Weekly Round UP: Top 100s and New Tariffs

WHAT'S IN A NUMBER? TOP 100s: CAPE COD EDITION

Just in time for the holidays, both Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast magazines have released their coveted Top 100 Wines of the Year. Here's what we're now stocking for your stockings.

Castellare Chianti Classico 2017 (Tuscany, Italy). Wine Spectator: Top 100, rank #17, 94 points, Highly Recommended.

Hands down our favorite bird label. This would make a great gift for your bird loving buddies or anyone who favors Chianti Classico (yes, please!). "A beam of pure cherry and blackberry fruit defines this intense, racy red, which is firm and tensile, with fine balance and a lingering aftertaste of vibrant fruit, graphite and tobacco flavors. Sangioveto and Canaiolo. Drink now through 2033. 10,000 cases made, 5,000 cases imported." $23.99/bottle before discount.

Bernard Baudry Chinon 2017 (Loire Valley, France). Wine Spectator: Top 100, rank #44, 92 points.

Tiny production Cabernet Franc from a legend. "A gorgeous red, with tobacco, bay leaf and black pepper notes underscoring the dark cherry and cola flavors. Beautifully integrated tannins join the fresh acidity and create a solid structure that gives this harmony and promises a long life ahead. Delicious now, but should be even better in a few years. Best from 2021 through 2030. 600 cases imported." $23.99/bottle before discount.

Dry Creek Sonoma County Heritage Zinfandel 2017 (Sonoma County, CA). Wine Spectator Top 100, rank #64, 91 points.

Wine snobs may not drink Zinfandel but we most certainly do with burgers and ribs. "Briary and vibrant, with zesty raspberry, toasted sage and cracked pepper flavors that take on richness toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2025. 15,000 cases made." $26.99/bottle before discount.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2017 (Columbia Valley, Washington). Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Best buys, rank #34, 89 points.

This everyday staple consistently knocks it out of the park in terms of value for money. "This wine's aromas are pleasing, with notes of apple, cream and spice. Full-feeling yet nuanced fruit flavors follow. Spice notes linger on the finish. It displays a lovely sense of balance that kicks it up a notch." $13.99/bottle before discount.

Volpaia Chianti Classico 2017 (Tuscany, Italy) Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wines, rank #53, 92 points

. We absolutely adore Chianti and this traditional style rocks its rank. "Black-skinned berry, violet, new leather and tobacco aromas are front and center. Reflecting the nose, the smooth, approachable palate doles out juicy Marasca cherry, ripe plum, nutmeg and a hint of licorice framed in polished, pliant tannins." $23.99/bottle before discount.

Carmen Single Vineyard Frida Kahlo Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 (Maipo Valley, Chile). Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wines, rank #91, 90 points.

This Chilean Cab isn't what you might expect. Like 'em dry as dust, stop right here. "Beyond the cool concept label, there's a serious Cabernet Sauvignon in the bottle—one with steady aromas of cola and root beer along with berries and light oak. A flush palate deals a full fan of berry flavors, while rubbing tannins give grip to an otherwise easy finish." $14.99 before discount.

Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (Lake County, CA). Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Cellar Selections, rank #42.

Mmmmmmm. Tasty. "A deep, dark color and generous black-fruit aromas lead to well-extracted flavors of blackberry, blueberry and black currant on the palate, while a thick blanket of fine-grained tannins wraps it all in. It is huge in structure but matched by luxurious, layered fruit and spice flavors. Best 2023–2033." $33.99/bottle before discount.

Ciacci Piccolomini D'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino 2013 (Tuscany, Italy). Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Cellar Selections, rank #10, 98 points.

The stunning press doesn't stop here. In fact, it comes from every major wine press in the world. This is the last of this near perfect vintage so stock up and take a pass on 2014. "Wild berry, fragrant purple flower and crushed herb aromas mingle with whiffs of tilled earth and new leather in this dazzling red. The stunning, savory palate boasts remarkable finesse combined with an ageworthy structure, offering succulent black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and tobacco alongside taut, refined tannins. It's impeccably balanced by bright acidity. It's already tempting, but hold for even more complexity. Drink 2021–2033." $82.99/bottle before discount.

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