WineSpectator.com Begins Countdown of the Top 100 Wines of 2006

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wine Spectator Online, the most influential source of wine information on the Internet, began its highly anticipated Top 100 countdown today. The annual Top 100, a magnet for wine lovers, can be accessed online as well as in the Dec. 31 issue of Wine Spectator magazine.

“The Top 100 wines continues to pique the interest of wine lovers worldwide”

In 2006, Wine Spectator reviewed more than 13,500 wines from around the world in blind tastings. More than 2,700 of them earned outstanding ratings (90 points or higher on the 100-point scale), qualifying them for the initial pool of candidates.

Thirteen countries are represented in the 2006 list, making this the most diverse group in the history of the Top 100, which debuted in 1988. The average score of the group is 93 points, while the average price is $49.

“The Top 100 wines continues to pique the interest of wine lovers worldwide,” said editor and publisher Marvin R. Shanken. We hope our selections stimulate discussion, and lead people to a deeper engagement with the world of wine.”

Wine Spectator will release the Top 10 wines between Monday, Nov. 13 and Friday, Nov. 17–-with the Wine of the Year to be announced on Nov. 17. Wines Nos. 11 to 100 will then be released on the following Monday, Nov. 20. The names of all the wines will be available for free to anyone who visits WineSpectator.com.

About the Top 100

Each year, Wine Spectator editors survey the wines reviewed during the calendar year and select the most exciting wines for the Top 100. The wines chosen for the Top 100 are based on four criteria: quality (as represented by score); value (as reflected by release price); availability (measured by case production, or for international wines, the number of cases imported); and an X-factor that Wine Spectator calls “excitement.” No equation determines the final selections; the choices reflect the editors' judgment and enthusiasm about the wines tasted that year.

About Wine Spectator

Published 16 times per year, Wine Spectator offers an exciting, insider’s view of the good life, including fine dining, wine, travel and entertainment. With more than 2 million readers, Wine Spectator reaches business leaders, trendsetters and connoisseurs. Wine Spectator Online, launched in October 1996, is the most influential source of wine information on the Internet. The Web site features wine ratings, tasting reports, news, and other original content you won’t find anywhere else. Our ratings database handles more than 1 million searches every month resulting in more than 80 million visits and 450 million page views since the Web site launched. For more information, please visit us at www.winespectator.com.

Contacts