The 2012 Au Paradis Cabernet, produced by Peter Michael Winery was recently named wine of the year by Wine Spectator, heading its latest Top 100 wine list. Wine Spectator’s leading names see US wines account for 27 entries, whereas Italian wineries had 20 wines listed, including five Brunello di Montalcino 2010. American and Italian wines lead the pack, with the US taking all the podium medals: the 2012 Quilceda Creek Cabernet from Columbia Valley (Washington) and Oregon’s 2012 Evening Land Seven Springs Pinot Noir reached second and third places respectively.

This year’ Top 100 also significantly presented the first New Zealand wine in the top 10, with Larry McKenna’s 2013 Escarpment Kupe Pinot Noir coming seventh. It was one of four Kiwi wineries in the list, together with Cloudy Bay, Felton Road and Kumeu River.

Last year’s emphasis on Douro (Portugal) is confirmed by Wine Spectator, as four of such wines are currently listed. The Iberian Peninsula proudly presents also two Spanish Ribera del Duero wines. Other wines included in Wine Spectator’s new “Hall of Fame” come from various prominent wine-producing countries, such as France, Germany, Greece, Chile, Argentina, Australia and South Africa.