Rounding out the list is Château Léoville-Poyferré, the dark horse that galloped gracefully into the hearts of many. The renowned Saint-Julien epitomizes the Super Second category in every way, but with prices far more approachable than the others. Wines are crafted with true dedication, with grapes meticulously handpicked and vinified to embody the finesse and elegance of the estate and its stunning terroir. Léoville-Poyferré has garnered a global following, with some of its most loved and highest-scoring vintages being 2009, 2016, and 2018.

A blend of non-native varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Sassicaia was once considered mere a table wine, but is now one of the greatest Super Tuscans of all time. Its name derives from the Italian for "stony field," referring to Bolgheri's terroir and its striking similarities to the gravelly soils of Bordeaux. With intense aromas of dark berries, chocolate, and spice, the palate is full-bodied and beautifully structured with firm tannins and a long, persistent finish. Sassicaia was our ninth most popular wine this year and its 100-point 2016 captured the imagination of many.

This collaborative effort between esteemed winemaking legends Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild came just three years after the infamous Judgment of Paris, where US wines beat stiff competition from some of France’s most fiercely respected names. Today, Opus One stands as a monument to collaborative excellence and has become a cornerstone of Napa Valley's wine legacy. Layers of vibrant blackberry, cherry, and smoky spice are poised in perfect balance, concluding in an effortlessly long finish. The stunning 2013 vintage was the best-selling vintage, with its impressive 100-point score from Decanter’s Jane Anson.

The most famous of Antinori’s wines, Tignanello is defined by its milestones: it was the first to blend Sangiovese with non-traditional varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc), the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques, and the first red in the Chianti Classico region not to use white grapes. Tignanello is an innovative wine that has inspired the moniker 'Super Tuscan,' representing a revolutionary chapter in Italian winemaking.

As Managing Director Renzo Cotarella puts it, “Tignanello proves itself as a great vineyard site in both the challenging and the classic years”.

The 2018 vintage was by the far most sought-after vintage this year; a wine that Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner praised for its “retro but classic personality”.

The only First Growth in the top ten, Château Margaux has a long and passionate history dating back to the 16th century. The estate's philosophy marries tradition with technological progress, ensuring each vintage of Margaux offers a nuanced complexity and a sophisticated, elegant structure. From the “terrific” 1982 to the “stunning” 2020, our customers loved the full range of Château Margaux, which always stays true to its site and terroir.

Our number five, Château Cheval Blanc, has been going from strength to strength with wines recognized as some of the most successful releases during Bordeaux’s annual En Primeur campaigns.

The estate made the news this year with organizational shifts that saw technical director Pierre-Olivier Clouet become the new MD, and Pierre Lurton moving up to Chairman of the board. In our exclusive interview, Clouet shared that those looking to understand more clearly Cheval Blanc should try the wines from both colder and warmer years because “the diversity of the vintage is the DNA of a wine estate”.

It is well noted that Château Pontet-Canet is befitting of a much higher ranking than Cinquième Cru Classé, especially considering that their wines easily place among the Super Seconds in terms of quality. And knowing that behind its humble façade is a wine of such excellence feels like insider knowledge. As one of the first major Bordeaux estates to embrace biodynamic farming, it has set a new standard for sustainable viticulture without compromising the quintessential Pauillac character of its wine. Our fourth most popular wine this year overwhelmingly favored the 2010 vintage, a wine that earned 100-point scores from Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, and James Suckling.

Pol Roger's cuvée dedicated to Sir Winston Churchill is born from a friendship and mutual admiration between the statesman and the Pol Roger family. A tribute to Churchill's predilection for robust, complex, and mature Champagnes, its blend is Grand Cru Pinot Noir dominant, with Grand Cru Chardonnay contributing elegance and finesse. Some of its best vintages are 2008, “the finest rendition of this bottling released in the last 10 years,” and 2002 – “the stunning 2008's closest challenger in the decade,” according to William Kelley.

Hailing from the Ribera del Duero, Vega Sicilia’s Unico is an embodiment of unwavering commitment to quality. The estate’s history dates back to 1864, and its meticulous aging process, sometimes extending over a decade, has cemented its position as Spain's most illustrious wine. It also took the second spot as your favorite wine in 2023, with the 2010 and 2006 proving the most popular.

The year is ending with a pop – of Champagne corks, that is, as Moët & Chandon's stellar Dom Pérignon has been the most loved wine by customers in 2023. From gastronomy to artistic collaborations, the world’s greatest Champagne has consistently reframed itself in new light, bringing fresh meaning to its luxurious drinking experience. Vintage-wise it was a close call, with the unquestionably brilliant 2008 taking the top spot, just ahead of the similarly esteemed 2002.