The 20 Best Wines In The World, According To Wine Spectator

• MEEGAN WILLETT
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Since 1988, Wine Spectator's editors have been reviewing the best wines in the world.

In 2014, they reviewed about 18,000 new wines and narrowed their list down to a manageable 100 they deemed the most “thought-provoking.”

This year, the winner was surprising. Instead of the usual French or California bordeaux or chardonnay, the winning wine was a vintage port from Portugal — highly unexpected. 

The ranking spans 14 countries (including the US) with an average price point of $47 (lower than last year’s $51). 

Below are the 20 best wines of 2014, according to Wine Spectator, based on quality, value, availability, and "x-factor." 

1. Dow Vintage Port ($82)
2. Mollydooker Shiraz McLaren Vale Carnivale of Love ($75)
3. Prats & Symington Douro Chryseia ($55)
4. Quinta do Vale Meão Douro ($76)
5. Leeuwin Chardonnay Margaret River Art Series ($89)
6. Castello di Ama Chianti Classico San Lorenzo Gran Selezione ($52)
7. Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape ($135)
8. Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills ($40)
9. Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto Don Melchor ($125)
10. Château Léoville Las Cases St.-Julien ($165)
11. Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains ($60)
12. Château Guiraud Sauternes ($50)
13. Fonseca Vintage Port ($116)
14. Fontodi Colli della Toscana Centrale Flaccianello ($120)
15. Bedrock The Bedrock Heritage Sonoma Valley ($42)
16. Two Hands Shiraz Barossa Valley Bella’s Garden ($69)
17. Soter Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton District Mineral Springs Ranch ($60)
18. Château Doisy-Védrines Barsac ($35)
19. Luca Malbec Uco Valley ($32)
20. Peter Michael Chardonnay Knights Valley Ma Belle-Fille ($90)

You can view the full list of 100 wines at Wine Spectator.

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Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/wine-spectators-20-best-wines-2014-2014-11#ixzz3JR5I1sGF