To close out another year of reviews, we asked the Beverage Dynamics national wine panel to taste and rate the Best Wines they drank in 2025. As always, these reviews include tasting notes, ratings and suggested retail price for a 750-ml. bottle (unless otherwise noted).
FIVE STARS
(99) Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Cuvée Brut 2015 (France)
55% pinot noir, and 45% chardonnay, this absolutely stunning wine spends at least six years aging in the bottle before it’s disgorged. Brilliant yellow-gold, the nose is attractively complex, with lots of lovely stone fruit and citrus, with hints of spice, and baked notes. The palate is just as attractive, with supple fruit, an exceptionally fine mousse and a finish that lingers long after you’ve swallowed. A superb wine; a worldclass Champagne. ($80)
(97) Hamel Stratum 2020 (CA)
This two to one blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot is driven by dark fruit, with subtle floral and spice notes. Plenty of black cherry and black plum, with good weight, attractive tannins and balancing acidity showcase its quality and potential for aging. ($60)
(97) Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte 2018 (France)
A powerful wine with black currant, cocoa, anise and crème de cassis. Powerful tannins that will take another 10 years to bring out its full expression, but can be cellared for 30 years. Drink with aged cheeses and roasted meats. ($159)
(97) Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (CA)
With more than 94% cabernet sauvignon, this wine demonstrates the power and finesse that people have come to expect from Napa cabernets. Exceptionally deep color in the glass, the nose and palate reflect the complexity and power of the wine. Black cherry and berries, with notes of cocoa and baking spices add to the flavor and lingering finish. ($29)
(96) Piper Sonoma Brut Rose NV (CA)
Piper Sonoma has certainly earned its reputation for producing high-quality sparkling wines for decades. This lovely and vibrant rosé serves to reinforce that reputation. A lovely pink salmon in the glass, the nose and palate are dominated by bright red fruit. The vibrant acidity, in addition to the elegant fruit, contribute to the extended finish, and the wine’s pairing with a wide range of dishes. ($23)
(96) Alexander Valley Vineyards “Sin Zin” 2021 (CA)
One of the original cult zin’s from the late 70s, and still evolving. 100% zin from their best lots, picked and fermented separately. The final product is a big, juicy fruit bomb, with dark fruit hints of cherry, cassis and dark chocolate. Sixteen months in American oak smooths out the tannins with balanced acidity. Perfect for that big thick pizza with all the toppings! ($24.99)
(96) J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay 2023 (CA)
Kristen Barnhisel continues her winning streak with subtle fine-tuning to her classic chardonnay. She lets the vines truly speak, utilizing eight different clones, including the famed Wente clone. 62% Malolactic fermentation. Barrel fermentation in a regimented program with American, Hungarian and French oak in addition to hand-stirring the lees. Rich pear and peach notes with hints of spice and honey. This wine consistently overdelivers for the money, offering AVA quality at “California” designation pricing. A mainstay for all holiday dinners. ($12.99)
(95) St. Francis Sonoma County Pinot Noir 2023 (CA)
A beautifully produced pinot noir from one of the country’s most storied regions for high-quality wines. Excellent acidity combines with the wine’s red fruit and complex spice notes to produce a well-balanced and attractive pinot noir. Superbly food friendly. ($26)
(95) Fort Ross Sea Slopes Pinot Noir (CA)
The Sea Slopes Pinot Noir is an excellent example of cool weather viticulture, combined with intelligent winemaking. The nose and palate burst with an abundance of bright red fruit, as well as citrus and floral hints. The tannins and acidity are well balanced, contributing to the wine’s high quality, and smooth, extended finish. ($35)
(95) Aveleda Solos de Granito 2022 (Portugal)
A top-end alvarinho from a top-end producer, Aveleda produces two soil-specific wines. The Xisto, wines produced from grapes grown on schist soil is outstanding on its own. The Granito, with vines planted in granite-dominated soils, displays superb class and pedigree. Brilliant pale yellow in the glass, the nose is rich with tree fruit, hints of citrus and a touch of minerality. That minerality takes the forefront on the palate, with stone fruit and an echo of citrus, followed by a lengthy, balanced finish. ($17.99)
(95) Buena Vista “The Sheriff of Buena Vista” Red 2023 (CA)
