As we toast to 2024, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the wines that have stood out as the year’s finest. Curated by Spec’s wine buyer James Barlow, this list highlights the top wines of 2024, showcasing unparalleled quality, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors. Discover the year’s must-have selections and let every pour be a celebration!
The featured wines are available at select Spec’s locations throughout Texas. Here are the Top Picks of 2024:
13. Chateau Croix Mouton Bordeaux Superieur Rouge 2018 (Bordeaux, France)
Cash Price: $18.99 (Sale Price: $11.97 for December)
Jean Philippe Janouiex’s wines consistently deliver excellent quality at value-driven prices. This Merlot-driven wine (97% Merlot, 2.5% Cab Franc, 0.5% Petit Verdot) features juicy flavors of black cherry and plum, with medium intensity. Silky tannins and notes of tobacco, cedar, and exotic spice complete the profile. A Texas-exclusive label adorned with a Longhorn showcases the state’s pride.
Score: 90 Points
12. Kiona Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2022 (Columbia Valley, Washington State)
Cash Price: $18.99
Kiona Vineyards’ Chenin Blanc, sourced from vines planted in 1976, offers vibrant acidity and lower alcohol levels. This Certified Sustainable wine bursts with zesty flavors of lychee, citrus, and orange blossoms, complemented by hints of hazelnut and white flowers.
Score: 93 Points
11. Domaine Weinbach Cuvee Theo Riesling 2022 (Alsace, France)
Cash Price: $39.89
Domaine Weinbach’s Riesling delights with floral aromas and flavors of lychee, melon, and citrus. High acidity and a clean finish, with notes of grapefruit and petrol, make this a standout from the historic Clos des Capucins.
Score: 95 Points
10. Chapelle de Blagny Meursault ‘1er’ Cru Sous le Dos D’Ane 2020 (Blagny, France)
Cash Price: $109.99
This 100% Chardonnay from 70-year-old vines showcases rich, focused flavors of green apples and lemon zest. Aged for 12 months in 30% new French oak, the wine exudes minerality and balance.
Score: 96 Points
9. Accendo Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Napa Valley, California)
Cash Price: $349.99
A deeply textured wine with flavors of black cherry and blackberry, Accendo’s 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon delivers medium-plus intensity and a long, integrated finish. This wine epitomizes Napa Valley excellence.
Score: 98 Points
8. Cliff Lede ‘Poetry’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (Stags Leap District, California)
Cash Price: $324.67
Rich and intense, this Cabernet Sauvignon blend features creamy blackberry and blueberry flavors. Aged for 21 months in 80% new French oak, it boasts a voluptuous finish with hints of dark chocolate and dusty cedar.
Score: 98 Points
7. Quintessa Red Blend 2021 (Rutherford, California)
Cash Price: $249.84
Quintessa’s biodynamically farmed vineyards produce a complex blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Carmenere, and Petit Verdot. This wine offers dense black cherry flavors and a long, alluring finish with exotic spices.
Score: 99 Points
6. Chateau Siran Rouge 2021 (Margaux, France)
Cash Price: $42.99
This 60% Cabernet Sauvignon blend exudes elegance with flavors of red cherry, raspberry, and currant. Silky tannins and a vibrant juiciness define this wine’s approachable charm.
Score: 96 Points
5. Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron Rouge 2020 (Pauillac, France)
Cash Price: $199.49
With its dense and brooding flavors of blackberry and cassis, this wine showcases the finesse of a “Super Second” Bordeaux. The long finish highlights dark chocolate, cedar, and exotic spice.
Score: 98 Points
4. Dumol Estate Pinot Noir 2022 (Russian River Valley, California)
Cash Price: $97.69
This lush Pinot Noir features flavors of black cherry and boysenberry, supported by earthy notes of truffle and tobacco. The wine’s depth and balance promise exceptional aging potential.
Score: 97 Points
3. Chateau Troplong Mondot Premier Grand Cru Classe B Rouge 2020 (St. Emilion, France)
Cash Price: $139.99
Refined and balanced, this Merlot-dominated wine offers floral aromatics and firm flavors of blackberry and black cherry. A long finish with hints of cocoa and graphite rounds out this impressive vintage.
Score: 98 Points
2. Chimney Rock ‘Tomahawk Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Stags Leap District, California)
Cash Price: $159.99
This single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon captivates with vibrant cassis and black raspberry flavors. Its complex finish includes sandalwood, graphite, and violets, exemplifying winemaking excellence.
Score: 99 Points
1. Opus One Red Blend 2021 (Oakville, California)
Cash Price: $432.24
A Bordeaux-style blend from Napa Valley, Opus One’s 2021 vintage features rich flavors of black cherry and blackberry. A silky, long finish with hints of cocoa and pipe tobacco solidifies its reputation as a premier wine.
Score: 99 Points
