2020 has been a year like no other at VinePair, in wine country, and beyond. But despite, or perhaps because of, the uncertainty this year has brought, the VinePair team has tasted thousands of wines over the last 12 months.
To help our readers discover wonderful new wines to help ring in the all-too-welcome new year, we’re sharing the 50 best wines we’ve tasted in 2020.
From screw-capped bottles for easy opening at socially distanced picnics, to high-end wines that can be delivered to our doors, these selections have met the unexpected needs of our newfound Covid-19 lifestyles.
As travel has been restricted during the majority of this year, we’ve taken the opportunity to explore the world through wine. We traveled through Europe, stopping in Spain, Greece, Austria, France, and, most notably, Italy. In fact, three of our top 10 wines this year are from Sicily, a region that impressed us more than any other this year.
South Africa also impressed us with its offerings in 2020, with three wines from the nation making it onto our list. This comes after South African wine country was been hit particularly hard by the ongoing pandemic, and strict lockdown measures meant bans on the sale and distribution of alcohol. The bans have since been lifted, meaning that alcohol, including wine, can now once again be sold, but it is going to take some wineries a long time to recover.
Fires yet again devastated parts of California wine country in 2020. The immense impact this had on its wine regions and communities emphasizes that drinking wines from the state to enjoy and support its winemaking regions is tantamount. We’ve consumed some lovely bottles from the Golden State, from Merlot (sorry, “Sideways”), to Petite Sirah, to Zinfandel and Chardonnay. These selections show just how diverse and delicious California wine country can be.
We also continued to explore the diversity of America’s less heralded wine regions, and were consistently impressed by Finger Lakes, Oregon, and particularly, Virginia offerings.
All wines on this list have been tasted and reviewed by VinePair’s tasting panel. We compiled an exhaustive list of our favorite wines this year, then whittled it down to 50 based on quality, value, and availability in the U.S.
Though our wine reviews helped guide our initial list of contenders, the selections here encompass multiple rounds of socially distanced sampling, concluding with a final tasting and ranking at the VinePair HQ.
Here are VinePair’s 50 best wines of 2020, tasted and ranked.
50. Loveblock Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 ($20)
Winemaker Kim Crawford left the eponymous Kim Crawford Wines behind to start this new venture, Loveblock, which specializes in organic and sustainably made wines. This Sauvignon Blanc is widely available and enjoyable, with aromas of freshly cut grass, notes of green bell pepper, and balanced acidity. This wine demonstrates the qualities that have made Marlborough famous for its Sauvignon Blanc.
Rating: 88
49. Weingut Prieler Johanneshöhe Blaufränkisch 2017 ($16)
A crowd-pleasing Austrian Blaufränkisch, this wine has good acidity and medium depth. It is juicy yet spicy, and is best enjoyed chilled. At $16, this wine will please the palate without breaking the bank.
Rating: 89
48. Sottimano Mate Rosso 2019 ($17)
This sweet and spicy Brachetto is an incredible bang for your buck. It has a grip on the palate and smells like sweet desserts mixed with herbs. It is best when chilled in the fridge, and can be paired with any carpaccio — veggie, meat, or fish.
Rating: 89
47. Treleaven Cabernet Franc 2019
Proof that Cabernet Franc can thrive in New York, this wine from the Finger Lakes region has inviting cherry and soil aromas, and is vibrant and juicy on the palate. This is another red that’s best served chilled (and paired with a burger).
Rating: 89
46. Cristom ‘Mt. Jefferson Cuvee’ Pinot Noir 2018 ($36)
Whether you age this for a few years or drink it now, this Pinot Noir is sure to please. It has density and lift, with great acidity and a rich fruit core. Pair it with honey-roasted duck, or drink it on its own.
Rating: 91
45. Espectacle del Montsant 2017 ($110)
This Spanish offering is very balanced for having such high alcohol — 15.5 percent ABV, that is. It has intense black and blueberry flavors, with a slight waft of this variety’s inherent orange peel aroma. The tannins are apparent, but woven into the texture of the wine. This, along with its brilliant acidity, keeps everything in harmony.
Rating: 94
44. Alois Lageder ‘Riff’ Pinot Grigio 2019 ($10)
This is a prime candidate for your new go-to, under-$20 Pinot Grigio. With its screw-cap bottle, ripe fruit aromas, and zippy flavor, this bottle is easy to drink and can fit almost any occasion — and would be an ideal case-buy.
