News & Views

Year in Review: Our editors choose their most memorable pours of ’24

By VineRoutes

December 4, 2024

From cherished memories to unforgettable flavours, these selections celebrate the artistry and diversity of winemaking around the globe

As 2024 draws to a close, the VineRoutes team reflects on a year filled with remarkable wines. From the rolling vineyards of Ontario to the historic terroirs of Burgundy and the sun-drenched slopes of Mendoza, our editors have tasted hundreds of wines—domestic and international—each offering its own story, character, and expression.

This year was particularly special for VineRoutes. As we began our 5th year in operation, we further added to our contributing team, allowing us to deliver more, diverse content. So, to make things different, we’re introducing a new tradition: for the first time, each of our main contributors has selected their top five wines of the year, based on their own independent tastings – in no particular order.

The journey to narrow down these choices was anything but easy. Our editors sought wines that stood out not only for their quality but also for their ability to evoke memories and spark inspiration. These lists are not about scores or rigid criteria; they are about the wines that made us pause, reflect, and savour the artistry in every sip.

Subscribe to Newsletter-only announcements coming soon!

In addition to these personal favourites, VineRoutes will be unveiling our Most Outstanding White and Red Wines of 2024 lists, chosen during a blind tasting of standout submissions. This announcement will be exclusive to our Newsletter subscribers at the end of the year. If you’re already signed up, sit tight—exciting news is on the way. Not a subscriber yet? There’s still time to join and be part of the reveal.

And stay tuned for our fourth annual list of 50 standout Canadian wines, also selected by members of our primary editorial team, to be revealed on our website soon.

Now, without further ado, we invite you to explore the wines that defined our year—each one a testament to the diversity and brilliance of the world of wine:

Alana Lapierre (Regional Editor)

After tasting close to 1,000 wines in 2024, it’s no small task to select just five that truly stand out. The wines chosen for this list left an emotional mark on me. They’re the ones that I ‘heart-marked’ on my tasting notes, each sparking an emotion, leaving me momentarily speechless. While I tasted many wines that were undoubtedly impressive, the wines featured here are both memorable and offer a high level of quality for what they cost, all while being available, whether through regular distribution or private import. – Alana

Azienda Agricola Brovia 2019 Barolo ‘Brea Vigna Ca’ Mia’ DOCG

The 2019 vintage of Brovia’s Barolo ‘Brea Vigna Ca’ Mia’ is a stunning expression of Nebbiolo from 60-year-old vines in Serralunga d’Alba, a subzone of the Barolo region in Piedmont. It’s a wine rooted in its terroir, with winemaker Alex Sanchez emphasizing that its taste transmits the full sensory experience of the site. On the nose, aromas of wild berries and leather mix with pine forest and wet stone minerality. The palate is both powerful and impeccably balanced, with black cherry, crushed berries, spiced orange, and savoury spice. Fine-grained tannins provide the backbone, bright acidity adds tension, and a long, silky finish is the chef’s kiss. Stunning now but would age beautifully.

Catena Zapata 2021 ‘Adrianna Vineyard’ White Bones

Sourced from the high-altitude Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary, the 2021 White Bones Chardonnay is expressive and complex. The vineyard’s calcareous soils, layered with fossilized animal bones – for which it is named – give a linear minerality to the wine. On the nose, eucalyptus and mint, alongside more subtle notes of jarilla (a local bush) contribute a garrigue-like character. On the palate, fresh citrus, white stone fruit, and floral notes align with the wine’s signature minerality and subtle earthy tones that linger beautifully. It’s lively and voluptuous at once. Here is a wine that captures the unique terroir of one of Mendoza’s most studied and storied vineyards.

Borja Pérez Viticultor Origenes 2017

I audibly sighed when I tasted this wine. The 2017 Origenes from Borja Pérez shines a brilliant light on the unique character of the Canary Islands through the indigenous Vijariego Negro grape. This volcanic wine expresses a perfect balance between smoky minerality and fresh fruit, with aromas of dark berries, black pepper, and dried herbs. On the palate, the wine is both structured and lively, with deep layers of ripe red and black fruit, hints of ash, and a touch of salinity – a clear reflection of the island’s volcanic soils. The smoky notes blend perfectly with the bright fruit, creating a wine that’s both complex and refreshing, a perfect embodiment of the unique terroir. Smoke meets fruit meets Canary Islands in each sip.

