier awards: 14 Best in Show, 33 Platinum, and 140 Gold. The Champagne region was the standout, producing 27 top-tier winners, including three Best in Show medals for vintage Champagnes. Italy also performed strongly, earning 138 top-tier medals, including two Value Golds for high-quality yet wallet-friendly Prosecco and Langhe wines. Spain continued its strong showing, with Sherry producers standing out: González Byass won two Best in Show awards, contributing to Spain's total of 105 top-tier medals: five Best in Show, 16 Platinum, and 84 Gold. Notably, Ribeira Sacra celebrated its first-ever Best in Show. In the UK, English sparkling wine producers continued to impress, winning a Best in Show for a magnum — a first for the DWWA — along with two Platinum and six Gold medals. Greece also enjoyed a historic year, with 20 top-tier medals and its first-ever Best in Show wins for wines from Peloponnese, Goumenissa, and Epanomi. Other European highlights included Portugal, which received five Best in Show awards, and Slovenia, which claimed its first Best in Show for an orange wine. Australia maintained its reputation for consistent quality, securing 80 top-tier medals, including four Best in Show. New Zealand added one Best in Show and 24 Gold medals to its tally. For the United States, results were equally outstanding. California led the charge, with two Best in Show awards — one of which went to Clos du Val for the second consecutive year. Judges praised the winery for its refined style and approachability. Oregon and Washington State also earned top-tier recognition, while Virginia and Pennsylvania continued to build momentum, each repeating their gold medal successes from the previous year. Assortment or various type of cheese, wine glasses and bottles on the table in a restaurant. getty In South America, Argentina achieved a record result, with a 50% increase in top-tier medals compared to last year, totaling 46 high-scoring wines, including two Best in Show awards. Eight of Argentina's awards were Value Golds, reinforcing its reputation for delivering excellent quality at competitive prices. Chile earned two Best in Show medals, including a first for the Secano Interior region, while Uruguay collected 14 medals overall, including three Golds. South Africa broke its record by achieving 45 Gold medals, the country's highest total to date. Worcester earned its first Gold for a sweet 100% Muscat Blanc, underscoring the diversity of the region's offerings. China reached a milestone with 13 top-tier awards, including its first-ever Best in Show medals — a significant achievement for the emerging wine market. Additional notable performances came from Japan, which secured eight top-tier medals; Austria, with 21 top-tier awards; and Croatia, which recorded its highest medal count to date, with 386 medals overall. Canada brought home two prestigious Platinum medals for its renowned sweet ice wines. The awards also marked some 'firsts' this year: Denmark received its first medal, a Bronze. Uzbekistan made its debut with Silver and Bronze medals, Mexico repeated its Gold medal performance from last year, and Armenia returned to the spotlight with three Golds. The DWWA continues to reflect broader trends in the wine industry. Orange wines gained further recognition, with 87 medals awarded, including Slovenia's first-ever Best in Show for this style of wine. Fortified wines also excelled, with four Best in Show medals split evenly between Sherry and Port. Platinum medals in this category increased from 17 to 20, with standout entries from Australia, France's Languedoc-Roussillon, Portugal, and Spain. Additionally, heritage and lesser-known grape varieties received increased attention. Argentina earned its first Gold medal for a 100% Criolla wine, while Italy secured its first Gold for an Erbaluce di Caluso bottling. The Decanter World Wine Awards continue to showcase the diversity, quality, and innovation taking place in wineries worldwide. For American wine enthusiasts, the strong showing by domestic producers — particularly those from California, Oregon, and Washington — reinforces the West Coast's reputation as a leader in premium winemaking. Visit the Decanter website for a complete list of this year's medalists, tasting notes, and more details on each award-winning wine. Whether you're seeking iconic labels or exploring new regions and varietals, the DWWA is an excellent guide to some of the world's best wines.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The World's 50 Best Wines, According To The Decanter World Wine Awards
