Wines of the Year 2021: top red wines score table
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Decanter contributors, staff and DWWA Regional Chairs nominated their top three stand-out bottles of 2021, which were then tasted blind and scored by an expert panel to determine the best and most exciting wines of 2021.
Here we present a quick and easy way to see tasting notes and scores for all 63 red, and two rosé wines, entered in the tasting.
Producer | Appellation | Score | Notes | Header Cell - Column 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eden Valley | 2016 | 99 | Row 0 - Cell 4 | 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 techniques. Hill of Grace is Henschke’s most renowned vineyard, producing wonderful Shiraz from just 4 hectares, with the first vines planted here in 1860. Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW: Lots of black fruit with a hint of dried herbs. Oak spice gently wraps around the fruit, tannins firm but fine grained. Lovely wine. Stefan Neumann MS: Elevated dark fruit with spice, chocolate and dried flowers. So inviting. Perfect execution of aromas and flavours. Perfection in a glass. This is heaven on earth. Matt Walls: Polished leather and menthol, this has a sense of measure and elegance. Generous, silky, rounded. Fruity but not sweet. A very long finish, it’s almost endless. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Huon Hooke. | |
Margaret River | 2019 | 98 | Row 1 - Cell 4 | Cape Landing is an independent family-owned winery making classic Margaret River wines. Single-vineyard wines are made in order to reflect the style of each plot, integrating biodiversity, restoration and the maintenance of native species in the vineyards. The finest parcels of fruit from each vintage are selected for Blackwood Cabernet Sauvignon, and production is generally restricted to 1,800 bottles per year. Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW: Fragrant with notes of dill and rosemary. Loads of blackcurrant mixed with woodsmoke and spice. Acidity adds an element of freshness. Stefan Neumann MS: This is a highly perfumed style. Shows ripeness of dark fruit but it’s not too fruity or intense. Has a remarkable balance of power and concentration yet elegance. Matt Walls: A perfumed, pure Cabernet Sauvignon that feels very Margaret River; elegant, refined, pure. Very silky, velvety, plush, but still fresh and harmonious. Very seductive. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Rupert Owen. | |
Pauillac (5ème Cru Classé) | 2016 | 97 | Row 2 - Cell 4 | Peppery and earthy nose with cedary scents under blackcurrant and minty aromas. Firm tannins on the palate supported by a wonderful black fruit concentration, and a balancing freshness and precision. Classic and harmonious. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Natalie Earl. | |
Brunello di Montalcino | 2016 | 97 | Row 3 - Cell 4 | Classical nose of red cherries, sweet juicy plums, tea leaves, rose petals and dried mushrooms with a touch of spice and hints of dried herbs. Dense palate with a great impact and precision, assertive tannins and crisp acidity. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2038. Nominated by: Alessandra Piubello. | |
Rioja | 2005 | 97 | Row 4 - Cell 4 | Deep and powerful, showing all the spectrum of Rioja in its full glory with a surprising amount of fruit on the nose alongside mushrooms, spice and vanilla. Some serious concentration on the palate. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Sarah Jane Evans MW. | |
Rioja | 2011 | 97 | Row 5 - Cell 4 | Lovely intensity on the nose, with savoury smoked meat under thyme and rosemary nuances, and classic red fruit aromas. Plush and fruity with smooth tannins and harmonious acidity. Graceful and elegant, very long. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Laura Bianco. | |
Bannockburn | 2019 | 96 | Row 6 - Cell 4 | Beautifully concentrated nose with ripe strawberries and raspberries, black cherry and hints of star anise and delicate oak spices. Smooth and intense on the palate with a fantastic balance and purity of fruit. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2042. Nominated by: Bob Campbell MW. | |
Amarone della Valpolicella | 2012 | 96 | Row 7 - Cell 4 | 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 concentration on the palate with a balanced bright acidity. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Stephen Hobley. | |
Barbaresco | 2017 | 96 | Row 8 - Cell 4 | Aromatic notes of dried sage and rosemary combined with juicy ripe red cherries with tar and red roses undertones. Very silky and ripe, approachable on the palate with a great fine-grained tannic structure. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Justin Knock MW. | |
Naoussa | 2017 | 96 | Row 9 - Cell 4 | Crunchy red fruits on the nose, with floral notes of dried roses, dried cherry, red plums and aromatic herbs. Beautifully integrated tannic structure with a lively freshness. Earthy, persistent finish. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2042. Nominated by: Anthony Rose. | |
