Top 10 Wines of 2022: A Global Snapshot

2022 was a year of striking diversity across wine regions, with a thread of quality running through Napa Valley, Piedmont, Bordeaux, the Rhône, and beyond. This list blends critical consensus, expert tasting notes, and market impact to highlight wines that stood out in 2022 for their balance, aging potential, and ability to express place.

1. Schrader Cellars Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley, USA)

What: A benchmark Napa Cab that routinely sits at the apex of critics’ lists. Why it matters: It embodies concentrated fruit, structural depth, and long aging potential, traits that defined elite Californian Cab in 2022. How to approach: Pair with a rich ribeye or mushroom ragù; decant 1–2 hours to showcase its aromatic intensity while still young.

2. Dominus Estate (Napa Valley, USA)

What: A storied estate whose 2018–2019 vintages continued to receive high praise in 2022 vintages for Bordeaux-inspired finesse in a New World frame. Why it matters: It demonstrates how the Napa valley can harmonize power with elegance when winemaking decisions emphasize balance. How to enjoy: Best after a slow decant and with roasted lamb or firm-aged cheese.

3. Chryseia (Symington Family, Douro, Portugal)

What: A joint project that blends Côdega with traditional Douro varieties to produce a wine with lifting aromatics and refined tannins. Why it matters: It reflects how the Douro’s quality narrative expanded beyond port-style styles into dry, ageworthy table wines. How to drink: Brushed-pine aroma with dark fruit—great with grilled game or hearty stews.

4. Marimar Estate La Masía Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley, USA)

What: A standout Pinot Noir from a region renowned for its complexity and texture. Why it matters: 2022 highlighted how cool-climate Californian Pinot can offer Pinot perfume, layered fruit, and a tactile, silky mouthfeel. How to serve: Lightly chill slightly cooler than cellar temp for a more fragrant presentation; pair with salmon, roasted poultry, or mushroom dishes.

5. Remírez de Ganuza Reserva (Rioja, Spain)

What: A Rioja old-world classic that remains a benchmark for elegant Rioja aging. Why it matters: In 2022 the Reserva style demonstrated eloquence—spice, leather, and berry notes evolving gracefully with time. How to drink: Enjoy now with cloaked-season dishes like tapas with smoky fish or aged cheeses; decant to reveal secondary aromas.

6. Bordeaux Union: Classic Left Bank Blend (Bordeaux, France)

What: A contemporary Bordeaux blend—often a Merlot–Cabernet Sauvignon mix—capturing the region’s ongoing evolution toward finesse alongside structure. Why it matters: 2022 underscored that the best examples from classic regions can still deliver refined tannins and long-lived aromatics. How to pair: Roast lamb, duck, or mushroom-forward risottos; optimal after aeration.

7. Rhône Valley Red (Southern or Northern mix, France)

What: A value-driven Rhône red that showcases the region’s generosity of fruit and spice. Why it matters: Rhône wines remained a go-to for accessibility and aging potential in 2022, illustrating how a well-made Côtes du Rhône or Châteauneuf-du-Pape-style red can age gracefully. How to enjoy: Tapenade with grilled vegetables, or a hearty stewed dish.

8. Piedmont Barolo or Barbaresco (Italy)

What: A top wine from either region, representing Nebbiolo’s ageworthy form. Why it matters: 2022 highlighted how Nebbiolo can deliver high-tension tannins balanced by floral notes and mineral depth. How to drink: Pair with truffle pasta, risotto, or roast meat; give several hours of decanting for young vintages or cellaring for older releases.

9. Tuscany Super-Tuscan or Brunello (Italy)

What: A modern, oak-informed expression from a tradition-rich region, typically a blend featuring Sangiovese with international varieties. Why it matters: It illustrates how Tuscan