Wine Spectator rates over 15,000 wines per year, in every price range, to fit every occasion. Read about the world's great wineries and winemakers and visit restaurants with outstanding wine lists. Plus, each issue features delicious recipes and pairs them with the perfect wines.
Soft Cheeses & Sparkling Wines
Wine Spectator
Wine Sales Grow Despite Tough Times
Police Uncover Fake Sassicaia Ring
IN MEMORIAM
Fish & Chips With Champagne
California Merlot’s Starring Role • This rich red takes the lead in a range of outstanding bottlings from recent vintages
KIM MARCUS’ RECOMMENDED CALIFORNIA MERLOTS • More than 100 wines were reviewed for this report. A free alphabetical list is available at WineSpectator.com/MerlotAlpha121520. WineSpectator.com members can access complete reviews for all wines tasted using the online Wine Ratings search
SAVVY SHOPPER
SPECTATOR SELECTIONS
California’s New Normal?
Taras Ochota: Sound and Vision
HIS DREAM IS NOW THEIRS • LEGENDARY VINEYARD MANAGER ULISES VALDEZ SR.’s FAMILY CARRIES ON HIS LEGACY
VINEYARDS UNDER THE VALDEZ FAMILY UMBRELLA
SOFT SPOT • Classic Old World cheeses and New World stars deliver deliciousness
Gooey, stinky, delightful. Let us now explore the wonderful and delicious realm of soft cheeses.
TANGY
FRESH
MILD
CREAMY
AROMATIC
FUNKY
BRIGHTER DAYS • The Champagne region gives reason to celebrate, with a range of styles and outstanding wines from multiple vintages
Alison Napjus’ Recommended Champagnes • Nearly 325 wines were reviewed for this report. A free alphabetical list is available at WineSpectator.com/ChampagneAlpha121520. WineSpectator.com members can access complete reviews for all wines tasted using the online Wine Ratings search.
BOTTLES to UNCORK BOTTLES to UNWRAP • SOMMELIERS SHARE THEIR PICKS FOR TOASTING AND GIFTING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
What to Pop
What to Give
REDS ON THE Rise • CALIFORNIA WINEMAKERS EXPLORE ALTERNATIVE GRAPES IN EMERGING REGIONS
MaryAnn Worobiec’s Recommended California Alternative Reds • More than 100 wines were reviewed for this report. A free alphabetical list is available at WineSpectator.com/CaliforniaAlpha121520. WineSpectator.com members can access complete reviews for all wines tasted using the online Wine Ratings search.
Buying Guide
Highly Recommended
Collectibles • Wines that will improve most from additional bottle age and that show the greatest potential to gain in value.
About the Buying Guide
Smart Buys • Wines that deliver fine character at affordable prices and that are broadly available.
Best Values • Wines with solid scores, modest prices and wide distribution.
ARGENTINA
AUSTRALIA
FRANCE
ISRAEL
ITALY
NEW ZEALAND
SOUTH AFRICA
SPAIN
CALIFORNIA
OREGON
UNFILTERED