Rating: 91
43. Ridgecrest Estate Grüner Veltliner 2019 ($24)
The Willamette Valley is so much more than a Pinot Noir region, and this Grüner Veltliner is proof of that. It has a subtle depth and lovely acidity, with aromas of citrus and pear. It has a creamy mouthfeel and just the right grip on the palate. If you love Riesling, give this bottle a try.
Rating: 93
42. Eberle Barbera 2018 ($36)
With its heavy oak influence, this is a fantastic wine for whiskey lovers. It has aromas of sweet pastries and fresh soil, subtle tannins, and a soft fruity center. This is a bottle to decant and sip slowly on a Sunday afternoon, paired with a charcuterie board.
Rating: 91
41. Adelaida Rosé 2019 ($28)
From Paso Robles, Calif., this rosé is complex and drinks like a red wine. Fruity aromas are offset by layers of dried herbs, while the wine grips the palate and has a deep enough flavor to pair with a decadent cheese board, roasted chicken, or duck.
Rating: 94
40. Flowers Sonoma Coast Rosé 2019 ($30)
From the Sonoma Coast, this is a great wine for summer sipping. It’s extremely refreshing and has some depth on the palate, which is unique for a rosé.
Rating: 94
39. Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque – Fleur de Champagne Millesime Brut 2012 ($174)
Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque deserves a place on your “splurge” list (or wish list). Lychee, creamy lemon curd, and crusty sourdough flavors pop on the palate, while this is a very well-made, very drinkable Champagne. This is a prestige cuvée that’s not as well known as others — like Krug and Dom Pérignon — but is one that we think should be on your radar.
Rating: 94
38. Beau Rivage Chenin Blanc 2017 ($28)
From Clarksburg, Calif. comes this slightly tart Chenin Blanc reminiscent of sliced apple tart desserts. It grips the palate with river-rock minerality, while green apple and lime aromas keep it zesty and bright.
Rating: 90
37. Jefferson Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2017 ($28)
Virginia wines have been a favorite among the VinePair team this year, and this bottle is no exception. This versatile Cabernet Franc is delicious both chilled and at room temperature. It has a soft, earthy fruit core and brambly blackberry aromas, along with hints of cooked meat and cracked black pepper.
Rating: 91
36. Gundlach-Bundschu Estate Vineyard Gewürztraminer 2019 ($21)
Bright aromas of honey, pears, white flowers, and black pepper hit the nose, followed by a frothy mouthfeel and vibrant palate. This Sonoma Coast Gewürztraminer is one for dry Riesling lovers — balanced, drinkable, and a perfect accompaniment to spicy dishes like hot wings or vindaloo.
Rating: 93
35. Bodegas Avancia Godello 2019 ($29)
Godello is an overlooked Spanish white variety that deserves a spot on your radar. If you’ve never tried it, start with this bottle. With aromas of sliced pear and a bouquet of white flowers, this wine will make you thirsty and also, somehow, quench your thirst. It is alive with vibrant acidity and the texture of tiny fizziness. The alcohol is a bit high, so we recommend pairing this bottle with food.
Rating: 94
34. Valle dell’Acate Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico DOCG 2015 ($21)
Drink and enjoy this red blend any season. In the summer, chill it in the fridge and its tart and juicy flavors will sing with beef carpaccio. In the colder months, sip it at cellar or room temperature and pair it with steamy venison. Either way, this wine will shine. It smells like cherries and freshly turned soil, and rests on the palate with the same. It has a slight chewy feel that can hold up to protein.
Rating: 91
33. Dutton-Goldfield Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2017 ($35)
Deliciously lean, bright, and fresh, this Russian River Valley Chardonnay has great levels of acidity; while rich fruit comes through on the palate, along with some oak and buttery notes to balance things out.
Rating: 91
32. EnRoute Brumaire Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2018 ($42)
Butterscotch, banana chips, vanilla, and just the right amount of oak float on the nose of this smoothie and easy-drinking, yet complex Chardonnay. It practically begs for a California pairing like goat cheese and arugula salad with walnuts, or grilled chicken. As our tastings director says, this wine is “the future of American Chardonnay.”
