On Monday the Wine Spectator magazine released their list of the “Top 100 Wines in the World” for 2014. These were selected from over 18,000 blind tasted during the year and it is based on a combination of availability, quality and price. So the odds of making the final cut are over 180 to 1, and it is considered to be one of the most important honours in the world of wine.

On the 2012 list, where Shafer Napa Valley 2008 “Relentless” Syrah/Petit Sirah placed first overall (we currently have the 2011 at $79.35), we also saw the Mollydooker 2010 Carnival of Love Shiraz at 98th place with a score of 95/100.

On the just released 2014 list it could be argued that the 2012 Mollydooker Carnival of Love is the top “table wine” in the world. I say this because number one is a fortified vintage Port and the Mollydooker followed in second place with a score of 95/100. In the Wine Spectator’s words “sinewy, lithe and expressive, packing red berry, black cherry, cardamom aromas and flavours into a tightly focused package. The finish expands and powers up, driving a long and meaty finish. Displays muscle and poise. Drink now through 2022”. I suspect that our stocks will be depleted very shortly. $89.95.

Third overall is a Pratts and Symington red from the Douro region of Portugal. It is the 2011 “Chryseia” that is a benchmark for modern Douro table wine production and the name means “golden” in ancient Greek. Traditional Port grapes like Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz are used and this area so renowned for Port is finding an ever increasing demand for its table wines.

I wish that we could share some of the 97/100 rated 2011 with you but our present stocks are from 2007 and although it rated a little less at 94/100 from Robert Parker, it does have the advantage of bottle age and will drink well until 2022. Parker writes “sensually textured, concentrated and juicy. It is rather brilliant”. $57.60.

Another winery that we represent has seen their Chardonnay in 11th place on this latest list with a score of 95/100. It is the Mount Eden Estate 2011 from high up in the Santa Cruz Mountains just south of San Francisco. The magazine calls it stunning, deliciously rich and layered and suggests drinking now through 2024. It is certainly one of the most age-worthy of all New World whites.

I have some bad news that is hopefully overshadowed by very good news as well. We do not have the 2011, but the same wine from the 2009 vintage placed twenty sixth overall in the 2012 Top 100 with a score of 94/100 and we do have this in stock. To quote the Wine Spectator, “at first this teases, fresh and snappy, displaying lively acidity and zesty citrus, green apple and pear notes. Turns pithy mid-palate, but the flavours follow through on the finish, adding mouthwatering touches of light oak and mineral. Should only get better. Drink now (written two years ago) and thorough 2025”. $69.40.

Just room to mention number 19, which is Laura Catena’s pet project called Luca (after one of her sons) and her 2012 Malbec from the Uco Valley in Argentina. It scored 93/100. We are still selling the 2011 that Robert Parker rated 92/100. It does have incredible colour and lovely aromas of cocoa. It is dense, creamy and concentrated and the type of Malbec that Laura’s family has produced as she helps her father run Bodega Catena as well. $31.30.

There are quite a few more connections that we have with the 2014 Top 100, including number 55 that we sell for a mere $13.65, so maybe we will discuss again.

This column is a paid for advertorial for Burrows Lightbourn Ltd. Michael Robinson is Director of Wine at Burrows Lightbourn Ltd. He can be contacted at mrobinson@bll.bm or 295-0176. Burrows Lightbourn have stores in Hamilton (Front Street East. 295-1554), Paget (Harbour Road, 236-0355) and St. George’s (York Street, 297-0409). A selection of their wines, beers and spirits are available online at www.wineonline.bm