We asked the Beverage Dynamics national wine panel to taste and rate Best Wines of 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)

RATING SYSTEM

Five Stars( 92-100) A top-flight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price / value relationship.

( 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

Four Stars( 86-91) A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back. 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)

Three Stars( 80-85) An above-average wine, at a reasonable price point, which many customers will enjoy.

( 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 Sheri ff 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) www. beveragedynamics. com Winter 2025 • Beverage Dynamics 27