James Suckling released his Top 100 wines of 2020. Argentina took the top spot with Chacra Treinta y dos Pinot Noir 2018. German Schloss Johannisberg, Riesling Grunlack Spatlese, Rheingau 2019 took second and Italian Pertimali (Livio Sassetti), Brunello di Montalcino 2016 took third.
You’ll have to wait to 24th place to find the first French wine (Domaine Weinbach Riesling Alsace Grand Cru Schlossberg Cuvée Ste. Catherine 2018) and 57h place to find the first Bordeaux (Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes 2017).
The complete top 10 can be seen in the table below and our full coverage can be found in the Liv-ex News and Insights.
Italy had the largest number of wines in the Top 100, with 20, followed by Australia (19), Germany (17), France (12), United States (11), Argentina (9), Chile (6), Austria (3), Spain (2), and Portugal (1). Brunello di Montalcino had the most as a region and seven wines were awarded a perfect 100 points. Of the top 100, a third received 100 points; the rest 98 or greater.
Those looking to celebrate the holidays with some Champagne have two to choose from in his Top 100 – Henri Giraud Argonne Brut 2012 (99) or Dom Perignon 2010 (98).
The quote below from the report best sums up his Top 100 list and the current fine wine market:
“It’s a golden moment for wine lovers with so many outstanding quality wines made from around the world in every style and at every price.”
The effect is noticeable. LIVE bid and offer exposure on Liv-ex has hit an all-time high (£80m) as more wines (and demand) have made their way to the secondary market. Linked above are many of the wines that James Suckling believes are the best of the best. Linked below are top offers on Liv-ex currently, ranging from Chateau Barrail, Cuvee Prestige Bordeaux 2014 at £12 per 6×75 up to a 14×75 assortment case of Domaine de La Romanee-Conti 2015 for £77,101.
Top offers on Liv-ex (near market price)
