Trois Noix means ‘three nuts’ in French – a wine label that was inspired by three kids.

Following the success of unveiling ten top wine discoveries last year at their New York Matter of Taste event, the review team at Robert Parker Wine Advocate have since taken this initiative a step further. Announcing their best newly discovered, under-the-radar wines of the year, Robert Parker Wine Advocate holds true to their vision of independently evaluating and highlighting wines from all around the world. Through this innovative review, the organisation aims to encourage an exploration of new territories within the winemaking industry, whilst learning about the passionate work of often previously unheralded wine makers.

Dubbed the ‘Top 100 Wine Discoveries’ of 2020, this review is panelled by an expert team of 10 wine critics. With over 30,000 wines reviewed throughout the past year, this list not only complements the 100-point rating system developed by Robert Parker Wine Advocate back in 1978, but reverts its spotlight away from the well-known, highest scoring wines. Prioritising the singular wine gems which reveal unexpected greatness or fresh, exciting new takes on familiar labels, this selection discovers a number of wines produced from lesser-known grape varieties from non-traditional growing regions, and rediscovers dozens of renowned marques that are making significant innovations, in sustainability and terroir-driven decisions.

Domaine Franco-Chinois is the new product to emerge from the old Sino-French experimental vineyard and winery located in Hebei, China. This is a joint venture between the Chinese government (CITIC) and the French government.

Scouring the earth for the most noteworthy wines, the selection criteria for the Top 100 Wine Discoveries are founded on wines that come from outside the mainstream, are new, and have one or more of the following attributes: value, age-worthiness, sustainability, and wines that represent innovative approaches, whether in the vineyards, winery or otherwise.

Chateau Nine Peaks Winter

Of the innumerable shortlisted as Top 100, the 2018 Chacra Chardonnay from Patagonia, Argentina tops the list, whilst other notable bottles include the Pasarene Union 2016 from Tulbagh, South Africa, the Aquilini Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain 2017 from Red Mountain, USA, Chateau Montfin Corbières Vincent Sans Sulfites Ajoutés 2018 from Languedoc, France, Castello dei Rampolla Liù 2018 from Toscana, Italy, and the Chateau Séraphine 2017 from Pomerol, Bordeaux, France, Tignanello wine made from a selection of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Chateau Nine Peaks Autumn

To view the full Top 100 Wine Discoveries of 2020 list, visit the Robert Parker Wine Advocate website, and redeem a one-month complimentary trial for all new subscribers. Allowing access to the full details of each selection, all members of Robert Parker Wine Advocate will enjoy an unparalleled database of more than 450,000 wine tasting notes, ratings and in-depth reports from expert reviewers around-the-world, as well as priority booking for Matter of Taste, the world’s most prestigious premier fine-wine tasting event.