Uco Valley (Altamira) | 2019 | 95 | Row 10 - Cell 4 | Complex nose displaying scents of ripe black currant, plums, perfumed flowers and herbs with hints of smoked meat. Delightfully fresh and drinkable, with lots of firm tannins and a great elegance. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Amanda Barnes. | |
Chianti (Classico) | 2018 | 95 | Row 11 - Cell 4 | Aromatic note of dried herbs with liquorice elements, some sweet spices and ripe red fruit notes. Zesty on the palate with some serious depth and drive, elegant and fresh, harmonious style. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Peter Czismadia Honigh. | |
| Row 12 - Cell 1 | 2018 | 95 | Row 12 - Cell 4 | Big and bold with plenty of smoky elements, barbecue notes and dried blue and black berries with aromatic herbs nuances. Smooth and silky with subtle ripe tannins, light in body. Quite fresh, defined and delicious. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Tina Gellie. | |
Pic St-Loup | 2019 | 95 | Row 13 - Cell 4 | Aromatic and fresh nose with olive notes, tomato tapenade, lavender, plums, camphor and violets over nuances of creamy oak and leather. Rich and full on the palate with plenty of smooth tannins. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Michael Denton. | |
Pessac-Léognan | 2019 | 95 | Row 14 - Cell 4 | Restrained nose with complex aromas of blackcurrants, dark plums and tobacco. Gentle and plush in style, with gravelly tannins and a crisp acidity. Seriously wonderful and complex expression of a modern Bordeaux. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Jane Anson. | |
| Row 15 - Cell 1 | 2018 | 95 | Row 15 - Cell 4 | Highly seductive aromas of refined dark fruit with layers of spice and smoke. Refined elegance on the palate, with a bright acidity and fine-grained tannins, precise in style, fresh and focused. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Simon Field MW. | |
| Row 16 - Cell 1 | 2019 | 95 | Row 16 - Cell 4 | Attractive aromas showing generous blackcurrants, blackberries, mint chocolate and hints of leafy notes. Fine, elegant and fresh, yet showing a serious concentration, velvety tannins and depth. Very long finish. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Alistair Cooper MW. | |
Naoussa | 2018 | 95 | Row 17 - Cell 4 | Delicate nose with crunchy red fruits, spicy cumin, juicy raspberry and peppery cranberry aromas with hints of dried herbs. There is a good amount of concentration on the palate with herbal freshness. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2042. Nominated by: Yiannis Karakasis MW. | |
Puente Alto | 2018 | 95 | Row 18 - Cell 4 | Rich and dense with loads of ripe black fruit, gentle oak spices and hints of smoke and savoury undertones. Deep and concentrated, bold with smooth tannins and a piercing acidity balancing the alcohol. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Alistair Cooper MW. | |
Chianti (Classico Riserva) | 2016 | 95 | Row 19 - Cell 4 | Energetic and concentrated aromas of dried and pickled cherries, wild strawberries, woody spices and hints of game. Dense and firm on the palate with finely-texture tannins surrounded by a fresh acidity. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Aldo Fiordelli. | |
Luján de Cuyo | 2016 | 95 | Row 20 - Cell 4 | Fruity nose with generous blackberry and cassis fruit, a dab of wasabi and sweet milk chocolate over spice and smoke undertones. Luxurious and opulent, quite potent with a well-balanced acidity and long, pure finish. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Sonja van Praag. | |
Santa Barbara County (Santa Rita Hills) | 2017 | 95 | Row 21 - Cell 4 | 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, very smooth with plenty of substance. Pure and easy to like. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2032. Nominated by: Ronan Sayburn MS. | |
Uco Valley | 2019 | 95 | Row 22 - Cell 4 | Savoury and slightly smoky in style, with ripe aromas of raspberry, fresh leaves and hints of black fruit. Fine and concentrated with some lovely uplifting fruit, firm yet fine-grained tannins and a lingering finish. Drinking Window: 2023 - 2040. Nominated by: Cesar Soler. | |
Vigneti delle Dolomiti | 2015 | 95 | Row 23 - Cell 4 | Creamy nose, generous and soft with notes of cedar and plummy fruit, with red cherry nuances. Firm on the palate with fine-grained tannins and a crunchy acidic core providing balance. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Jeannie Cho Lee MW. | |
Bolgheri (Sassicaia) | 2018 | 95 | Row 24 - Cell 4 | Notes of woodsmoke, blackcurrants along with a hint of mint. Nuances of tobacco and cigar box are adding complexity. Dark, dense and highly concentrated style with a spicy character. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Aldo Fiordelli. | |
Primitivo di Manduria | 2019 | 95 | Row 25 - Cell 4 | 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. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Stephen Hobley. | |
