The best red wines ever made? A billionaire’s bucket list

What are the 10 best wines ever made? We attempt to answer the billion-dollar question.
The best red wines ever made? A billionaire’s bucket list

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It seems a simple question, but can there ever be an answer? Probably not, so perhaps it’s a more rewarding task to come up with 10 wines to try before you die; a money-no-object, billionaire’s bucket list of superstars from the greatest estates and the very best vintages.

Are they the best ever? There’s a strong argument for each. Should you try them at least once in this lifetime if given the chance? Definitely.

Here is our top 10. We’re not saying it’s the perfect or indeed definitive selection but would advocate that no-one, given the opportunity to sample any of these before shuffling off this mortal coil, should turn it down.

1945 Ch. Mouton Rothschild

An immortal wine, decades away from full maturity, the 1947 Mouton Rothschild is, in Neal Martin’s words, “perfection”. From a superb, albeit tannic vintage, this 1945 took a long time to come round but at 50 years old, is now wowing those lucky enough to taste it. With perfect scores from both of the Wine Advocate’s Bordeaux critics, this is Ch. Mouton Rothschild is a bonafide legend of a Pauillac.

1947 Ch. Cheval Blanc

One of the great wines, from one of the greatest ever Bordeaux vintages and most revered houses, this is as iconic as Bordeaux gets. As perhaps the most famous of all Saint-Emilion properties, Ch. Cheval Blanc is capable of unfathomably good wines. To single out the best is near impossible and makes this 1947 something truly special, showing what the Cabernet Franc grape is capable of. Called “the wine of the 20th century” by Parker as recently as 2007, it’s perhaps the benchmark against which all others can be measured.

1947 Ch. Lafleur

The second entry from the legendary 1947 vintage and one of the finest Pomerols ever is the Ch. Lafleur. The hallmark of this hot, dry year was exceptional concentration and has meant that these Pomerols are still going strong today. The Lafleur continues to be one of the best, scored perfectly on numerous occasions, and is a candidate for the title of greatest Bordeaux ever made.

1955 Brunello di Montalcino, Biondi-Santi

The only Italian wine on the list fittingly comes from its most famous producer, Biondi Santi. This Tuscan property invented Brunello di Montalcino gained worldwide acclaim for their uncompromisingly traditional wines. The 1955 is widely considered the best and one of the finest from any time in the last century. Interestingly, they still have a few bottles in the cellar.

1961 Hermitage, La Chapelle, Paul Jaboulet Aîné 

The sole Rhône on our list is an absolute legend. Jaboulet’s Hermitage La Chapelle is an iconic wine of immense pedigree (recently returned to former glories after a period in the wilderness) and the 1961 sits atop the tree. The finest Syrah ever made? Almost certainly, though the 1978 and 1990 push it hard.

1961 Pétrus

The first entry for what is almost certainly the most famous fine wine label in the world, the tiny Pomerol estate of Pétrus. Described by Parker as one of the most sumptuous, hedonistic bottles of wine anybody could ever consume”, this Pétrus is confirmed as an absolute superstar.

1962 La Tâche, Grand Cru, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti

The impossibly evocative and romantic byword for exclusive luxury, Romanee-Conti is perhaps the single most prestigious name in fine wine. The DRC monopole of La Tache sits among some of the most famous and coveted vines in the world; Romanee-Conti, Richebourg and Romanee St. Vivant; and is always in huge demand. Having the best ever in the cellar makes it instantly world-class in terms of cachet and kudos.

1999 Musigny, Cuvée Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé 

Possibly the most controversial inclusion on our list. 1999 was a great year for red Burgundy and one referred to by that most respected of wine writers, Michael Broadbent, as simply “a must.” Even in this context, the Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé Musigny is a standout and a superb example of the vintage, with this small parcel of some of the greatest wines in the world, working in perfect harmony with the perfect conditions to produce something utterly profound. Hugely beguiling stuff and the most affordable wine on our list.

1982 Ch. Latour

Arguably the single best wine from the most famous Bordeaux vintage in history. A monumental effort and one that will only keep getting better and better. Awash with perfect scores from the critics, 1982 Ch. Latour is one of the few to get a perfect 100 points from both The Wine Advocate’s Bordeaux critics; Robert Parker and Neal Martin.

2000 Pétrus

Cementing its reputation as a global brand and a byword for luxury and exclusivity, Pétrus was the star of the best Bordeaux vintage since 1982. The Millennial was the first of the so-called modern greats – 2000, 2005, 2009 and 2010 – with this tiny Pomerol estate making the most of some exceptional conditions. About as profound and indeed prestigious as red Bordeaux gets.

So, are these the 10 best wines ever made? Possibly. But for every wine here there are half a dozen more that are just as deserving of a place. The real answer is that there’s probably no real definitive top 10, particularly as few of us will be lucky enough to ever taste any of them in isolation, let alone side-by-side for comparative purposes. Still, as wish-lists go, it’s a great place to start.

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FINE+RARE
Our team is dedicated to bringing you all the latest from the world of fine wine and spirits – with in-depth vintage reports, recommendations and interviews with leading industry figures.

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