Rating: 94
31. Château Peyrassol Côtes de Provence 2019 ($35)
White flowers and strawberries leap from the glass as you swirl and sniff (do it!). The palate is structured and slightly drying, yet still juicy, fruity, and refreshing. With additional flavors of wet rocks, white pepper, and red fruit, this wine was by far the most outstanding rosé we tasted this year.
Rating: 95
30. Domaine Carneros by Taittinger Ultra Brut 2015 ($46)
Pop this Napa sparkler when you’re craving Champagne but don’t have that Champagne cash. Or even if you do. It starts with a welcoming nose of brioche, flaky pastry and soft, earthy fruit. Following that, a firm grip on the palate, with vibrant bubbles and a heightened perception of acidity cleanses the palate. It’s a joy to drink, so don’t wait too long for the right moment.
Rating: 94
29. Robert Biale Vineyards Black Chicken Zinfandel 2018 ($48)
From Robert Biale Vineyards, a Napa winery known for its Zinfandel, this wine is a great gift for an outdoor party or your next barbecue. It is balanced, full-bodied, and has notes of oak and ripe blackberries.
Rating: 93
28. Ferrari Brut NV ($25)
Made with Chardonnay grown in the Dolomites, this is elegant bubbly that will make you put down the Champagne for a while. It’s also extremely affordable compared to its French counterpart, and widely available, too — meaning it can be part of any celebration, or if you’re like us, a Wednesday night.
Rating: 94
27. Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2017 ($39)
A wonderful representation of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. It’s impeccably balanced, elegant yet powerful, and not overly acidic. It fills the palate with cherry, white pepper, and cinnamon flavors, pleasurable to the very last sip.
Rating: 94
26. Clos Mogador ‘Com Tu’ 2016 ($43)
A great, crowd-pleasing red that is soft, going on supple, with a slight savory depth. The palate is bright, with a good level of acidity and a fruity core. It finishes with a subtle scent of orange peel and whiff of cinnamon.
Rating: 94
25. Iconic Wines Sidekick Merlot 2017 ($18)
For those who think they don’t like Merlot: Don’t miss this. This is a great California red composed predominantly of Merlot, with 15 percent Cabernet Franc. The soft, plush textures of Merlot wash over the palate, while a warming perception of wood smoke and cedar swim through the wine, mingling with cracked black pepper. We recommend pairing this wine with a lean steak or roasted chicken. You may have to purchase this bottle online, but it’s 2020 — what are we not getting delivered?
Rating: 94
24. Ferraton Père & Fils Crozes-Hermitage Calendes 2016 ($34)
An excellent example of Northern Rhône Syrah, this wine is filled with blackberry, smoke, and minerality. It’s beautifully delicate on the palate, and is quite affordable for the quality.
Rating: 94
23. Inama Bradisismo Rosso Veneto IGT 2016 ($28)
This is the kind of wine that doesn’t come along often. It’s a unique, balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère. This deep, soulful red wine will welcome you with the subtle smell of white pepper and herbs, washed over by the sweet savoriness of aged balsamic and the tartness of currant jam. Try it with some grilled lamb, and thank us later.
Rating: 94
22. Long Meadow Ranch Farmstead Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 ($33)
This is as “California Cab” as it gets. It’s balanced, with just the right level of acidity and focused fruit. Aromas of vanilla and oak are present but not overpowering. Note that you may have to buy this wine online, as it’s not yet widely available in stores. It is more than worth the wait.
Rating: 94
21. Livio Felluga Friulano 2018 ($26)
This Friulano from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, is generous with tart fruit, soft acidity, and slight weight on the palate. It’s a wintry white, with perfumey, floral aromas followed by salty, buttery notes on the palate. This wine is sure to please Chardonnay lovers.
Rating: 91
20. Mayacamas Vineyards Chardonnay 2018 ($52)
A great representation of how full-bodied California Chardonnay should feel and taste, this wine is big and grips the palate with a significant amount of acid and oak. But that intensity doesn’t overwhelm, and ends with a medium finish. If you love great Chardonnay, this bottle is worth the price tag.
Rating: 91
19. Hermann J. Wiemer Dry Riesling 2019 ($21)
The nose on this wine is full of floral, honey, and citrus notes that will awaken your senses. Punchy on the palate, it’ll make you want to pair it with a light and spicy snack, like baked fish with curry spices. Its frothy acidity is just alive enough to balance the fruity depth.
