Picture: Christian Schiller and Wilhelm Weil, Weingut Robert Weil, Tasting at Weingut Weil. See: Tasting with Wilhelm Weil the 2010 Weingut Weil Wines in Kiedrich, Germany
Picture: Tour and Tasting at Weingut Jurtschitsch, Kamptal, with Alwin Jurtschitsch - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
The Wine Enthusiast released its Top 100 Cellar Selections, a list of the world’s most collectible wines from those that our pro reviewers blind-tasted in the past 12 months. There are 7 wines from Austria and Germany on the list.
Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Cellar Selections (2023)
Wine Enthusiast: It would have been easy to compile a list of the world’s most collectible wines from those that our pro reviewers blind-tasted in the past 12 months: Simply pick the wines known to bring the highest prices. But we thought that, post-pandemic and weighed down by inflation, Wine Enthusiast readers deserve a different tack for the Top 100 Cellar Selections.
These days, elite Burgundy, Bordeaux and California Cabernet bottles sell for thousands of dollars—if you can even find them. So, we looked elsewhere, scouring a year’s worth of Cellar Selections and crafted a different sort of list, one that values moderate cost, more adventure, more discovery. Forty-seven of the 100 cost less than $100, and 18 of the 100 come in under $50. None is priced higher than $800.
This list represents what’s next in Wine Enthusiast’s Cellar Selections—wines with consistency and structure that aren’t necessarily the biggest and boldest. The number one wine, for example, is Poggio di Sotto’s 2018 Brunello di Montalcino, not the most legendary in its region of Italy but what a wine! An earthy, stony nose, robust tannins and fiery acidity prove its ageworthiness, writes reviewer Danielle Callegari.
The number two wine, Vega Sicilia 2012 Unico from the Ribera del Duero is indeed a proven collectible: “Drink now through 2052,” raves reviewer Mike DeSimone. This gem represents Spain as an underappreciated wine country full of discoveries. Number three goes to a fantastic 2020 Côte-Rôtie Syrah from Domaine Jean-Michel Gerin in France’s Rhône valley.
Plenty of cellar-worthy wines from the U.S., France, Italy and 11 other countries follow, giving readers a broad shopping list and guide. And prices aside, all the Top 100 Cellar Selections are good investments in drinking pleasure.
Selecting wines from our list and gently storing them in a cool room or wine cellar will guarantee a personal supply of something exceptional to uncork for special occasions. Beyond that, experiencing how beautifully these wines improve with age is something no wine lover should miss. Have patience with these bottles and explore the dimension of time as only a great wine can convey.
#28 Robert Weil 2021 Kiedrich Gräfenberg Trockenbeeren Auslese Riesling (Rheingau).— 98pts, A.Z.
Incredible unctuousness, this is complex and ethereal. Creamy in texture, yet elegant and vibrant, thanks to its powerful acidity. It shows intensely concentrated notes of apricot marmelade, honey, caramelized pear and vanilla spice. Picks up a smoky note on the finish, but leaving the essence of apricot to linger
endlessly. The pinnacle of world's best sweet wines. Loosen Bros. USA. Cellar Selection. abv: 7.5% Price: $700/375 m
Picture: Christian Schiller and Wilhelm Weil, Weingut Robert Weil, Tasting at Weingut Weil. See: Tasting with Wilhelm Weil the 2010 Weingut Weil Wines in Kiedrich, Germany
#50 Wittmann 2021 Westhofen Morstein Trocken GG Riesling (Rheinhessen). — 95pts, A.Z.
Loosen Brothers: The 2021 Wittmann Morstein Riesling GG is #50 on Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Cellar Selections List of 2023! This is a monumental dry Riesling from the greatest Grosse Lage (grand cru) vineyard in the southern Rheinhessen region. Wittmann wines are known for their tension, depth and intensity, but are at the same time fresh and elegant.
This is quite closed still, but it does allow for a sneak peek to what it is going to become with some cellaring. Lemon verbena on the nose opens it up to the flavors of Meyer lemon, quince, Bosc pear and white raspberry. The acidity is firm and makes a heavy imprint at the moment, but when coupled with the texture, it leaves a harmonious impression. The finish is very persistent. There is a lot of wine here—you just need to peel off the layers. Best after 2028. Loosen Bros. USA. Cellar Selection. abv: 12.5% Price: $125
#57 Prager 2021 Ried Achleiten Smaragd Riesling (Wachau). — 98pts, A.Z.
This intensely mineral version has a light golden hue, which hints at concentration, but its acidity makes it incredibly graceful. Integration of elements is seamless, and its lively profile is decorated with rich flavors of melon, clementine and peach that are sprinkled with meringue and fleur de sel. The succulent, mouth-watering finish flows across the palate, inviting you for another sip. Best 2025–2045. Winebow
Imports. Cellar Selection. abv: 13.5% Price: $85
#71 Christian Tschida 2022 Laissez-Faire Riesling (Austria). — 94pts, A.Z.
Delicious and complex, this unfiltered white has a lacy texture and finesse. It peels off in layers, with flavors that range from bergamot, kumquat and gooseberry to spring blossom and savory mineral. Really alive and invigorating, with a long, floral-tinged finish, it will show even more in a few years. Best after 2025. Jenny and François Selections. Cellar Selection. abv: 12% Price: $84
#82 Jurtschitsch 2020 Ried Käferberg Erste Lage Grüner Veltliner (Kamptal).— 94pts, A.Z.
This is incredibly elegant, yet very expressive, with firm, bracing acidity that keeps it intact, but also gives it energy, creating a mouthwatering impression. There is an intense mix of ginger, tangerine and persimmon upfront, while notes of jasmine and strawberry mint emerge toward the finish. It lingers on the palate, inviting you for more. Bowler Wine. Cellar Selection. abv: 12.5% Price: $60
Pictures: Tour and Tasting at Weingut Jurtschitsch, Kamptal, with Alwin Jurtschitsch - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
#84 Fritz Haag 2021 Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Spätlese Riesling (Mosel). — 95pts, A.Z.
Loosen Bros.:Don't mind us as we brag about another producer that made Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Cellar Selections List of 2023! The 2021 Fritz Haag Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese came in at #94.
Silky and suave, it features gorgeous notes of acacia honey, violet and mineral that frame the juicy core of nectarine, mango and passion fruit. It is pretty concentrated, yet graceful and shows great definition, partly because of its acidity, that flows almost unnoticeably before its emergence toward the finish, where it leaves your mouth watering after a wave of spice and floral notes. Drink through 2045. Loosen Bros. USA. Cellar Selection. abv: 7.5% Price: $42
#91 Lesehof Stagård 2020 Ried Steiner Pfaffenberg Riesling (Kremstal). — 95pts, A.Z.
This phenomenal wine shows a somewhat idiosyncratic style at first. It is soft-spoken and needs time to unravel, with hints of lavender and jasmine. White raspberry notes emerge midpalate, intermingled with sea salt, coriander and tarragon, all tied to a vivid structure. It is pure and precise, with a tactile finish. Aging will help reveal the wine’s facets even more. Best through 2035. Schatzi Wines. Cellar Selection.
abv: 13% Price: $45
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