A Look Back at 2023
The year 2023 was a remarkable one in the wine world, marked by both triumphs and challenges. It was a year when biodynamic, low-intervention, “natural,” vegan, and organic wines saw notable increases, highlighting a significant shift towards value-based winemaking. This trend also brought much-deserved attention to minority winemakers and winery owners.
However, while experiencing growth, emerging wine regions like Jura, Slovenia, and the Canary Islands didn’t quite overshadow the dominance of regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa Valley, and Tuscany. Another significant trend was the rise of low and non-alcoholic wines. The year also saw a surge in ultra-premium wines, with notable growth in sales of high-end collectible wines.
Other Notable Trends of 2023
Pet-Nat’s Popularity: Petillant Naturel wines were everywhere, becoming a trendy choice for wine enthusiasts.
Sake’s Emergence: Once primarily found in sushi restaurants, high-quality, reasonably priced sake became more accessible to the casual drinker.
Hard Seltzer Market: The initial boom of hard seltzers began to stabilize, transitioning from a novelty to a regular choice among repeat buyers.
2024 Wine Industry Outlook
Predictions and Emerging Trends
2019 Brunello Release: Slated for late February, this vintage is expected to be highly acclaimed, following the success of the 2016 and 2018 vintages.
2022 Sonoma Pinot Noir and Chardonnay: Despite heat spikes, these wines are anticipated to be spectacular, especially from top wineries.
Napa Valley’s 2021 Vintage: This vintage is predicted to be extraordinary, offering a balance of freshness and richness despite challenging growing conditions.
Challenges in Bordeaux: Difficult weather conditions in Bordeaux might lead to increased demand for older vintages.
Innovative Aging Methods: Winemakers are expected to continue experimenting with aging wines in non-traditional barrels like Sherry, whiskey, and tequila barrels.
Growth of No- and Low-Alcohol Wines: Sales in this category are projected to continue their upward trajectory.
Rhone Valley’s White Wine Focus: The region is shifting its image from predominantly red to a major white wine producer, a trend echoed in other traditionally red wine regions.
Upcoming Significant Releases
2019 Brunello: A vintage worth cellaring, releasing in late winter.
2021 Napa Valley Reds: These blue-chip wines are expected to be released in early spring.
Belmont Stakes: Saratogawine.com will offer special promotions related to the Belmont Stakes, held at Saratoga Springs in 2024.
Top Picks from Saratoga Wine Exchange
Collectible Wines:
Under the Radar Wines:
- Cvne Rioja Blanco Monopole Clasico 2019
- Colli Di Poianis Schioppettino Di Prepotto Gli Stormi 2018
- Domaines Lupier Navarra Tinto El Terroir 2018
Each one of these wines offers incredible value and a fantastic experience with every glass. As an additional point of merit and savings, each qualifies for our 12-Ship Free program, where you can mix and match 12 bottles and receive free nationwide ground shipping on your order.
Pre-Arrivals 2024 Sneak Peek
The Bordeaux 2021 vintage is highly anticipated for its approachability and potential value. Notable mentions include Chateau Lafite and Margaux, who have impressive scores. The 2021 vintage is expected to offer quality akin to the 2014 and 2017 vintages, providing excellent opportunities for both collectors and those seeking wines ready to enjoy sooner.
Pre-Arrival Highlights
2019 Chateau Lafite Rothschild: With three perfect scores, this vintage is available at a significant discount through pre-arrival.
“One of the greatest wines produced in Bordeaux this year is the 2019 Lafite Rothschild, an impeccably balanced classic of immense charm and grace. Wafting from the glass with arresting aromas of cassis, blackberries and cherries mingled with violets, cigar box and warm spices, it’s medium to full-bodied, deep and seamless, its velvety attack segueing into a layered, concentrated mid-palate framed by exquisitely powdery tannins and ripe acids, and concluding with a long, perfumed finish. This rivals the 2010 and 2016 as the greatest Lafite of the decade, and of those three vintages, it’s clearly the most sensual and demonstrative out of the gates…”
-Rated 100 by Wine Advocate
2021 Chateau Cheval Blanc: Scoring an impressive 98 points, this wine is touted as one of the standout wines of the Bordeaux 2021 vintage.
“96-98 The 2021 Cheval Blanc is one of the vintage wines. Vertical and aristocratic in bearing, Cheval is just stunning. Time in the glass brings out compelling inner sweetness and perfume to play off a core of rich dark fruit, gravel, spice, menthol, and dried flowers. I also tasted the final three blending components, none of which hints at the magnificence of the Grand Vin. Stunning.”
-Rated 98 by Vinous Media
SaratogaWine.com’s Commitment in 2024
As we delve deeper into 2024, SaratogaWine.com continues to stand at the forefront of the wine industry, committed to bringing wine enthusiasts the best in wine selections and insights. Our dedication to excellence is not just about offering an extensive range of wines; it’s about delivering a comprehensive experience that educates, engages, and excites our customers.
