Top 100 Wines of 2011 – Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2009 is the most exciting wine of the year

Every year since 1988, the experts from Wine Spectator have compiled a list of the most exciting wines reviewed over the hole year.  This list of Top 100 Wines of 2011 reflects significant trends, recognize outstanding producers and spotlight successful regions and vintages around the world.
Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2009 has accumulated 95 points and is the leader among 100 Wines of 2011.

The list was selected from more than 16,000 new releases rated in independent blind tastings. More than 5,400 of these wines earned outstanding or classic ratings (90 points or higher on Wine Spectator’s 100-point scale). Wine Spectator narrowed the list down based on four criteria: quality (represented by score); value (reflected by release price); availability (measured by cases made or imported); and the “X-factor”– the excitement generated by a rising-star producer, a benchmark wine or a significant milestone for a wine region.

In this year’s list, 12 countries are represented, and quality remains high, with an average score of 93 points. The average price per bottle dipped from last year from $48 to $44, compared with a $70 average for 90-point wines reviewed this year.

The first 20 best wines of 2011:

1 Kosta Browne (price 52$) – Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2009
2 Hall (90$) – Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Kathryn Hall 2008
3 Domaine Huët (69$) – Vouvray Moelleux Clos du Bourg Première Trie 2009
4 Campogiovanni (50$)- Brunello di Montalcino 2006
5 Dehlinger (50$) – Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2008
6 Baer (35$)- Ursa Columbia Valley 2008
7 Quinta do Vallado (55$)- Touriga Nacional Douro 2008
8 Domenico Clerico (90$) – Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra 2006
9 Alain Graillot (55$)- Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude 2009
10 Château de St.(58$)- Cosme – GigondasValbelle 2009
11 Denner (45$)- The Dirt Worshipper Paso Robles 2008
12 Seghesio (38$) – Zinfandel Alexander Valley HomeRanch 2009
13 Mount Eden Vineyards (55$)- Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains 2008
14 Failla (45$) – Pinot Noir Russian River Valley KeeferRanch 2009
15 Efeste (36$) – Syrah Yakima Valley Jolie BoucheBoushey Vineyard 2008
16 Rivetto (50$) – Barolo Serralunga 2006
17 Tenuta Carlina (60$) – Brunello di Montalcino La Togata 2006
18 Januik (30$) – Cabernet SauvignonColumbia Valley 2008
19 Carlisle (43$) – Zinfandel Russian River Valley Papera Ranch 2008
20 Robert Mondavi (45$) – Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2008.

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