Three glasses with white, rose and red wine. Decanter has announced the results of its 22nd annual World Wine Awards (DWWA), the world's largest and one of the most respected wine competitions. Below is a snapshot of the 50 wines crowned Best in Show — recognized as the finest wines in the world for 2025 and exceptional choices for any cellar or tasting list. Celebrated for its rigorous blind-tasting standards, the DWWA upholds an exceptional benchmark for quality and consistency in the global wine industry. This year's awards attracted over 16,000 entries from 57 countries, meticulously judged by 248 renowned experts, including a record 22 Master Sommeliers and 72 Masters of Wine — the highest number of elite judges in the event's history. Here are the world's 50 best wines according to Decanter, organized by wine style and country of origin. Knorhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Simonsberg-Stellenbosch. A Classic South African Cab with blackcurrant, mint, and fine tannins. Dongfang Yuxing Winery Geruihong Yeguangbei 2022, Cabernet Sauvignon, Ningxia, China. A concentrated Cabernet with bold cassis, firm tannins, and a touch of oak. Changyu Noble Dragon N188 2022, Cabernet Gernischt, Shandong. A smooth Chinese red with red plum, light spice, and a silky mouthfeel. André Lurton Château de Rochemorin 2022, Merlot, Pessac-Léognan. Ripe black cherry, cedar, and tobacco leaf highlight this structured Bordeaux. Château Ollieux Romanis Cuvée Prestige 2022, Carignan, Corbières-Boutenac. A rustic red wine with dark berries, dried herbs, and robust tannins. Albert Bichot Hospices De Beaune Cuvée Cyrot-Chaudron 2023, Pinot Noir, Clos de la Roche Grand Cru. A complex Burgundy with dark cherry, earth, and refined tannins. Domaine Du Mont Verrier Janin 2023, Gamay, Morgon. A juicy and bright Beaujolais with ripe red berries and floral undertones. Château La Borie 2023, Syrah, Côtes du Rhône Villages. A luscious red wine with blackberry fruit, pepper, and smooth tannins. Chateau La Croix Younan 2022, Merlot, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru. Rich and supple with plum, mocha, and fine oak integration. Chatzivaritis Estate Goumenissa 2021 (Xinomavro, Goumenissa): Savory Greek red with sour cherry, tomato leaf, and a firm structure. red wine with salami, cheeses, olives, figs and peppers in out door picnic setting Fratelli Serio & Battista Borgogno Cannubi Barolo Riserva 2019, Nebbiolo. A powerful yet refined Barolo with rose petal, tar, and firm tannins. Diego Morra Del Comune Di Verduno 2021, Nebbiolo, Barolo. An elegant Barolo showing bright red cherry, licorice, and polished tannins. Tenuta Meraviglia Maestro Di Cava 2020, Cabernet Franc, Bolgheri Superiore. A bold Tuscan red with blackberry, graphite, and silky tannins. Donnachiara Taurasi 2021, Aglianico, Taurasi. A dark and brooding Aglianico with black plum, leather, and earthy spice. Quinta Do Reguengo Cortes 2020, Touriga Nacional, Douro. An intensely flavored Portuguese red with dark berry, cocoa, and muscular tannins. Santos & Seixo Wines Da Casa Grande Reserva 2020, Touriga Nacional, Douro. A concentrated Douro red with cassis, vanilla, and a firm finish. Pago De Los Capellanes Doroteo 2020, Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero. A plush and powerful Ribera with ripe black cherry and cedar spice. Don Bernardino La Capona Amandi 2019, Mencia, Ribeira Sacra. A fresh Galician red with red currant, herbs, and a light earthy finish. Vall Llach Mas de la Rosa Gran Vinya Classificada 2023, Carignan, Priorat. A dense and structured Priorat with black plum, mineral notes, and robust tannins. Xanadu Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Margaret River. A flagship Margaret River Cab, layered with cassis, dark chocolate, and fine oak. Trentham Estate Reserve Shiraz 2023, Heathcote. A rich and peppery red wine with bold black fruits, balanced by earthy spice. Barossa Old Vine Company Shiraz 2022, Barossa Valley. A dense and opulent Barossa Shiraz with plum, licorice, and velvety tannins. Craggy Range Pinot Noir 2024, Martinborough. A Silky NZ Pinot with bright red berries, forest floor, and gentle oak. Clos du Val Cabernet Franc 2022, Stags Leap District. A California red with bright red fruit, herbs, and polished tannins. Kenwood Vineyards Six Ridges Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Alexander Valley. A bold Sonoma Cab with blackberry, mocha, and a structured finish. Beautiful Malbec vineyard. Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. Bemberg Estate Wines Pionero 2022, Malbec, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza. A plush, structured Malbec with ripe black fruit and a mineral backbone. Rutini Single Vineyard Malbec 2021, Malbec, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza. An intense red wine with concentrated dark plum, spice, and fine tannins. La Causa Del Itata La Causa Cinsault-País-Carignan 2022, Secano Interior. A fresh and lively wine with red berry fruit and a rustic herbal note. Antiyal Viñedo Escorial Organic Carmenère 2020, Maipó Valley. A vibrant Carmenère showing blackberry, green peppercorn, and soft tannins. Jean-Marc Brocard Bougros 2023, Chardonnay, Chablis Grand Cru. Classic Grand Cru Chablis is characterized by flinty minerality and ripe citrus flavors. Domaine Landrat-Guyollot Gemme Océane 2022, Sauvignon Blanc, Pouilly-Fumé. A fresh and zesty wine with citrus, gooseberry, and subtle smoky flint. Château Cavalier Cuvée Marafiance Rosé 2024, Grenache, Côtes de Provence. A pale and crisp wine with wild strawberry and delicate floral notes. Anhydrous Santorini 2019, Assyrtiko. A mineral-driven Assyrtiko with citrus peel and salty sea breeze notes. Ktima Gerovassiliou Single Vineyard Malagousia 2024, Epanomi. A fragrant and crisp with stone fruit, orange blossom, and vibrant acidity. Cantina Terlano Lunare Gewürztraminer 2023, Alto Adige. Perfumed and rich with lychee, rose petals, and a spicy