Chile Wins “Wine Of The Year” :: Wine Spectator Top 100

Wine Spectator just announced its top 10 wines of the year 2008, including the celebrated #1. They reviewed more than 19,500 wines from around the world in blind tastings. More than 5,300 of them earned outstanding ratings (90 points or higher on our 100-point scale).

They then narrowed the list down based on four criteria:
1) Quality (represented by score);
2) Value (reflected by release price);
3) Availability (measured by case production or cases imported); and
4) An X-factor they call excitement. But no equation determines the final selections: These choices reflect their editors’ judgment and passion about the wines they tasted.

In all, 14 countries are represented, making 2008’s list the most diverse group in the Top 100’s history, dating back 20 years. Quality remains high, with an average score of 93 points, consistent with the past two years. With the dollar weak earlier in the year, prices increased over last, pushing 2008’s average to $52 per bottle.

The winner as Wine Of The Year?
Casa Lapostolle
Clos Apalta Colchagua Valley 2005
96 points / $75
5,987 cases made
Chile

Read more at www.top100.WineSpectator.com