More than 10,000 wines were assessed to create Wine Spectator’s coveted Top 100 list, which features the most compelling selections. This year, Sonoma County proudly secured its place with four wines making the top 10 and ten wineries featured in the overall top 100.

Wine Spectator’s editors evaluated over 5,500 wines based on criteria such as quality, value, availability, and an elusive quality they describe as “excitement.” The top-ranked wine was a Château Giscours Margaux 2022 from Bordeaux, but it was closely followed by Sonoma County’s Aubert Wines 2023 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay from UV-SL Vineyard priced at $100. Described by reviewer MaryAnn Worobiec as offering a “stunning mix” of flavors including crème brulee and peach preserves, this wine has garnered significant attention.

In third place was the Ridge Vineyards 2023 Lytton Springs from Dry Creek Valley ($56), a complex Zinfandel enriched with Petite Syrah and other varietals. Tim Fish, an editor at Wine Spectator, highlighted its “bold blackberry” notes and complex structure.

Fourth place went to William Selyem’s 2023 Pinot Noir from Eastside Road Neighbors in the Russian River Valley priced at $72, praised for its floral purity and vibrant flavors. Finally, at eighth, Wayfarer’s 2023 Pinot Noir from Wayfarer Vineyard in Fort Ross-Seaview ($100), crafted from a variety of Pinot Noir clones, showcased winemaker Todd Kohn’s skill.

Additional Sonoma County wines featured in this esteemed list include:

• Bedrock Wine Co. 2023 Bedrock Vineyard Heritage Red Wine, Sonoma Valley ($60)
• Patz & Hall 2022 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast ($35)
• Dry Creek Vineyard 2023 Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg ($18)
• Hartford Family 2022 Old Vine Zinfandel, Russian River Valley ($50)
• Ravenswood 2023 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley ($27)
• Dehlinger 2023 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($50)
• Platt Vineyard 2023 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, West Sonoma Coast ($165)

For more information, you can check out the complete list here.