finish. Soalheiro Alvarinho 2024 Vinho Verde. A crisp and zesty with lime, green apple, and a hint of salinity. Wirra Wirra The 12th Man Chardonnay 2024, Adelaide Hills. A crisp and elegant wine with notes of white peach, citrus zest, and subtle oak. Epernay: Sign of the Route Touristique du Champagne with in the background vineyards of the Champagne district Vallee de Marne, France. Rare Champagne Brut 2012, Chardonnay. Opulent yet precise, with toasted brioche, citrus cream, and a fine mousse. Lanson Noble Brut 2008, Chardonnay, Champagne. Mature and elegant, with notes of toasted nuts, dried fruits, and a fine, creamy texture. Barons De Rothschild Rare Collection Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut 2014, Chardonnay, Champagne. Razor-sharp acidity with lemon zest and subtle chalky minerality. Sugrue South Downs The Trouble With Dreams 2009, Chardonnay, Sussex. An elegant English sparkler with crisp apple, brioche, and delicate bubbles. Château Bastor-Lamontagne Sauternes 2022, Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, Bordeaux. Lusciously sweet, with notes of apricot, honey, and botrytis complexity. Monemvasia Winery Tsimbidi Monemvasia-Malvasia 2012, Peloponnese. A lively, sweet Greek white with dried apricot, honey, and nutty notes. Donnafugata Ben Ryé 2023, Zibibbo, Passito di Pantelleria. An iconic Sicilian Passito, rich with dried figs, orange peel, and luscious sweetness. A carafe of Port wine with a wonderful view over the Douro River in Porto, Portugal. Menin Douro Estates 50-Year-Old Tawny Port NV. Decadent aged Tawny with notes of caramel, roasted nuts, and a long, lingering finish. Graham's Quinta Dos Malvedos Single Quinta Vintage Port 2018. A lush vintage Port with black fruit, fig, and velvety sweetness. González Byass Del Duque V.O.R.S Amontillado NV, Palomino, Sherry. Aged Amontillado with intense nutty, saline, and oxidative complexity. González Byass Tío Pepe Cuatro Palmas Amontillado NV, Palomino, Sherry. A rare, aged Fino with intense almond, dried fruit, and saline tang. Michel Tissot & Fils Château-Chalon 2017, Savagnin, Jura. A nutty, oxidative Jura white with layers of walnut, spice, and bracing acidity. Vinakoper Rumeni Muškat 2015, Yellow Muscat, Slovenska Istra, Aromatic orange wine with floral notes, mandarin, and a dry, textured palate. These 50 Best in Show wines were judged the world's best at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Many are surprisingly affordable. They present a wide range of aroma and flavor profiles. From dense, intensely aromatic reds to delicate whites, from sparkling to still, from sweet to fortified, there is a wine here that will suit any palate. Time to start tasting!
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE My job forces me to get through multiple bottles of wine a day... here's how I stop it killing me
Drinking on the job is usually grounds for firing, but for Clive Pursehouse, it's part of the gig. The 50-year-old from Seattle is one of America's top wine critics and US editor of Decanter magazine. Your browser does not support iframes.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Vergelegen's Estate White 2023 wins best South African white wine at the International Wine Challenge
Vergelegen's Estate White 2023 has won the trophy for the best South African white wine in the International Wine Challenge. Image: Supplied Vergelegen's Estate White 2023, renowned for its intense aromatics and flinty core, has won the trophy for the best South African white wine in the International Wine Challenge. This competition is widely regarded as the wine world's most influential, impartial and rigorously judged global event. The Estate White is sourced from the Somerset West estate's cooler, south-east-facing vineyards overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Elegant and refined with mineral overtones, it is dominated by notes of lemon, crushed rosemary and fresh apple. This outstanding wine has already been awarded 95 points by leading wine and lifestyle publication Decanter, 94 points by British wine master Tim Atkin, and 96 points by local publication South African wine estates have brought home 23 gold IWC medals this year, up from 15 gold medals in 2024. South Africa has also been ranked seventh among 15 top wine-producing countries in 2025, based on medals won. France remains the number one wine-producing country, but the latest IWC results have sent shockwaves through the industry, as bold 'new world' wines from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand challenge the long-standing dominance of the 'old world.' IWC owner Chris Ashton says: 'When you put wines from over 35 countries head to head and get them blind tasted by nearly 250 of the world's best palates, the results can be truly eye-opening.' Vergelegen MD Wayne Coetzer says: 'We are extremely proud that our Estate White has won an IWC trophy, one of the highest honours in the global wine industry. This accolade is a powerful testament to the passion, knowledge, and relentless pursuit of excellence by our entire team, from vineyard to cellar. 'I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to our viticulturists, winemakers, and support staff. This achievement belongs to all of you.' Cape Argus