From the “Founders collection,” this wine highlights the early history of Agoston Haraszthy as sheriff of San Diego County, before he headed north to found Buena Vista in 1857. A beautiful, rich cuvee of primarily petite sirah and cabernet, with touches of grenache, syrah and carignane for complexity. Wonderful mouth feel, very balanced, with complex dark fruit flavors. A touch of history to take on that inch thick cut of beef! ($49.99)
(95) Heart’s Needle Cabernet Sauvignon by Thomas Rivers Brown 2023 (CA)
Rich and voluptuous with blackberry and red cherry, evoking stewed pie-like fruits. Notes of baking spice, toast and vanilla from well-integrated oak. A lingering finish reveals hints of leather and dried fruit for added depth. ($99.99)
(94) Alexander Valley Vineyards Temptation Zinfandel 2023 (CA)
The next evolutionary step for the original sin zin…temptation is what leads to sin. A righthand turn for this one…76% zin, 20% syrah and a kiss of sangiovese. A heavy blend with bright fruit notes of cherry, raspberry and cranberry. Sixteen months in American and French oak balance all the components. Sub this one easily for Chianti when you’re planning your next Italian meal! ($15.99)
(94) Chateau Rieussec Sauternes 2013 (France)
The 2013 vintage was one of the best for this Chateau in a year that produced very little quality grapes in Sauternes. The floral and fruit are perfectly balanced. Full body with crisp acidity, add a bit of ginger and fresh peach, and you have a perfect afternoon sipper with friends. ($90)
(93) Old Winery Road Cabernet Napa Reserve 2022 (CA)
Inviting aromas of chocolate-covered strawberries lead to a palate of blackberries and black cherries, adding depth and contrast. Well-integrated oak and bright acidity lift the fruit, creating a lingering, complex finish. ($49.99)
(93) Floorshow Red 2021 (CA)
Round and indulgent, this wine opens with rich black cherry and blackberry layered with baking spices and vanilla cream. The palate is velvety and decadent, offering flavors of mascarpone, dark cherry, strawberry and toasted marshmallow. Despite the candied character dancing across the palate, the wine remains impressively balanced and not overly sweet. ($34.99)
(93) Alexander Valley Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (CA)
When your taste buds look for alternatives to your favorite chardonnay, look no further. Lean, crisp, with beautiful fruit notes, winemaker Kevin Hall let the grapes speak from this spectacular vintage. Cold fermentation preserves the freshness of the fruit. No malolactic fermentation or oak aging. Honeydew, citrus and pineapple hints accent the minerality and a touch of smokiness. Beautiful aperitif to start any Fall celebration. ($24.99)
(96) J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon (CA)
Jerry Lohr was one of the early pioneers of the Paso Robles AVA and delivered “Napa” quality at reasonable prices. Primarily cabernet with touches of petite sirah, merlot, petite verdot and cab franc for added richness and complexity. Fermentation in stainless steel and finishing in American oak using a regimented aging process adds beautiful complexity. Rich extraction yields rich dark fruit, a beautiful nose, fruit forward flavors and a smooth lingering finish that all help make this a tremendous value. ($19.99)
(93) Chateau Buena Vista Chardonnay 2022 (CA)
From the Chateau Buena Vista collection. Sourcing from the sweet spot for chardonnay, with the cooling influence of San Pablo Bay, produces spectacular fruit from an almost perfect growing season. Hand-harvested, with whole-cluster pressing with 100% barrel fermentation in French oak for 12 months. Tropical fruit notes of mango, pineapple and guava combine with citrus notes for a lush creamy finish. Hints of vanilla and spice complement hints of stone fruit and subtle minerality. Excellent with a seasoned pork tenderloin! ($38.99)
(92) Alexander Valley Vineyards Dry Rosé of Sangiovese 2024 (CA)
From their inaugural release in 2005, this winery keeps finetuning this offering. A great growing season yielded wonderful fruit. 100% sangiovese is held for just a few hours to achieve the perfect light hue. Very floral with hints of rose petals, lichee and grapefruit. Perfect balance of sweet and sour. Great aperitif or perfect with light fall dishes. ($22.99)
(92) Dubourdieu Pure Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (France)
Bright notes of lemon, slate, pear and chamomile lead the way, offering a layered aromatic profile. The concentrated and complex flavors create a vibrant flavor arch that lingers on the palate with grace and elegance. ($19.99)
(92) Halos de Jupiter Viognier 2024 (France)
