Wines of the Year 2021: the top Classic wines
Decanter staff, and its experts around the world, were asked to nominate their favourite classic, offbeat and value wines that most impressed in 2021. See the top-scoring wines in the Classic category blind tasted by our judging panel.
For their Classic selection in Wines of the Year, Decanter World Wine Awards Regional Chairs, key contributors and staff were asked to nominate a ‘premium, textbook style of wine’ retailing for £25 and above.
Neither the category nor price was revealed, so the wines were assessed purely on a quality basis – a fact that our judges appreciated.
‘The cream really rose to the top’ remarked judge Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW, who found it ‘fascinating’ that the classic names came through. ‘It’s reassuring that so many of these top wines, which command top prices, justify them. They deserve the accolades.’
Among the Classic wines that she and fellow judges Matt Walls and Stefan Neumann MS singled out were beautifully elegant Cabernets and blends from Bordeaux and South America in particular, stunning Champagnes and sparkling wines, plus the storming performance from Italy across Tuscany, Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto and Piedmont.
Classic whites from New Zealand, South Africa, the US and Australia also impressed: ‘The Chardonnays all showed well and the Chenin Blancs were extraordinary – the producers really showed their talent,’ commented Cherutti-Kowal.
Full list of all Classic wines nominated and tasted
99 points
Henschke, Hill of Grace, Eden Valley, Australia, 2016. Nominated by Huon Hooke.
98 points
Cantina Terlano, Terlaner Primo Grande Cuvée, Terlano, Alto Adige, Italy, 2018. Nominated by Michael Garner.
Dom Pérignon, Brut, Champagne, France, 2008. Nominated by Jane Anson.
97 points
Billecart-Salmon, Elisabeth Salmon Rosé Brut, Champagne, France, 2008. Nominated by Charlotte Hale.
Château Lynch-Moussas, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France, 2016. Nominated by Natalie Earl.
Estate Argyros, Cuvée Monsignori, Santorini, Greece, 2018. Nominated by Yiannis Karakasis MW & Justin Knock MW.
Il Marroneto, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2016. Nominated by Alessandra Piubello
La Rioja Alta, 904, Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2011. Nominated by Laura Bianco.
La Rioja Alta, 890, Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2005. Nominated by Sarah Jane Evans MW.
Louis Roederer, Collection 242 Brut, Champagne, France, Multi-Vintage. Nominated by Simon Field MW.
96 points
Bruno Paillard, Assemblage Extra Brut, Champagne, France, 2012. Nominated by Amy Wislocki.
Felton Road, Calvert Pinot Noir, Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand, 2019. Nominated by Bob Campbell MW.
Mas del Serral, Brut Nature, Vino Espumoso de Calidad, (Catalunya), Spain, 2009. Nominated by Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW.
Pasqua, Mai dire Mai, Amarone della Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy, 2012. Nominated by Stephen Hobley.
Produttori del Barbaresco, Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy , 2017. Nominated by Justin Knock MW.
Stellenrust, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa, 2020. Nominated by Fiona McDonald.
Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne, France, 2008. Nominated by Charlotte Hale.
Walter Scott , X Novo Vineyard Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, United States, 2019. Nominated by Charles Curtis MW.
95 points
Boekenhoutskloof, Boekenhoutskloof Syrah, Swartland, Western Cape, South Africa, 2018. Nominated by Tina Gellie.
Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups, Remus, Montlouis Sur Loire, Loire, France, 2019. Nominated by James Lawther MW.
Don Melchor, Cabernet Sauvignon, Puente Alto, Maipo, Chile, 2018. Nominated by Alistair Cooper MW.
Flowstone, Queen of the Earth Sauvignon Blanc, Margaret River, Australia, 2018. Nominated by Rupert Owen.
Kumeu River, Matés Vineyard Chardonnay, Kumeu, Auckland, New Zealand, 2020. Nominated by Andy Howard MW.
Marta’s Vinyard, Signature Reserve Cabernet Franc, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, 2016. Nominated by Sonja van Praag.
