Analysis of 2005 Wine Spectator Top 100

The Takeaway? The List Actually Pays Tribute to ’03 Rhônes

Wine Spectator’s annual hoopla names a pricey Napa Cab as its number one wine of 2005, but 2003 Rhônes, particularly Châteauneuf-du-Pape, hog the list. Eight 2003 Rhônes are included in the top 100 versus six California Cabs. In fact, by appellation Châteauneuf-du-Pape heads the list with six wines, while Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is second with four.

The six ’03 Châteauneufs in the list are: Clos de Papes, Cuvée du Vatican Reserve Sixteen, Grand Veneur Les Origines, Vieux Télégraphe, Perrin & Fils Les Sinards, and Paul Autard.