Opulent layers of pear and apricot unfold alongside delicate honeysuckle and vibrant clementine. Rich notes of freshly baked brioche add depth and warmth. The full-bodied palate is contrasted by bracing acidity, creating a balanced and pleasing finish. ($17.99)
(92) Chateau Gigery Rose Cotes de Provence 2024 (France)
Dry, crisp and bright, with concentrated notes of red cherry, strawberry and lime. The finish is fresh and delicate, lifted by vibrant acidity and a clean, complex profile. ($19.99)
(92) Dr. Heidemanns Riesling Dry 2024 (Germany)
Aromas of honeysuckle and delicate florals lead into rounder, lusher orchard fruit flavors of apricot, white nectarine, with subtle hints of chamomile lingering on the palate. Perfectly versatile for pairing, yet elegant enough to enjoy on its own. ($19.99)
(92) Harebrained Cabernet 2023 (CA)
Rich dark fruit — blackberry and currant — layered with spice, cedar and tobacco. Voluptuous yet balanced, with bright acidity and smooth tannins. Elegant, expressive and polished with lingering depth. ($44.99)
FOUR STARS
(91) 1858 California Cab 2023 (CA)
Bright cherry and raspberry lead, backed by nutmeg, cinnamon and toasted oak. Smooth, rounded structure makes it easily enjoyable, with balanced fruit and spice that keep the palate engaged and approachable from start to finish. ($24.99)
(91) Adolph Mueller Piesporter Michelsburg Spatlese 2024 (Germany)
Lifted aromatics of honeysuckle, ripe honeydew and lemon zest are layered with a subtle touch of classic Mosel minerality — reminiscent of flint or petrol, in the most appealing way. A moderate sweetness is sharply balanced by racy acidity, creating a dynamic and well-structured wine. ($14.99)
(91) Lanchava Collection Kindzmarauli Anastasia 2023 (Georgia Republic)
Rich aromas of stewed red cherry mingle with warm baking spices and herbal undertones, evoking the comforting essence of holiday glühwein. The palate is sweet yet balanced, with vibrant acidity and supple tannins lending structure and finesse. ($19.99)
(91) Iter Cabert Sauvignon Napa Reserve 2023 (CA)
The palate opens with notes of underripe red currant, red cherry and black plum, delivering a vibrant, fruit-forward profile. Subtle layers of smoke, clove and cardamom add gentle spice, while firm, chalky tannins shape a full-bodied, structured finish. ($29.99)
(90) CB by Courtney Benham Pinot Noir 2023 (CA)
Inviting aromas of chocolate-covered strawberries lead to a palate of blackberries and black cherries, adding depth and contrast. Well-integrated oak and bright acidity lift the fruit, creating a lingering, complex finish. ($14.99)
(90) Sightlines Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (New Zealand)
Pronounced aromatics of grapefruit and lemon zest leap from the glass, joined by intense grassy, herbaceous notes and a floral lift reminiscent of baby’s breath. Searing acidity drives the palate, delivering a bold and energetic expression. ($13.99)
(90) Arbol de Vida Organic Chardonnay 2024 (Argentina)
Produced by Familia Zuccardi. Aromas of yellow apple, ripe mango and honeydew rise with a savory whisper of aged parmesan. The palate is rich and full, yet lifted by a bright, refreshing finish. Balanced and moderately complex, it offers both depth and vibrant charm. ($14.99)
(90) Arbol de Vida Organic Malbec 2024 (Argentina)
Produced by Familia Zuccardi. Bright notes of cranberry and red currant lead the way, lifted by Herbs de Provence and gentle spice — cinnamon, nutmeg, sandalwood. The texture is soft and supple, with medium tannins that lend just enough grip. A refreshing arc of flavor carries through the palate, finishing with a clean, lively snap of acidity. ($14.99)
(90) Double Black Cabernet Reserve Paso 2023 (CA)
Sumptuous layers of black cherry and dark chocolate unfold with richness, wrapped in smooth notes of vanilla and warm baking spices. A plush mouthfeel with supple tannins adds depth, making each sip feel indulgent yet approachable. ($19.99).
(90) Laurent-Perrier Brut La Cuvee (France)
In the world of Champagne, Laurent delivers terrific value. Crisp, yet smooth, complex; a just downright delicious blend of brioche, citrus, pear and peach. Great with a broad variety of cheeses, salads, chicken and grilled fish. It’s also nice to support a family-owned house headed by a woman! ($50)
(90) Blue Canyon Chardonnay Monterey 2024 (CA)
Creamy and full bodied, with notes of yellow apple, mango, baking spice, cheese curd and toasted bread. This bold, opulent style is confidently executed, offering a rich and layered tasting experience. ($14.99)
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Feature photo by Elisha Terada on Unsplash.