Masottina, ContradaGranda Extra Dry, Conegliano Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy, NV. Nominated by Stephen Hobley.
Paul Lato, Atticus John Sebastiano Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, California, United States, 2017. Nominated by Ronan Sayburn MS.
Rutini, Apartado Gran Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina, 2019. Nominated by Cesar Soler.
San Leonardo, , IGT, Vigneti Delle Dolomiti, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy, 2015. Nominated by Jeannie Cho Lee MW.
Tenuta San Guido, Sassicaia, Bolgheri Sassicaia, Tuscany, Italy, 2018. Nominated by Aldo Fiordelli.
Torbreck, Descendant, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2018. Nominated by Sarah Ahmed.
94 points
Dei, Madonna della Querce, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy, 2016. Nominated by Barbara Philp MW.
Philipponnat, 1522 Rosé Extra Brut, Champagne, France, 2012. Nominated by Charlotte Hale.
93 points
Bollinger, PN VZ16 Brut, Champagne, France, NV. Nominated by Yohan Castaing
Capezzana, Villa di Capezzana, Carmignano, Tuscany, Italy, 2018. Nominated by Richard Baudains.
Castello di Fonterutoli, Badiòla, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Tuscany, Italy, 2017, Susan Hulme MW.
Hardys, Eileen Hardy Chardonnay, Yarra Valley & Margaret River, Victoria & Western Australia, Australia, 2019. Nominated by Rupert Owen.
Harrow & Hope, Blanc de Noirs Brut, Marlow, Thames Valley, United Kingdom, 2015. Nominated by Justin Howard-Sneyd MW.
Purcari, Negru de Purcari, Ștefan Vodă, Ștefan-Vodă, Moldova, 2019. Nominated by Caroline Gilby MW.
San Leonardo, Vigneti Delle Dolomiti, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy, 2016. Nominated by Markus Del Monego MW.
Ventisquero, Enclave Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, Central Valley, Chile, 2014. Nominated by Julie Sheppard.
92 points
Domaine du Traginer, Collioure Blanc, Roussillon, France, 2020. Nominated by Natalie Earl.
Langham, Rosé Brut, Dorset, South West, England, NV. Nominated by Anthony Rose.
Mélanie Pfister, Breit Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Crémant d’Alsace, Alsace, France, NV. Nominated by Thierry Meyer.
Moët Hennessy India, Chandon Brut, Maharashtra, Nashik, India, NV. Nominated by Peter Czismadia Honigh.
Tabalí, Talinay Chardonnay, Limari Valley, Limari , Chile, 2020. Nominated by Amanda Barnes.
Tasca d’Almerita, Rosso del Conte, Contea di Sclafani, Sicily, Italy, 2016. Nominated by Michela Nassiz.
Teperberg, Legacy Cabernet Franc, Judean hills, Israel, 2018. Nominated by Michela Nassiz.
Vilafonté, Seriously Old Dirt, Western Cape, South Africa, 2019. Nominated by Greg Sherwood MW.
Viña Leyda, Leyda Lot 21 Pinot Noir, Leyda Valley, San Antonio Valley, Chile, 2018. Nominated by Cesar Soler.
91 points
Domaine Vaquer, L’Exception, Côtes du Roussillon Villages Les Aspres, Roussillon, France, 2016. Nominated by Rosemary George MW.
Via Vinica, Baettig Selección de Parcelas Los Primos Chardonnay, Traiguén, Malleco Valley, Chile, 2019. Nominated by Alistair Cooper MW.
Vignerons Ardéchois, Monnaie d’Or Chatus, Ardéche, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France, 2020. Nominated by Rosemary George MW.
90 points
Bibi Graetz, Testamatta Toscana IGT, Italy, 2018. Nominated by Georgina Hindle.
Passopisciaro, Contrada G, IGT, Terre Siciliane, Sicily, Italy, 2019. Nominated by Jim Button.