Maison Louis Latour 2022 Gevrey-Chambertin

This one is personal. It was my beloved paternal grandmother’s favorite wine, reserved for very special occasions and I had not tasted it in quite a few years. One sip and I was back in the farmhouse living room with her. The 2022 Gevrey-Chambertin from Maison Louis Latour is a classic Côte de Nuits. Crafted from pinot noir, it’s a deep ruby-red colour, with aromatics of licorice, white pepper and cloves, and just a subtle bit of smoke. On the palate, its full-bodied and round with coffee and dark fruit. Velvety and elegant, it has power and finesse. The region’s limestone-rich soils contribute to its structure and aging potential.

Avondale Sky 2019 Gris & Noir Brut Méthode Traditionnelle

I loved so many of the wines that I tasted in Nova Scotia this year. This one, though, threw me for a beautiful, and unexpected, loop. This is a beautifully crafted sparkling wine from Nova Scotia, made using the traditional method. This blend of pinot gris and pinot noir has subtle aromas of green apple and citrus, with hints of baked brioche from its extended (four years) time on lees. On the palate it has bright acidity balanced by notes of stone fruit and a slight flinty finish. It’s one of the wines that beautifully captured the cool maritime climate of Nova Scotia for me, delivering freshness and elegance with each sip.

Leah Spooner (Contributing Editor)

My tasting experience this past year has first and foremost proven that more and more Canadian wineries are serious contenders on an international scale. There were so many close contenders for these ‘favourite five’ slots and an overwhelming number of them were Canadian. Another observation is that several lesser-known wine regions are making serious waves; when you look beyond the producer, variety, region, you’ll find the true magic in what’s in the glass. – Leah

Domaine Queylus 2021 Tradition Cabernet Franc

This is a polished, medium-bodied cabernet franc crafted with a mere 9 percent merlot. It generously offers strawberry and pomegranate flavours with earthy undertones that kinetically glide on a silky palate. Fine-boned and restrained, with a mineral core that persists on a long finish. Excellent.

Westcott Vineyards 2020 Estate Pinot Noir

Immediately upon opening this pinot boasts a seductive perfume of maraschino cherry dusted with vanilla and cinnamon. Light-bodied, with notes of sour cherry, dried flowers, and fall leaves. Great acid, and we can’t leave out the woodsy and mineral aspects that correspond in perfect parallel. A long, black tea finish.

Garzon 2023 Albarino Reserva

Absolutely stunning aromas of fresh sourdough bread with pear and white flowers. A palate that’s luxuriously creamy with baked stone fruit notes invigorated with mouthwatering acids. Hints of orange blossom and a leesy mouthfeel carries the complex harmony of flavours on a long finish. What a fantastic albarino!

William Fèvre 2021 Champs Royaux Chablis

So much care goes into the winemaking process starting with a manual harvest, and undergoing gentle, pneumatic pressing. This wine sees 10-12 months maturation in stainless steel tanks with five percent of the harvest seeing five to six months in French oak. This Chablis encapsulates freshness with its energetic acidity that invigorates the palate alongside gala apple, lime, and pure mineral notes. It holds an exciting tension that doesn’t come across as a rigid structure, but instead a welcomed sip of well-balanced, thirst-quenching joy.

Collovray & Terrier Deux Roches Rives de Longsault Saint-Véran 2021

A mouthwatering, complex nose of buttered popcorn, almond, honey, white florals, and golden delicious apple. Creamy with lively, refreshing edges and impactful flavours of honey and corn balanced by whispers ripe, candied citrus. A wave of smooth, almost oily texture that’s quickly whisked away with zests of lemon drop. A long, refreshingly dry finish concludes this textural delight. Great value here!

Gillian Marks, PhD. (Contributing Editor)

I picked up a new book at the start of 2024. “Wine and War: The French, the Nazis, and the Battle for France’s Greatest Treasure.” Donald Kladstrup writes about the history of waging war and the face of French wine over one of the most tumultuous periods in their existence. As a French Wine Scholar, this both horrified and intrigued me, and set me off on a journey of wine discovery this year. Meeting with friends at wine tastings and sharing meals and conversations, the book was a backdrop to my choices. Deliberate and intentional, my top five this year reflects red and white, and still and sparkling wines. Old and new world, classic and racy. I usually try and find wines that are budget friendly but also good value even at the higher price points. This year proved to be easier than some with the 2022 vintage offering some well-crafted selections. – Gillian

Laurent-Perrier Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature Champagne NV

A champagne house that survived World War II and brought back the vineyards from the brink of total destruction. Helped by the guile of wine merchants who made it their business to manage the relationships between vintners and overseers, Laurent-Perrier is making great champagnes and this one is certainly amongst them. At around $124 US or $170 CAD it is superb. Lots of toasty almond and brioche with lemon peel and saline notes.

