Paul Kushner
Drinking quality wine is an ancient tradition that continues to be celebrated today.
From unique vintages to full-bodied reds and crisp whites, a variety of rare wines offer a unique experience to the drinker and are appropriate for life’s most special, elegant occasions.
Here’s a list of my favorite rare wines from around the world.
Best Rare Wines
1945 Romanee-Conti
1945 Romanee-Conti is a burgundy wine Pinot Noir from the French wine region of Cote de Nuits.
It’s one of the most expensive bottles of wine, going for an incredible $558,000. Why? Because it’s just that rare.
Only 600 bottles were produced in 1945, and the vines from that vintage were removed and replaced, so recreating the same type was impossible.
If you get your hand on a bottle, I highly recommend pairing it with the finest duck dinner.
1796 Lenox Madeira
1796 Lenox Madeira is a dark-skinned $16,000 bottle of wine with notes of vanilla, fudge, straw, and vintage furniture wax.
The best way to drink this rare wine created in Madeira, Portugal, is after dinner, as it’s a sweet dessert wine. It pairs swimmingly with chocolate, perhaps due to the vanilla notes.
1982 Lafite Rothschild
1982 Lafite Rothschild is a gorgeous bottle red blend from the Pauillac-Bordeaux region of France.
This full-bodied, complex red has tannins that have softened over time. It’s described as having notes of black plum, licorice, and minerals, giving it subtly sweet and warm, earthy hints.
It pairs excellently with red meats like steak and venison.
Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon
Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon is a California cult classic, specifically from the popular wine region of Napa Valley.
This intense, dark-skinned wine has aromas of black cherry, black currant, and cedar. It’s intense on the palate with flavors of coffee and dark chocolate. I also love pairing the boldness of this wine with beef dishes.
1986 Leoville Las Cases
1986 Leoville Las Cases is an intense red blend from Bordeaux, France – Saint-Julien, to be specific. It’s a complex and rich wine that stands the test of time.
This bottle is known for its ripe blackberry flavor, with notes of spice and earthy undertones. It pairs beautifully with braised lamb dishes and hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano.
1774 Vercel “Vin Jaune d’Arbois”
1774 Vercel “Vin Jaune d’Arbois” is a one-of-a-kind bottle of wine from the Jura region in France.
It has a unique flavor, with notes of walnuts and hazelnuts, as well as baked apples and dried fruits. This white-golden aged wine is best enjoyed with dishes like chicken or even a light seafood option.
1996 Krug Clos Du Mesnil
1996 Krug Clos Du Mesnil is a rare champagne from the Champagne region of France. It’s a luxurious bottle with a unique flavor of toasted brioche, honey, and almonds.
This champagne is best enjoyed after dinner as an aperitif or paired with desserts. I love to simply uncork this bottle and enjoy the complex flavors in each sip.
1963 Quinta Do Noval Nacional
1963 Quinta Do Noval Nacional is an exquisite port wine from Portugal.
This bottle of ruby-red port is known for its sweet aromas of blackberry and violets, with hints of cocoa powder. It’s a deep, lingering port that pairs wonderfully with dark chocolate desserts.
1989 Haut Brion
1989 Haut Brion is a Bordeaux-based red blend from the Pessac-Leognan region of France.
This wine is known for its deep, dark berry flavors and notes of tobacco. I love drinking it with barbecued meats and rich cheese dishes. It’s a robust, full-bodied red that is truly unforgettable.
1985 Guigal Cote Rotie La Mouline
1985 Guigal Cote Rotie La Mouline is a full-bodied, red fortified wine from the Rhone Valley in France.
It has an intense, smoky aroma and layers of spice with a lingering finish. I appreciate pairing this rich red with game meats like venison and duck. It’s an incredibly unique wine that deserves to be enjoyed in all its complexity.
1982 Latour
1982 Latour is a red blend hailing from the Bordeaux region in France that is somehow simultaneously classic and unique.
This full-bodied wine has notes of cassis and cherry with a hint of toasty oak. I love pairing it with steak dishes, as the flavors in this bottle truly come alive.
1990 Petrus
1990 Petrus is a full-bodied red blend from Bordeaux, France, that has become increasingly popular in recent years, although still rare and challenging to get your hands on.
This wine has an aroma of black currants and hints of cedarwood. On the palate, it has a smooth texture with flavors of plums and dark chocolate. I enjoy drinking this bottle with a savory pie dish, as the flavors combine perfectly.
1967 d’Yquem
Last but certainly not least, 1967 d’Yquem is an iconic dessert wine from the Sauternes region of Bordeaux, France.
This sweet bottle has flavors of honey and apricot, as well as hints of orange zest. I love sipping this wine while enjoying rich desserts like crème brûlée. Its delightful sweetness is truly something special.
Cheers!
In conclusion, these are just a few of the amazing wines that are out there to explore.
From intense red blends to sweet dessert wines, the world of wine offers something for everyone – and I hope you get to try one of them in the near future!
Which of these rare wines would you like to try first? Let us know in the comments below!
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