See tasting notes and scores for the top Wines of the Year 2021: Classic
Related content:
Wines of the Year 2021: top-scoring bottlesTop-scoring wines of 2021: 100-point wines
Dom Pérignon, Champagne, France, 2008
<p>Dom Pérignon is named after 17th-century Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon (1638-1715), who is said to have invented sparkling wine while cellarmaster at the Abbey...
2008
Dom Pérignon
Billecart-Salmon, Elisabeth Salmon Rosé, Champagne, France, 2008
<p>Ripe berries on the nose with red apple, peach and tangerine notes over hazelnut and pastry nuances. Fresh and compact on the palate with zesty...
2008
Billecart-Salmon
Louis Roederer, Collection 242, Champagne, France
<p>Fresh, vibrant nose displaying aromas of orange, lime peel, almond, honey and brioche with ripe quince and sweet pear undertones. Great focus and length on...
Louis Roederer
Bruno Paillard, Assemblage, Champagne, France, 2012
<p>Mature aromas of nuts, honey, brioche, pine nuts and lovely creamy notes with ricotta undertones and nuances of lemons and apples. Very refined, soft and...
2012
Bruno Paillard
Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, Champagne, France, 2008
<p>Wonderful, intriguing nose with ripe orchard fruits of conference pear and pink lady apples, seasoned with brioche and roasted cashew nuts. It’s rich on the...
2008
Taittinger
Masottina, ContradaGranda, Prosecco, Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Superiore, Veneto, Italy
<p>Fragrant aromas of lemon curd with dried petals, bubblegum and jelly sweet notes over chalky undertones. Silky and seductive on the palate with a floral...
MasottinaProsecco
Cantina Terlano, Primo Terlaner I Grande Cuvée, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy, 2018
<p>Cantina Terlano in Alto Adige is arguably Italy’s top white wine cooperative. Founded in 1893, today 143 members cultivate some 190ha of vines northwest of...
2018
Cantina Terlano
Argyros, Cuvée Monsignori, Santorini, Aegean Islands, Greece, 2018
<p>Fresh, intense aromas of grapefruit peel, limes, oyster shells and a touch of Brie rind. Has great depth and drive with an ethereal lightness and...
2018
ArgyrosSantorini
Stellenrust, Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2020
96
Inviting nose with touches of lime skin, oyster shell, green fruit, wax, candied rose petals and hints of curry. Very classic and seriously focused, intense with a vibrant and perfectly integrated freshness.
2020
Stellenrust
Walter Scott, X Novo Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon, USA, 2019
<p>Lots of citrus notes layered with delicate spices, nuts, gunpowder and cumin. Full-bodied, quite rich and expressive, with a broad palate supported by a searing...
2019
Walter ScottWillamette Valley
Kumeu River, Matés Vineyard Chardonnay, Kumeu, Auckland, New Zealand, 2020
<p>Expressive style with notes of apple and peach, fairly toasty with nuts, hints of smoke and cream. Creamy palate with layers of flavours and an...
2020
Kumeu RiverKumeu
Flowstone, Queen of the Earth Sauvignon Blanc, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia, 2018
95
<p>Aromatic nose with grassy notes, punchy gooseberry followed by hints of green tea, gunpowder and lemongrass. Highly distinctive with passion fruit flavours on the palate and a lengthy, austere finish. Nominated by Rupert Owen.</p>
2018
FlowstoneMargaret River
Domaine de la Taille aux Loups, Rémus, Montlouis-sur-Loire, Loire, France, 2019
<p>Ripe expression on the nose with some citrus elements along with apple pie, raspberries and grapefruit pith. Vibrant, with great drive and savoury notes on...
2019
Domaine de la Taille aux LoupsMontlouis-sur-Loire
Henschke, Hill of Grace, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia, 2016
<p>Stephen and Prue Henschke are the fifth generation in charge of Henschke’s highly regarded wines, with a focus on purity and terroir, using traditional winemaking...
2016
HenschkeEden Valley
Château Lynch-Moussas, Pauillac, 5ème Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France, 2016
<p>Peppery, earthy nose with cedar under mint and blackcurrant. Firm tannins supported by wonderful black fruit concentration, and balancing freshness and precision. Nominated by Natalie...
