Weingut Schnaitmann 2019 Lämmler GG Dry Riesling (Württemberg) (#3) and Weingut Salwey 2019 GG Dry Grauburgunder (Baden) (#52), both Germany, on Wine Enthusiast Top 100 (2023)

The Wine Enthusiast released its Top 100 (2023) recently. Two "hidden gem" wines from Germany made the list, a dry Riesling from Württemberg and a dry Pinot Gris from Baden. Congratulations!

Wine Enthusiast Top 100 (2023)

Discovering great new wines of all types from around the globe is what drives the Wine Enthusiast team of reviewers. We blind-tasted more than 23,000 bottles in the past 12 months and for The Enthusiast 100 narrowed them down to the following elite list of exceptional wines.

This year’s 100 are not simply the highest scoring bottles, nor are they the most expensive—these are wines that opened our reviewers’ eyes and stimulated their imaginations.

The Enthusiast 100 includes grape varieties from Albariño to Zinfandel grown in 14 different countries and five U.S. states. A Petite Arvine from Mendocino, California, a dry Furmint from Tokaji in Hungary and a rosé of Tempranillo from Italy, not Spain, all give an idea of the breadth of choices here.

Many are relative values: The average price is $56, with 31 of them costing $40 or less. Wine No. 1, a terrific 96-point 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet from Duckhorn, costs $105, which is one-third the cost of many similarly rated Cabs. The best effort since 2008 from Duckhorn’s Monitor Ledge Vineyard, the wine is rich in cassis and baking spices on a soothing texture.

In the No. 2 position, Ratti 2019 Barolo Serradenari from Piedmont, Italy, will age beautifully and make a brilliant addition to anyone’s collection. The same goes for the No. 3 wine, Schnaitmann 2019 Lämmler GG Dry Riesling from Germany, intensely spiced and mineral-laced.

The 97 others are wines we’re keeping our eyes on, and you should, too. Several are from new wineries, under-the-radar regions, made from unusual grape varieties or in innovative styles. The majority of them are ready to drink now and are sure to bring something palpably different and energizing to your table.

We urge you to use The Enthusiast 100 to broaden your wine-drinking horizons and bring more enjoyment to your entertaining.

#3 Schnaitmann 2019 Lämmler GG Dry Riesling (Württemberg). —97 pts, A.Z. 

The light-golden color of this Riesling hints at some development, and that is exactly what sets this GG apart from its peers. The extra ag-ing only benefits the terrific mix of intensely spiced and mineral-laced elements to come out as the acidity integrates and beams on the rich lemon meringue, white raspberry and baked apple. The succulent, yet fresh finish flows on the palate. Drink now–2035. The German Wine Collection. Hidden Gem. abv: 13% Price: $75

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schnaitmann (VDP) in Fellbach, Württemberg, with Rainer Schnaitmann– Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2023), Germany

Pictures: At Weingut Rainer Schnaitmann with Rainer Schnaitmann. See: Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting with Rainer Schnaitmann at Weingut Rainer Schnaitmann in Fellbach, Württemberg – Germany-East Wine and Art Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015), Germany

Pictures: Chef's Table Winemaker Dinner at Zur Golden Kron in Frankfurt, Germany, with Michelin-starred Chef Alfred Friedrich, Frankfurt Cult Sommelier Pit Punda and World Class Winemaker Rainer Schnaitmann from Württemberg

#52 Salwey 2019 GG Dry Grauburgunder (Baden). —94 pts, A.Z.

There is beautiful definition and balance to this white with a pinkish hue. The palate offers violet, flint, quince and pear flavors on a firm, full-bodied structure, while the acidity cuts through providing balance and elegance. The finish features a plethora of spices. This is only starting to unravel and will show its best after 2025. The German Wine Collection. Editors’ Choice. abv: 13.5% Price: $95 

Pictures: Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Salwey in Oberrotweil, Kaiserstuhl, Baden, with Benno Salwey – Germany-South Tour by ombiasy WineTours (2015)