Allegrini 2022 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG

There is no reason to serve Amarone before its time and typically the longer the better on the aging scale. This Amarone skirts that general rule and is easily one of the best renditions of the valpolicella grape. Full of ripe raisined fruit this wine offers depth and flavour with a flourish. It is a powerful yet elegant and jammy wine that holds its own with tomato based pasta sauces, grilled meats, fois gras and other paté. It comes in around $50 US or $69 CAD.

Jean-Max Roger La Grange Dîmière Sancerre Rosé 2023

This is an excellent Sancerre as far as Quality to Price Ratio. Coming in at around $22 US or $30 CAD this wine offers loads of crisp clean flavors that typify the Loire soils and climate. It is fresh and clean now and can still be at its optimum for another year or two. Great with all grilled fish and fresh salads or vegetables, it is a good complement for pasta with cream sauce and has lots of lemon, lime, citrus notes, minerals and a hint of blossom.

Domain Antoine Sanzay Saumur-Champigny Les Poyeux 2022

Known for its classic cabernet franc, this Loire Valley producer hits it out of the park. Lots of red currant and cranberry as soon as the bottle is open. It is great with beef and venison, and is equally at home with creamy dishes and poultry. Not the least expensive but again good QPR. At $45 US or $62 CAD it is worth a look.

Roserock 2022 Chardonnay

From Domaine Drouhin Oregon this Chardonnay has the pedigree that comes from the Drouhin family winemaking that began and continues in Burgundy. It is lean and refreshingly crisp with hints of lemon curd, vanilla, unripe peach and a fine floral finish. A medium bodied Chardonnay to pair with just about anything. An excellent value at $35 US or $48 CAD.

Tod Stewart (Senior Editor)

I’ve always felt that wine is a “situation dependant” animal, which probably explains why I am so dead-set against scores. Winemakers don’t craft wines to have them analyzed; they are designed to be enjoyed – ideally in the presence of good food and good company. Ever noticed how that charming “vin ordinaire” tasted pretty “extraordinaire” with a lunch of regional French grub served at an unassuming bistro overlooking the rolling expanses of Burgundian vineyards, but was pretty “meh” when served in your kitchen back home?

However, part of being a “professional” taster (as opposed to a professional drinker) entails determining whether a wine shows exceptional characteristics no matter when tasted, where tasted, and with whom it is (or isn’t) tasted. The wines listed below all show great character, unique personality, and notable “build quality.” And though not exactly “cheap,” they all offer great value no matter what the price. – Tod

Bodegas Garzón 2020 Balasto

I can’t say with confidence that the wines of Uruguay are destined to be the “next big thing,” but if those of Bodegas Garzón are any indication, this will definitely be a country to watch as its vinous evolution progresses. A hotbed of innovation and experimentation, Garzón’s 1,300 vineyard plots are planted with over 30 indigenous and international varieties. Balasto – the winery’s superstar – blends tannat, cabernet franc, and petit verdot into a Bordeaux-ish styled package – with impressive results. Expect to find smoke, wet slate, garrigue, lead pencil and tar on the nose, followed by an elegant yet powerful flavour tapestry that weaves together notes of cassis, leather, mineral and mild spice. Should age impressively.

Château de Beaucastel 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge

I visited with Thomas Perrin – whose family owns this prestigious French estate (acquired in 1909) – a few years ago for an incredible tasting in the estate’s cellar. More recently I had the pleasure of meeting Thomas again while he was in Toronto for a superb luxury portfolio event staged by the agency representing the winery. Essentially organic since 1964 (without “official” certification), the unique terroir of Beaucastel’s vines shine through in its wines. Though far from ready-to-drink, this is textbook Châteauneuf. Intensely aromatic, with suggestions of violet, wet gravel, smoked meat, and tarry/bramble overtones with a hint of black olive tapenade. Concentrated, powerful, and multi-layered on the palate. Enjoy now after a long decant but should continue to improve over the next couple decades.

Bodega Lan Rioja Gran Reserva 2016

The wines of Spain’s Rioja region continue to offer outstanding value. In the case of the Gran Reserva level, you are typically getting a fully-matured, ready-to-enjoy wine that is actually aged by the winery for a number of years prior to release. Dark plum, black raspberry, mocha, new leather, dark chocolate and baking spice notes make appearances on the expressive nose. Silky and rich in texture, with flavours suggesting black cherry, cassis, and mild anise, with some smoky notes that add complexity. The perfect foil for grilled lamb, and for under $40, it’s an absolute steal.