2016
Château Lynch-MoussasPauillac
Il Marroneto, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy, 2016
The 2016 is a fine rendition of the estate's Brunello in a fine year overall. It was 'a very easy vintage,' according to Alessandro, with...
2016
Il MarronetoBrunello di Montalcino
La Rioja Alta, Gran Reserva 890, Rioja, Northern Spain, Spain, 2005
<p>Deep and powerful, showing Rioja in its full glory with a surprising amount of fruit on the nose alongside mushroom, spice and vanilla. Serious concentration....
2005
La Rioja AltaRioja
La Rioja Alta, Gran Reserva 904, Rioja, Alta, Northern Spain, Spain, 2011
<p>Lovely intensity on the nose – smoked meat, thyme and rosemary, and classic red fruit. Smooth tannins. Graceful and elegant. Nominated by Laura Bianco</p>
2011
La Rioja AltaRioja
Felton Road, Calvert Pinot Noir, Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand, 2019
<p>Beautifully concentrated nose with ripe strawberries and raspberries, black cherry, hints of star anise and delicate oak spice. Fantastic purity of fruit. Nominated by Bob...
2019
Felton RoadBannockburn
Pasqua, Mai dire Mai, Amarone della Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy, 2012
<p>Restrained, classic nose showing notes of red cherry compote, sweet spices, smoky woodfire and nuances of anise and earthy notes. It offers a wealth of...
2012
PasquaAmarone della Valpolicella
Produttori del Barbaresco, Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy, 2017
<p>Aromatic notes of dried sage and rosemary combined with juicy, ripe red cherries, tar and red roses. Silky, ripe, approachable, with a great fine-grained tannic...
2017
Produttori del BarbarescoBarbaresco
Boekenhoutskloof, Syrah, Swartland, South Africa, 2018
<p>Big and bold with barbecue notes and dried blue- and blackberries with aromatic herbs. Smooth and silky with subtle ripe tannins, light in body. Fresh,...
2018
Boekenhoutskloof
Concha y Toro, Don Melchor, Puente Alto, Maipo Valley, Chile, 2018
<p>Rich and dense with ripe black fruit, gentle oak spices and hints of smoke and savoury notes. Deep, concentrated, bold with smooth tannins and piercing...
2018
Concha y ToroPuente Alto
Marta's Vineyard, Signature Reserve Cabernet Franc, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, 2016
<p>Fruity nose with generous blackberry and cassis fruit, a dab of wasabi and sweet milk chocolate over spice and smoke. Luxurious and opulent, quite potent...
2016
Marta's VineyardLuján de Cuyo
Paul Lato, Atticus John Sebastiano Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Sta Rita Hills, California, USA, 2017
<p>Inviting perfumed aromas of sage and lavender with ripe red cherries, freshly picked red roses and a hint of sweet oak. Dense and ripe expression,...
2017
Paul LatoSanta Barbara County
Tenuta San Guido, Sassicaia, Bolgheri, Sassicaia, Tuscany, Italy, 2018
<p>Notes of woodsmoke, blackcurrants and a hint of mint. Tobacco and cigar box add complexity. Dark, dense and concentrated. Nominated by Aldo Fiordelli.</p>
2018
Tenuta San GuidoBolgheri
Tinazzi, Feudo Croce Imperio LXXIV, Primitivo di Manduria, Puglia, Italy, 2019
95
<p>Full of aromatic lavender, dill, stewed raspberries and concentrated blackberries. Spicy on the palate, with a lovely balance and energy. Very approachable and drinkable, with a lingering fennel finish. Nominated by Stephen Hobley</p>
2019
TinazziPrimitivo di Manduria
Torbreck, Descendant, Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia, 2018
<p>Ripe and rich nose of black plums, dark cherries, blackcurrant, fennel and chocolate notes. Very ripe and full-bodied with elegant velvety tannins. Warm, juicy and...
2018
TorbreckBarossa Valley