Barossa Valley | 2018 | 95 | Row 26 - Cell 4 | 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 concentrated, classically powerful. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Sarah Ahmed. | |
Simonsberg | 2019 | 94 | Row 27 - Cell 4 | Perfumed and fresh nose with elegant notes of juicy black fruits seasoned by sweet spices and creamy undertones. Juicy and lengthy, with pliable, well-worked tannins. Fully ripe, defined and elegant. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Michela Nassiz. | |
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano | 2016 | 94 | Row 28 - Cell 4 | Impressive concentration of high-pinched fruit, layered red and black plums with earthy mushrooms and undergrowth tones. Powerful and very rounded with loads of fruit balanced by big, bold tannins. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2025. Nominated by: Barbara Philp MW. | |
Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux | 2018 | 94 | Row 29 - Cell 4 | Ripe and concentrated plummy character on the nose with hints of oaky sweet spices. Rich in the mouth yet showing some restraint. Soft tannins, with a fresh acidity providing balance. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Yohan Castaing. | |
Rioja | 2012 | 94 | Row 30 - Cell 4 | Mature nose displaying scents of dried fruit, mushrooms and smoke under oaky spices, sweet coconut and plum sauce notes. Creamy on the palate with strawberry fruit and vanilla flavours. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Beth Willard. | |
Carmignano | 2018 | 93 | Row 31 - Cell 4 | Concentrated nose of red and black fruits with hints of gentle baking spices and notes of dried mushrooms. Very elegant texture with velvety tannins. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Richard Baudains. | |
Chianti (Classico Gran Selezione) | 2017 | 93 | Row 32 - Cell 4 | Restrained nose of red plums with hints of dried porcini and cloves. Dense and structured, with firm tannins and a light freshness. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Susan Hulme MW. | |
Anjou | 2019 | 93 | Row 33 - Cell 4 | Gentle earthiness on the nose with notes of leaves, petrichor, pepper and red currants. Charming palate, inviting and intriguing with fresh acidity. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Tina Gellie. | |
| Row 34 - Cell 1 | 2017 | 93 | Row 34 - Cell 4 | Ripe and concentrated with smoke notes, cured meat, bramble and blackberries. Rich with a firm structure on the palate. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Greg Sherwood MW. | |
| Row 35 - Cell 1 | 2019 | 93 | Row 35 - Cell 4 | Savoury nose with sappy notes of fresh mushrooms and autumn leaf, paprika and blueberry. Juicy, lively and fluid, firm tannins. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2032. Nominated by: James Lawther MW. | |
| Row 36 - Cell 1 | 2019 | 93 | Row 36 - Cell 4 | Seriously classy nose with some punchy clean ripe dark fruit and red pepper. Lovely concentration and purity, surprisingly long. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Caroline Gilby MW. | |
| Row 37 - Cell 1 | 2018 | 93 | Row 37 - Cell 4 | High pinched perfume and peppery nose with gamey nuances and jammy red fruits. Great concentration and freshness, firm tannins. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Michael Hill Smith MW. | |
Vigneti Delle Dolomiti | 2016 | 93 | Row 38 - Cell 4 | Cool menthol core to the blackberry fruit with fresh herbal notes. Fresh and crunchy with fresh acidity. Enjoyably textural. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Markus Del Monego MW. | |
Alto Maipo | 2014 | 93 | Row 39 - Cell 4 | Jammy black fruit with creamy vanilla and complex savoury and balsamic notes. Fresh on the palate with well-resolved tannins. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Julie Sheppard. | |
| Row 40 - Cell 1 | 2016 | 92 | Row 40 - Cell 4 | Vibrant aromas of earthy violets, herbs, tomato, delicious strawberries and cherries. Ripe and concentrated, deep on the palate. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Sarah Jane Evans MW. | |
| Row 41 - Cell 1 | 2019 | 92 | Row 41 - Cell 4 | Waves of jammy blackberry and blueberry with anise, rosemary and hints of creamy oak. Smooth and concentrated with crisp acidity. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Barbara Philp MW. | |
| Row 42 - Cell 1 | 2017 | 92 | Row 42 - Cell 4 | Lovely, lively distinctive nose of sweet cooked plums, vanilla and sweet spices with dried roses and herbs. Soft and rounded palate. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2026. Nominated by: Simon Field MW. | |
Rías Baixas | 2019 | 92 | Row 43 - Cell 4 | Smoky nose with earthy and meaty nuances under notes of red cherries and black pepper. Refreshing acidity and lingering finish. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Beth Willard. | |
Progreso | 2019 | 92 | Row 44 - Cell 4 | Smoked cured meat nose with classy red and black fruit aromas. Huge and muscular yet polished on the palate. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2040. Nominated by: Amanda Barnes. | |