Rating: 94
18. Mullineux ‘Kloof Street’ Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2019 ($17)
A South African selection, this Swartland Chenin Blanc is incredibly balanced, with great acidity and a bit of salinity. It’s an amazing value for the price, and is another variety that Chardonnay fans will be sure to love. It’s bright and fresh, and would be a great foil for anything fried, like fish and chips.
Rating: 91
17. Chêne Bleu ‘Abelard’ 2012 ($80)
From the Rhône Valley, this Grenache and Syrah blend starts savory, with a whiff of black pepper. It’s a bit tannic, but the wine is drinking well now. Aromas of cooking herbs like rosemary and oregano, as well as brambly berries, give this wine an autumnal feel, making it an ideal pairing for a holiday meal.
Rating: 94
16. La Cana Navia Albariño 2017 ($26)
This coastal white will please Sauvignon Blanc fans with its fruity character and pronounced salinity, but also offers the richness of a great Chardonnay. Its depth of flavor plays off the aromas of pear, honeysuckle, and white pepper. It would pair wonderfully with oysters, or linguini with clams.
Rating: 91
15. Massaya Blanc 2018 ($17)
From Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, this is a great everyday summer white with an even better story behind it. Massaya is owned by the Sami Ghosn, whose family fled their homeland in 1975 during a civil war, leaving behind their beloved winery. He came back to Lebanon in 1992 to reclaim his family’s estate, now releasing six wines each year. It smells like a meadow and is creamy and floral on the palate. It is widely available, and pairs well with any Mediterranean food.
Rating: 90
14. Boekenhoutskloof Semillon 2016 ($44)
Hailing from Franschhoek, South Africa, this Semillon is like nothing we’ve tasted from the region. (Semillon doesn’t even feature in the top 10 planted varieties in the nation, and when it is grown, this grape is typically used as a blending variety.) This wine proves it can be delicious on its own. It is light, bright, well balanced, age-worthy, and will quench your thirst. With aromas of honey and roasted almonds, it pairs with almost anything, from light salads to heavy holiday meals. It’s time for more people to recognize the awesome things South African Semillon is capable of. (Chenin Blanc, who?)
Rating: 94
13. Venturini Baldini ‘Ca’ del Vento’ Lambrusco Rosato NV ($18)
Put aside your preconceived notions of Lambrusco and taste this Italian sparkler. With soft, tart fruit on the palate, this wine is edging on sweet without being saccharine. It’s incredibly sessionable, and is sure to make any occasion a special occasion. Pair this wine with pizza or fried chicken to really take it to the next level.
Rating: 93
12. Denner Vineyards Dirt Worshipper 2018 ($62)
A Paso Robles interpretation of the Northern Rhône blend of Syrah, Viognier, and Roussanne, Dirt Worshipper has the slightly meaty character of the Old World style, but adds a New World dose of oak. With a nod to its classic inspiration, this wine establishes itself as distinctly “California.” It is balanced and expressive. On the nose, it is vibrant and earthy, with a contrast of herbs and bright, fruit-forward aromas. With its peppery, oak-influenced flavors, this bottle is ideal for any lamb dish — though you might not want to share either.
Rating: 97
11. Ar.Pe.Pe. Rosso di Valtellina 2017 ($37)
This wine represents everything there is to love about Nebbiolo. It grips the palate with bright acidity so high, the cherry aromas carry from the nose to the palate. Though we typically associate Nebbiolo with regions like Barolo, Barbaresco, and Langhe, this selection was grown in the high altitudes of an Alpine valley in Lombardy in steep, rocky soils — which means it worked hard to be wonderful.
Rating: 93
10. Evening Land ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Gamay Noir 2018 ($37)
A fun, fantastic pick from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, this Gamay Noir hits the nose with tart fruit and sour cherry aromas, and lands on the palate with intense acidity and a bit of sweetness. It is juicy, tart, and slightly fizzy, and would do best slightly chilled and paired with a loaded rare cheeseburger.
Rating: 94
9. Tornatore Etna Rosso 2017 ($23)
Pinot Noir fans will covet this Sicilian red made in the volcanic soils of Mount Etna, with its inviting aromas of strawberry jam and soil. This wine has bright acidity and a slight tannic grip, making it an ideal pairing for barbecue. It’s not often we come across wine of this quality at this price range.
