The 2023 world of wine included strong vintages, second acts, generational succession and turnaround stories. The Top 100, our annual year-end snapshot, offers a reflection on the wines that made the year special, from the traditional to the new wave, played out in regions across the globe. These 100 wines are our editors’ picks for the most exciting wines tasted over the past year.

In our 2023 blind tastings, our editors reviewed more than 9,200 wines, of which 5,819 rated 90 points or higher. This was our initial pool for selecting the Top 100, evaluated for quality (based on score), value (based on price), availability (cases either made or imported into the U.S.) and most importantly, the relevance and back story of the wines—what we call the X-factor.

Our list is a broad picture of the year in wine. You’ll find some of the top wines from premier grape varieties and blue-chip appellations, particularly in our Top 10. California figures prominently on the strength of the 2019 Cabernet, 2021 Chardonnay and 2021 Pinot Noir harvests; Italy—making up 20 percent of the total—displays its muscle with wines from Piedmont and Tuscany. France also shines, with the Rhône Valley leading the charge.

Nearly 50 percent of this year’s Top 100 is comprised of wineries earning the honor for the first time; others are consistent performers with great track records vintage after vintage. The average score is 93 points and the average price $54. Though 13 wines cost $100 or more, over 60 percent are priced $50 or less, while more than one-quarter of the wines cost $25 or less. We hope you enjoy the exciting list of wines that make up Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2023!