The world of wine is full of surprises. Nature shapes the character of vintages differently each year. Grape varieties and wine styles ride trends; regions ascend or decline. Capturing the character of the past year is the goal of Wine Spectator’s annual Top 100.

Our editors selected this group of wines from our blind tastings of more than 18,000 wines in 2016. We looked for compelling stories and the biggest surprises—we call this the X-factor—along with quality (score), value (price) and availability (cases made or imported). The average score and average price are 93 points and $46, respectively, the same as in 2015 and 2014.

Together, France, Italy and the United States account for nearly two-thirds of the 2016 list. But along with traditional standard-bearers, the 100 most exciting wines our editors reviewed include emerging labels and regions and distinctive blends. We hope you enjoy the leading wineries, fine values and new discoveries that make up Wine Spectator’s 2016 Top 100.

For detailed profiles of all of the 2016 picks, check out the complete Top 100 Wines of 2016 package in the Dec. 31, 2016, issue of Wine Spectator.