Naoussa | 2016 | 92 | Row 45 - Cell 4 | Ripe aromas of jammy red fruit and earthy nuances. Compact on the palate with rampant tannins and piercing acidity. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2026. Nominated by: Amy Wislocki. | |
| Row 46 - Cell 1 | 2019 | 92 | Row 46 - Cell 4 | Savoury style with notes of ripe bramble, leafy black fruits, cinnamon and cloves. Firm tannins and crisp acidity. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2032. Nominated by: Beth Willard. | |
Contea di Sclafani | 2016 | 92 | Row 47 - Cell 4 | Liquorice notes with touches of violets and black cherries. Ripe with firm velvety tannins. Complex, precise and delicious. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Michela Nassiz. | |
| Row 48 - Cell 1 | 2018 | 92 | Row 48 - Cell 4 | Full of spice and green bell pepper notes, dried thyme and tarragon. Fresh and juicy with a searing acidity, very assertive. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Michela Nassiz. | |
| Row 49 - Cell 1 | 2019 | 92 | Row 49 - Cell 4 | Lovely smoky nose with herbal freshness and hints of black plums with meaty nuances. Vibrant and concentrated, grippy. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Greg Sherwood MW . | |
Leyda Valley | 2018 | 92 | Row 50 - Cell 4 | Earthy aromas with a savoury character of undergrowth, mushrooms, wood smoke and red fruits. Delicate oak on the palate. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Cesar Soler. | |
| Row 51 - Cell 1 | 2019 | 91 | Row 51 - Cell 4 | Fragrant notes of red berries and herbs with spicy undertones. Smooth tannins and soft fruit on the palate. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Fiona McDonald. | |
Bourgogne (Epineuil) | 2019 | 91 | Row 52 - Cell 4 | Lovely savoury nose with some red plums and juicy cherries. Plenty of substance, rounded and spicy palate. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2031. Nominated by: Rosemary George MW. | |
Côtes du Roussillon (Les Aspres) | 2016 | 91 | Row 53 - Cell 4 | Powerful nose of chocolatey jammy dark fruits and hints of liquorice. Big, with soft tannins and a balancing acidity. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2030. Nominated by: Rosemary George MW. | |
Morellino di Scansano | 2018 | 91 | Row 54 - Cell 4 | Fresh red fruit, black cherry and blackberry with hints of game. Plenty of fresh, juicy fruit and berry acidity. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2030. Nominated by: Aldo Fiordelli. | |
Friuli (Colli Orientali) | 2019 | 91 | Row 55 - Cell 4 | Lots of ripe black cherries and plums with hints of creamy oak. Very full-bodied and powerful, firm tannic structure. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2030. Nominated by: Michael Garner. | |
Okanagan Valley | 2018 | 91 | Row 56 - Cell 4 | Very savoury style, a smoky and earthy aromatic display with dark plum notes. Gently grippy on the finish. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2030. Nominated by: Sonja van Praag. | |
| Row 57 - Cell 1 | 2020 | 91 | Row 57 - Cell 4 | Ripe red and black cherries with gamey notes. Spicy oak on the palate with a firm acidity and tannic structure. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Natalie Earl. | |
Ardèche | 2020 | 91 | Row 58 - Cell 4 | Intense black cherry on the nose, alongside sage and thyme. Good concentration, juicy with plenty of fine-grained tannins. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2032. Nominated by: Rosemary George MW. | |
Toscana | 2018 | 90 | Row 59 - Cell 4 | Inviting aromas of dried red cherries with spicy oak and tea leaves. Joyful expression with firm gravelly tannins. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2032. Nominated by: Georgina Hindle. | |
| Row 60 - Cell 1 | 2018 | 90 | Row 60 - Cell 4 | Gently aromatic nose of ripe dark plums with nuances of herbs and creamy oak. Silky, fruity and rounded. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2026. Nominated by: Sylvia Wu. | |
Terre Siciliane | 2019 | 90 | Row 61 - Cell 4 | Quite pale in colour. Good sense of freshness, with herb-flecked berry fruit. Fluid, drinkable and well structured. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035. Nominated by: Jim Button. | |
Kent | 2020 | 89 | Row 62 - Cell 4 | Delicate, ethereal nose of strawberries and perky spices. Fluid and unforced on the palate, very refreshing. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2031. Nominated by: Justin Howard-Sneyd MW. | |
Tavel | 2019 | 94 | Row 63 - Cell 4 | Deeply spicy nose with notes of red berries and stone fruit. Full-bodied and intense, detailed and complex on the palate, with complexity provided by a savoury character and driving acidity. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2030. Nominated by: Elizabeth Gabay MW. | |
Cabrières | 2020 | 93 | Row 64 - Cell 4 | Light and fresh aromas of delicate red currants, pickled cherries and hints of salinity. Precise, distinctive and light. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2023. Nominated by: Michael Denton. |