20 Exceptional 100 Point Wines Worth Collecting (2024)
Although a vast amount of wine is produced each year around the world, only a fraction of that ever receives a perfect score from critics.
This makes searching for an impeccable sip a lifelong endeavor for most wine enthusiasts and investors!
Yes, historic wine regions (like Bordeaux and Burgundy) routinely produce bottles with unparalleled complexity and stellar scores.
But:
Know what’s more exciting?
New world wines from South Africa, New Zealand, and South Australia have also been scoring perfect 100s. Some of the most reputable wine critics, like Robert Parker, Lisa Perrotti Brown, Antonio Galloni, and Jeb Dunnuck, have found many of these wines exemplary.
In this article, we’ll cover what the 100 point scoring system means, 20 100-point wines, and the best way to add these esteemed wines to your collection.
Further reading
Discover all there is to know about Investing In Spanish Wines. Explore the Wines Capable of Aging For 20 Years or More.
What Does A 100-Point Score Mean?
Influential American wine critic Robert Parker popularized the 100 point wine score. It’s based on the American high school grading system, so the scale begins at 50 rather than 0.
Factors like the overall quality, balance, depth, and complexity are the primary factors determining wine ratings.
Here is a basic rundown of the scoring system:
- 95 - 100: Classic - an exceptional wine
- 90 - 94: Outstanding - a wine of superior style and character
- 85 - 89: Very good - a wine displaying some unique characteristics
- 80 - 84: Good - a well-made wine
- 75 - 79: Mediocre - drinkable, but will likely have a few flaws
- 50 - 74: Not recommended
Next, let’s take a look at 20 wines regarded by experts as flawless.
20 Exceptional 100 Point Wines To Add To Your Collection
All these bottles are well deserving of a spot in your collection:
- 2016 Chateau Latour ($185)
- 2016 Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon ($320)
- 2020 Kumeu River "Maté's Vineyard" Chardonnay New Zealand ($81)
- 2018 Tor Wines Black Magic Cabernet Sauvignon ($920)
- 2018 Accendo Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($370)
- 2019 The Sadie Family Die Ouwingerdreeks 'Skurfberg' Chenin Blanc ($155)
- 2018 Ramey Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay ($73)
- 2016 Chateau Pavie Saint Emilion Grand Cru ($444)
- 2018 Bevan "Dr. Crane Vineyard" St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon ($450)
- 2018 Chateau Lafite Rothschild ($1,083)
- 2010 Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes ($213)
- 2018 Chateau Margaux ($836)
- 2013 Aubert Wines Eastside Vineyard Chardonnay ($290)
- 1986 Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Blanco Gran Reserva Especial ($705)
- 2016 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanee-Conti Grand Cru ($27,584)
- 2004 Chris Ringland Dry Grown Shiraz ($543)
- 2018 Chateau Ausone ($824)
- 2002 Marcassin 'Marcassin Vineyard' Pinot Noir ($792)
- 2013 Penfolds Grange Bin 95 ($685)
- 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion ($970)
1. 2016 Chateau Latour ($185)
This red blend from Chateau Latour is made almost entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s packed with tannins and flavors of rich dark fruit. Crisp acidity with black currant flavors on the finish ensures this fine wine will continue to shine for years. A vintage any wine enthusiast will be proud to own.
Rated 100 points by Andreas Larsson, Jeff Leve, and Robert Parker.
2. 2016 Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon ($320)
Rich and concentrated on the nose, the 2016 vintage offers black fruit, cherry, menthol, and licorice flavors. A wine with remarkable balance and opulence.
Rated 100 points by Antonio Galloni.
3. 2020 Kumeu River "Maté's Vineyard" Chardonnay New Zealand ($81)
Aromas of lemons and peaches converge with spicy oak and brioche. Luscious flavors of peach, lemon, and white nectarine before exploding with a long nutty finish.
Rated 100 points by James Suckling.
4. 2018 Tor Wines Black Magic Cabernet Sauvignon ($920)
Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, a splash of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc ensures mouthwatering flavors of black cherry, mint, mocha, and blood orange. Perfectly drinkable now, this exceptional fine wine is also capable of cellaring for years to come.
Rated 100 points by Jeb Dunnick and Robert Parker.
5. 2018 Accendo Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($370)
The extraordinary 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon vintage offers stunning depth with coffee, cedar, and rosemary aromas. Flavors of blackberry, blueberry, with subtle ginger define the rich palate. Grainy and dense tannins lead to a powerful finish.
Rated 100 points by Antonio Galloni.
6. 2019 The Sadie Family Die Ouwingerdreeks 'Skurfberg' Chenin Blanc ($155)
Hailing from South Africa, this phenomenal Chenin Blanc offers a nose of white peach, citrus, and dried herbs. An astoundingly concentrated palate leads to a deliciously long finish.
Rated 100 points by Tim Atkin.
7. 2018 Ramey Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay ($73)
This wine is a testament to what the Russian River Valley can produce. Medium bodied with lemon curd and green and red apples defines the palate. Silky and minerally with great freshness and a long finish.
Rated 100 points by Virginie Boone.
8. 2016 Chateau Pavie Saint Emilion Grand Cru ($444)
A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this proprietary red offers a sensational aroma of crushed berries with hints of dark chocolate and crème de cassis. The palate is saturated with flavors of black cherry and plum with subtle hints of spice and leather.
Rated 100 points by Robert Parker.