Terrazas de los Andes 2021 Gran Malbec

True carnivores know the exceptional quality of Argentine beef, whether by first-hand experience or reputation. I was lucky enough to experience the luxuriously marbled meat while at an amazing barbecue event at Mendoza’s Terrazas de los Andes – overseen by celebrity chef Francis Mallmann, no less. The country’s winemakers continue to plant vineyards at increasingly higher elevations, resulting in fruit – and wines – with elegance, complexity, and finesse. If you still think Argentine wines are all about “cheap ’n cheerful” $10 malbecs, well, please stop thinking that. This example from Terrazas de los Andes jumps out of the glass with forward, smoky, herbal, dark plum and eucalyptus element that segue into a rich, full, multi-layered flavours of dark fruit, dried herbs and cocoa powder. Open a bottle and find a steak.

Pasqua Hey French (you could have made this but you didn’t) ed.3 N/V

I know what you might be thinking: “Pasqua? Pasqua!!??” Sure, this northern Italian winery is probably best known for cranking out boatloads of serviceable Soave and other Veneto staples; but the winery has a distinct “other side.” Hey French (you could have made this but you didn’t) – now there’s an audacious name – is a sort of Soave on steroids. Made on the outskirts of the designated Soave region, primarily from the local Garganega variety, it’s a non-vintage white that is, well, pretty exceptional. I would almost describe it as “grand cru Alsace meets grand cru Chablis by way of northern Italy” – if that makes any sense. Fresh, floral, mildly tropical, mineral-infused, intense and captivating aromatically, with flavours leaning towards stone fruits, almond, lemon peel, and white-pepper-laced fruit cup – even sports slightly gonzo packaging. Gotta love it.

Carmelo Giardina (Principal Editor)

As someone who has had the privilege of experiencing wine in some truly breathtaking settings this year, my top five wines are as much about the memories as they are about the bottles themselves. Two of my picks hail from my home province of Ontario, a region that continues to impress with its growing diversity. Another comes from British Columbia, inspired by a recent visit to Lake Country that left a lasting impression. My fourth pick is a standout from Napa, a region I explored during a picturesque springtime trip, and my final choice takes me back to an unforgettable tasting, hosted by winemaking husband and wife team, Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble. These wines aren’t just analytical standouts—they’re personal bookmarks in a year of incredible experiences. – Carmelo

Dobbin Estate 2020 “White Cap” Estate Riesling

This dry riesling, crafted entirely from estate-grown fruit, embodies elegance and balance. Delicate honeyed notes hint at further integration with time, while its precise acidity and restrained profile elevate it as a food-friendly wine rather than a casual summer sipper. Tasted alongside its sweeter “Black Cap” counterpart, this wine, guided by Peter Gamble and Ann Sperling, offers a refined expression of Niagara terroir, showcasing the winemaking duo’s dedication to crafting next-level quality wines.

Kern and Co. 2020 Willms Gamay Noir

Produced from 1987-planted vines with 16% whole cluster fermentation, this gamay initially presents a fruit-forward profile but transforms into a complex, savoury delight after time to breathe. With 12.7% ABV, it strikes a graceful balance of ripe fruit and umami-driven earthiness. Winemaker Adam Kern’s challenge to revisit the wine revealed layers of depth and refinement, solidifying its status as a standout in Ontario’s 2020 vintage.

O’Rourke Family Estate 2020 Chardonnay

An exceptional northern Okanagan chardonnay showcasing Clone 96 fruit with 25% new oak aging. Its vibrant acidity, luminous colour, and impeccable structure reveal layers of charred and drying orchard fruit and a deftly nuanced oak influence. This is a pristine example of the region’s ability to produce world-class chardonnays, marrying freshness with complexity. A wine that commands attention for its purity and precision.

Inglenook 2019 Rubicon

Hailing from one of Napa Valley’s storied producers, this 2019 Rubicon is a monumental cabernet sauvignon that epitomizes the potential of a strong vintage. Taut and structured with robust tannins and deep concentration, it is a wine built for decades of aging. A spring tasting at the ever historic Inglenook estate revealed its potential as both a cellar-worthy treasure and an emblem of Napa’s historical pedigree. Truly memorable.

Versado 2013 Reserva Malbec

A wine that transports you to its origins in Mendoza, Argentina, this reserva malbec reflects the passion and precision of Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble. Aromas of coffee bean, crushed gravel, and earth lead to flavours of tomato leaf and concentrated minerality, all delivered with velvety softness. The 2013 vintage, still available in select markets, is a testament to Versado’s small-batch dedication to authenticity and terroir-driven expression.