Rating: 94
8. Southold Farm + Cellar ‘All Things Go’ 2018 ($35)
It doesn’t get more “Texas” than this wine. It hits the nose with spicy-sweet aromas of pineapple salsa and pickled chili peppers. It grips the palate with pickley, peppery salinity and zest. We’ve never tasted anything quite like it. We can’t think of a better pairing for carnitas tacos from the spit, pineapple juice dripping, and corn tortillas hot from the grill. (Did somebody say TexMex?)
Rating: 93
7. Louis Roederer et Philippe Starck Brut Nature Millesime 2012 ($85)
This no-dosage Champagne is extremely balanced. It’s also a vintage Champagne, meaning it was produced with grapes from a single harvest — adding to this bottle’s uniqueness. We believe that this bottle represents a trend in the direction that Champagne is moving — both the wine and the label are fun, accessible, and memorable. Louis Roederer is a large, established Champagne house, yet this wine shows that the brand knows where its customers are. And at a sub-$100 price, this is a great bottle to pop for your next special occasion.
Rating: 94
6. Thacher Shell Creek Vineyards Highlands District Valdiguié 2018 ($36)
Fans of Pinot Noir and Beaujolais looking to step outside their comfort zones will want to make this their new go-to. Valdiguié was once called Napa Gamay, but is actually from southern France. Regardless of its name or similarities to other grapes, this wine proves its own worth with notes of bright berry fruit, soil, and cinnamon; vibrant acidity; and balance. We recommend chilling this bottle down a bit and pairing with a charcuterie board.
Rating: 94
5. Luis Seabra ‘Xisto Ilimitado’ Branco 2018 ($27)
This is new-wave Portuguese wine that perfectly represents the terroir in which it was made. This bottle demonstrates the amazing value of wines from this region, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It has bright acidity and minerality on the nose. The palate is briny yet floral, making this wine endlessly drinkable. If you see this wine, buy a bottle (or even a case) — this is a great wine at a great price.
Rating: 95
4. Planeta Frappato Vittoria DOC 2018 ($22)
Planeta is a family owned winery in Sicily, focusing on sustainable winemaking practices. The family has been making some of the best wines in Italy ever since Patricia Toth became the winemaker in 2008. Aromas like rose petals, strawberries, and orange blossoms hit the nose, followed by a soft, creamy texture on the palate. One sip, and this little-known Sicilian grape just may become a newfound favorite. As it opens up, this wine continues to surprise the palate, introducing new flavors and aromas with each sip. To get the most out of this wine, we recommend chilling it before serving.
Rating: 95
3. Giovanni Rosso Etna Bianco DOC 2018 ($34)
From the slopes of Mount Etna, an active volcano in Sicily, this wine was produced by Giovanni Rosso, a family-owned winery from Piedmont specializing in red wines made from Nebbiolo. However, we were impressed by the family’s white selection they are making on Mt. Etna in Sicily, offering a white Burgundy-quality wine, sans the white Burgundy price. It’s extremely balanced, refreshing, and has great acidity. With its kiss of oak, it will surely be a newfound favorite of Chardonnay lovers looking to try something different.
Rating: 97
2. Ankida Ridge Vineyards Pinot Noir 2017 ($44)
Pinot Noir from Virginia? Absolutely. Of all the wines we tasted this year, this one surprised us the most. Produced at a very small family vineyard in Amherst, Va., owned by a husband and wife who make the wine with their son, this Pinot was aged for 10 months in French oak. The palate is beautifully grippy and intense, and the finish is unbelievably bright and refreshing. This wine is the best American Pinot Noir we’ve tasted this year, and it may have been ranked No. 1 had it not been such a small production. Although this wine is DTC (direct-to-consumer) only, with just 140 cases produced, we strongly recommend you try to find it (and thank us later).
Rating: 97
1. Alpha Estate Vieilles Vignes Single Block Reserve Xinomavro 2016 ($37)
Located in Macedonia in northwestern Greece, Alpha Estate has been creating delicious, sustainably made wines since 1997. This wine practically defines balance: The acidity is nearly perfect, letting the tart fruit flavors sing without overwhelming the palate; the texture is rich yet refreshing and not overly tannic; and it hugs the palate with notes of fruit and pepper. With flavors similar to Barolo, but at a much better value, this wine can be enjoyed now or aged in your cellar for a few more years. Either way, it is sure to be a memorable one.
Rating: 97
