As 2008 winds down, Wine Spectator prepares to release its “Top 100 Wines of 2008.” This has become an annual tradition started by the magazine in 1988. I, for one, love to see which wines I’ve tried and take note of other wines to try. In preparing the list, editors review over 19,500 wines from around the world in blind wine tastings. More than 5,000 wines earned 90 points or higher. The list was then narrowed down by four criteria:

 

*quality (represented by score)

*value (reflected in the price)

*availability (measured by case production or cases imported)

*excitement (the “it” factor)

 

This year’s list showcases representatives from 14 countries with an average score of 93. The average price for a bottle of wine on the list is $52. While the complete list won’t be available until November 17, Wine Spectator is building suspense by highlighting the Top 10. Here are the wines revealed to date:

 

10. Seghesio
Zinfandel Sonoma County 2007

 

9. Mollydooker
Shiraz McLaren Vale Carnival of Love 2007

 

8. Château de Beaucastel
Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2005

 

7. Château Pontet-Canet
Pauillac 2005

 

6. Pio Cesare
Barolo 2004

 

5. Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe
Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau 2005

 

Check out Wine Spectator to learn more about The Top 100 Wines of 2008 and other top wines as they are revealed.