9. 2018 Bevan "Dr. Crane Vineyard" St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon ($450)
When pouring, an aroma of dark chocolate mixes with scents of black currant, coffee beans, and tobacco leaf. A full-bodied wine with concentrated flavors and fine-grained tannins leads to a blockbuster finish.
Rated 100 points by Robert Parker.
10. 2018 Chateau Lafite Rothschild ($1,083)
Mixed with a splash of Petit Verdot, this proprietary red offers intoxicating aromas of black fruit, dark chocolate, and licorice. The medium-bodied palate is dripping with flavors of black fruit with ripe tannins, with an exquisitely long and complex finish.
Rated 100 points by Robert Parker.
11. 2010 Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes ($213)
Hailing from the Rhone Valley, this wine is packed with decadent boysenberry flavors backed by subtle pastis and violet notes. Toasted spice on the finish proves this wine’s superb depth. Well deserving of its 100 point wine score.
Rated 100 points by Robert Parker.
12. 2018 Chateau Margaux ($836)
A red blend that perfectly captures the eminence of Chateau Margaux. Deep purple in the glass, this red wine exudes an aroma of crème de cassis with delicate notes of dark chocolate and star anise. The medium to full-bodied palate exudes flavors of black fruit with floral layers, leading to an exquisite finish. Well deserving of its perfect score.
Rated 100 points by Robert Parker, Jeff Leve, and Yohan Castaing.
13. 2013 Aubert Wines Eastside Vineyard Chardonnay ($290)
Grown from vines planted in California’s Russian River Valley, the wine offers sensational aromas of lemon peel, white pepper, and mint. The palate displays terrific intensity with notes of white peach, almond, and crème brulee.
Rated 100 points by Robert Parker.
14. 1986 Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Blanco Gran Reserva Especial ($705)
A subtle nose of roasted pineapple and dried apple, with hints of lemon curd. Deep flavors of citrus and pit fruit with hints of shortbread and orange zest. A super length on the finish leaves delicate notes of peach liqueur and honey on the palate.
Rated 100 points by Robert Parker and James Suckling.
15. 2016 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanee-Conti Grand Cru ($27,584)
Decadent aromas of wild berries, violet, and dark chocolate waft from the glass. The full-bodied palate is bursting with flavors of red and blueberries, creating stunning vibrancy and an expansive finish with a touch of mouthwatering bitterness. This red wine from the esteemed DRC is well deserving of its perfect score.
Rated 100 points by Robert Parker.
16. 2004 Chris Ringland Dry Grown Shiraz ($543)
Grown in the hills of South Australia, the 2004 vintage exudes espresso, black currant, and blueberry scents. The palate is dense and youthful, exploding with layers of succulent fruit. Impeccably balanced, this wine is capable of aging for a decade.
Rated 100 points by Robert Parker.
17. 2018 Chateau Ausone ($824)
This powerhouse of a red wine from Chateau Ausone displays cassis, blackberry, and graphite aromas with a hint of limestone. The full-bodied palate is rich and decadent with layers of fruit, while fine tannins and bold freshness expertly frame spice and mineral nuances.
Rated 100 points by Robert Parker, Jeff Leve, and Yohan Castaing.
18. 2002 Marcassin 'Marcassin Vineyard' Pinot Noir ($792)
A dense purple in the glass, the wine exudes aromas of raspberry jam, black cherries, and Asian spice. The full-bodied, multi-layered palate offers spicy fruit and mineral flavors, finishing with a burst of boysenberry.
Rated 100 points by Robert Parker.
19. 2013 Penfolds Grange Bin 95 ($685)
Profound aromas of crème de cassis, blueberry pie, and licorice with subtle hints of baker’s chocolate and fragrant earth emanate from the glass. The medium to full-bodied palate builds with an extraordinary range of black fruit, spice, and earthy flavors. Capable of cellaring for at least 40 years.
Rated 100 points by Robert Parker.
20. 2009 Chateau Haut-Brion ($970)
Decadent aromas of forest floor, blueberries, and currants are nuanced by fresh tobacco and mushrooms. The full-bodied palate offers fine tannins, perfect acidity, and spellbinding depth with layers of rich black fruit.
Rated 100 points by James Suckling and Robert Parker.
Next, let’s take a look at how you can add these exquisite bottles to your collection.
The Easiest Way Of Investing In 100 Point Wines
For the wine enthusiast or investor, owning wines like these surpasses the potential financial reward. When a critic like Jeb Dunnuck, Robert Parker, Lisa Perrotti Brown, or Antonio Galloni gives a particular bottle a perfect score, it adds eminence to the wine.
The biggest challenge is:
You won’t be able to find these at your local liquor store. You'll need a more specialized service if you’d like to buy any of these items.
Enter Vinovest.
Vinovest is a wine investment platform offering investors the opportunity to add a bottle or two of these to their collection. Vinovest takes care of all the hard work, including authentication, storage, and insurance. But, you own 100% of the wine.
The best part?
You can sell your wine whenever you want. Reach out to a portfolio manager, and they’ll work with you to sell your wine at the right time to the highest bidder.
100 Point Wines: Worthy Additions To Your Collection
A perfect score by any prominent wine critic can significantly impact the wine's value. If you’d like to add any of these esteemed items to your collection, you’ll likely need to contact a reputable wine company.
Vinovest is your best bet to help you acquire these and many other distinguished wines.
Simply sign up with the platform to start building your wine portfolio.
