13 Crowd-Pleasing Wines
By Kathleen Todaro
Every season, a few wines rise above the rest, bottles that overperform, offer unexpected charm, or simply become staples in the rotation. After months of tasting, selecting, and pouring for others, these 13 stood out as consistent crowd-pleasers and personal favorites. If you haven’t tried them yet, now’s the time.
2024 Poppy Isobel Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, New Zealand | Stainless Steel
This is a Sauvignon Blanc that balances exuberance with polish. Grown on 23-year-old vines rooted in clay soils, the 2024 vintage offers classic Marlborough vibrancy (passion fruit, black currant leaf, citrus zest) but with notable depth and length. Stainless steel vinification and cool-climate ripening preserve freshness and drive, while the low residual sugar (<1g/L) keeps the finish dry and lifted. A clean, modern expression that reminds you why this region made the grape famous in the first place.
2024 Kumeu River “Village” Chardonnay
Auckland, New Zealand
The Village bottling is Kumeu River’s gateway Chardonnay, but “entry level” here means something quite different. Sourced from estate and grower parcels and vinified with the same care as their single-vineyard wines (including native yeast fermentation and aging in seasoned French oak), this is anything but basic. The 2024 is taut and focused, with lemon peel, white nectarine, flint, and a touch of hazelnut on the finish. It’s a thoughtful, mineral-driven white Burgundy – just made in New Zealand, and priced like it’s still a secret.
2022 Kumeu River “Coddington” Chardonnay
Auckland, New Zealand
White Burgundy in Kiwi clothing! One of the most compelling arguments yet that world-class Chardonnay doesn’t require a Côte d’Or postcode. Coddington is the richest and most expressive of Kumeu’s single-vineyard bottlings: hand-harvested, whole-bunch pressed, fermented with native yeasts, and aged 11 months in French oak (25% new). The 2022 offers golden stone fruit, lemon curd, roasted nuts, and a whisper of flint, all wrapped in seamless texture and driving acidity. Drink now for its generosity, or cellar alongside your Meursault and see who wins.
2024 Domaine Dominique et Janine Crochet Rosé
AOC Sancerre Rosé | 100% Pinot Noir
From the village of Bué, France, home to some of the most prized vineyards in Sancerre, this rosé is a study in clarity and restraint. Dominique Crochet farms just 10 hectares and works traditionally. Think hand-harvested fruit, stainless steel vinification, and minimal intervention. The result is a rosé of finesse and tension: wild strawberry, rose petal, and crushed stone, with the chalky cut of the region’s Kimmeridgian soils. Far from poolside rosé, this is one for the oysters, or just a quiet sunset and silence.
2023 Benoni Pinot Noir
Red Hill Douglas County, Oregon | 100% Pinot Noir
A debut single-vineyard bottling from Oregon’s new Red Hill AVA, farmed by Laurent Montalieu’s team and vinified with precision. Eight months in neutral oak and stainless steel lets the purity of the fruit shine: bright raspberry, blackberry, and violet, backed by smooth tannins and a long, vivid finish. Finesse-driven yet expressive, this is a compelling domestic Pinot with true varietal character and strong aging potential (over the next 5-7 years).
2023 Out-Take Pinot Noir
Sonoma Mountain, California
From one of Sonoma County’s oldest Pinot vineyards, originally planted in the early 1950s, this site sits high on Sonoma Mountain, above the fog line, yielding fruit with both lift and structure. Made by veteran winemaker Matt Duffy (of Vaughn Duffy Wines), this is a small side project that overdelivers. Aromas of blackberry, black tea, lavender, and cedar lead into a savory, fruit-wrapped palate of dark plum and black cherry compote. Tannins are polished, the finish is long, and the value is hard to beat.
2017 López de Heredia Viña Cubillo
DOCa Rioja | Tempranillo with Garnacha, Mazuelo & Graciano
A reference point for traditional Rioja, Viña Cubillo is technically a Crianza but aged far beyond legal minimums (six years total), with time in well-used American oak before release. The 2017 shows lifted red fruit, dried herbs, leather, and a whisper of old wood. The palate is savory and graceful, with fine acidity and gentle tannins. No makeup, no modern gloss, just integrity, texture, and time. For those who admire restraint and soul over flash.
2020 Baglio Ingardia “Per Ric One”
DOC Sicilia | 100% Perricone | Certified Organic
Perricone is one of Sicily’s lesser-known native reds, and when done well, like this bottling from Baglio Ingardia, it offers both character and drinkability. Organically farmed and minimally handled, this wine is lifted and earthy, with notes of black cherry, wild herbs, and black pepper. There’s just enough tannin to keep things structured, but the finish stays clean and savory. A smart pick for grilled lamb, charred vegetables, or just an alternative to Nero d’Avola when you’re in the mood for something a little wilder.
2023 Oddero Barbera d’Alba
DOC Barbera d’Alba | Piedmont, Italy
From one of Barolo’s most historic estates, family-run since the 1800s and now fully certified organic, this Barbera reflects the same commitment to site transparency and traditional winemaking that defines its flagship wines. The 2023 is bright and savory, with black plum, tart cherry, wild herbs, and a subtle floral edge. Juicy yet structured, with fine tannins and refreshing acidity, it’s a food chameleon that handles everything from ribs to roast peppers. A reminder that great producers make great wine at every level.
2019 Ciabot di Giacomo Bologna Barolo
DOCG Barolo | 100% Nebbiolo
Sourced from 40-to-60-year-old vines, this classically styled Barolo offers exceptional value in a category not known for it. Ruby-garnet in color, it opens with lifted aromatics of red currant, wild strawberry, rose petals, and crushed herbs. On the palate, it’s bright and precise, with dusty tannins, savory length, and just enough grip to remind you it’s built to evolve. An accessible entry point into serious Nebbiolo without compromising typicity.
2023 Masseria Li Veli “Orion” Primitivo
IGT Salento | Puglia, Italy
Masseria Li Veli is one of the benchmark producers in Puglia, known for its revival of historic local grapes and commitment to quality farming in the region’s sun-soaked south. The “Orion” is a pure Primitivo from estate vineyards in Salento. It’s plush and fruit-forward, but thoughtfully made. Expect layers of black plum, blackberry, fig, and a touch of dried herbs, framed by soft tannins and a silky finish. Stainless steel vinification keeps the wine fresh and clean, making it a perfect match for barbecue, roasted eggplant, or late-summer pasta nights.
2018 Château Haut-Batailley
Pauillac, Bordeaux
A standout from a strong vintage, this classic Pauillac shows purity and power in equal measure. Aromas of black currant, graphite, cedar, and tobacco lead into a polished palate with refined tannins and a long, layered finish. Still structured and youthful, it’s drinking beautifully now, and will reward another two decades in the cellar.
Il Vino di Erika “Il Litro” Rosso
IGT Toscana | Natural | 1L bottle
Erika De Vero is a rising name in the Tuscan natural wine scene, farming organically in the coastal Maremma and working with a light hand in the cellar. “Il Litro” is her calling card: a joyful, one-liter blend of mostly Sangiovese with local varieties like Ciliegiolo and Canaiolo. Fermented with native yeast and bottled unfiltered, it’s a juicy, herbal, faintly rustic red that thrives with a chill. Wild strawberries, sour cherry, thyme, and a flicker of volatility keep things interesting. A table wine in the best sense, it’s generous, honest, and made to be shared.
Each of these bottles stood out this summer not just for their quality, but for their clarity of purpose. They’re wines with identity, intention, and staying power. Whether you’re restocking a favorite or trying something new before the season turns, these are worth your time. They may have anchored summer, but they’ll carry easily into fall.
