My stepdad is the CEO of a winery in Sonoma County. Which, means he has lots of friends who love wine.
When he turned 60 he had a party and a few of his winemaker friends showed up. One friend was the winemaker at a really prominent Sonoma County winery, and he brought a bottle of 1984 Pinot Noir along with him.
This particular bottle he had recently bought at auction for ~$3,000. The auction was from the estate of the former owner of the winery, and the bottle was part of the owner’s private collection.
You know that saying, “aged like fine wine”? Well, one sip of that 1984 Pinot Noir made that saying instantly make sense.
Most wine is lively. This one? Mature. Aged. Just taking a sip was an experience unlike any I’ve ever had in enjoying wine.
If all that sounds like too much, I was born and raised in Sonoma County. Wine is like water there. It’s something you enjoy on the regular, and it’s something Sonoma County takes pride in.
But that 1984 Pinot Noir? That one sticks with me. And I’ve had some good wine.
What's the Best Wine You've Ever Had?
From a once in a lifetime wine to a party in your mouth, here are 10 answers to the question, "What's the best wine you've ever had?"
- Marcassin Vineyard Pinot Noir
- Justin Isosceles Reserve
- Kindzmarauli
- 1990 Mouton Rothschild
- Saint-Émilion Bordeaux Blend
- 2014 Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon
- Kayra Imperial Öküzgözü
- African Rock Sauvignon Blanc
- Gianni Moscato d'Asti
- Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Marcassin Vineyard Pinot Noir
I had some potential investors come out to see my business and talk about working together. We went out to a high-end steakhouse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I am a wine drinker, but will only buy an average-priced bottle of wine and haven't had an extremely expensive bottle of wine.
The potential investors purchased a bottle of Marcassin Vineyard Pinot Noir (as Pinot Noir is my favorite). This bottle of wine was like nothing I have ever experienced before. It was so smooth and the flavors popped like no other wine I have ever had.
I didn't see the bill, so I don't know the year or the cost of the bottle, but from my research, the Marcassin Vineyard wines might be out of my price range to try again ever.
Evan McCarthy
President and CEO, Sporting Smiles
Justin Isosceles Reserve
It was smooth, complex, and had a beautifully long finish. The bouquet of aromas was a perfect balance between earthy and fruity undertones. It's one of those wines I can still remember every time I think back. A genuinely great bottle!
Michael Fischer
Founder, Elite HRT
Kindzmarauli
Last summer I spent my holidays in the Caucasus Mountains, namely Georgia, and Armenia. When I visited the capital city of Georgia, Tbilisi, I entered the wine cellar "Khareba" that my friend recommended to me.
I tried many Georgian wines (many people don't realize that their winemaking tradition is over 8,000 years!), and the Kindzmarauli from "Khareba" literally blew my mind! I rarely like semi-sweet red wines, but this one was like no other! You could feel that it was 100% natural and so flavorful.
Natalia Brzezinska
Marketing and Outreach Manager, PhotoAiD
1990 Mouton Rothschild
A 1990 Mouton Rothschild continues to be the best wine I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. With its rich flavor and smooth texture, it was an incredibly enjoyable experience that lingered with me long after I had finished my glass.
It stood out from lesser wines thanks to its subtle refinement and complexity—the perfect companion to a delicious dinner. I would recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience to accompany their meal.
Jim Campbell
Owner, Camp Media
Saint-Émilion Bordeaux Blend
The best wine I've ever had would have to be a Bordeaux blend in the St. Émilion region of France. It was one of those bottles that you can tell is special right away—complex aromas and flavors, with a velvety texture that lingers on the palate. I still think about it years later!
A bottle of that same wine would be an investment, but it was totally worth it. It's a memory that will stay with me forever!
Asker Ahmed
Director and Founder, iProcess
2014 Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon
The best wine I have ever had is a 2014 Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. This vintage was complex and rich, with notes of blackberry, cassis, and lush fruit on the nose, followed by flavors of black cherry, dark chocolate, and mocha.
The finish was long and smooth, with a hint of oak and firm tannins. I will never forget the unique flavor of this exquisite wine. It was truly unforgettable! Cheers!
Martin Seeley
CEO, Mattress Next Day
Kayra Imperial Öküzgözü
A Turkish red wine from the Anatolian region, with intense black fruit and spice aromas, is my favorite wine ever. The palate is bold and full-bodied, with a hint of oak.
The finish is long, smooth, and lingering. Enjoy this wine with various dishes, from grilled meats to hearty stews and roasted vegetables. This is truly an amazing wine that needs to be appreciated. So if you ever have the chance to try it, don't hesitate! You won't regret it.
Burak Özdemir
Founder, Online Alarm Clock
African Rock Sauvignon Blanc
As a wine enthusiast, I have tasted hundreds of them. My absolute favorite is the African Rock Sauvignon Blanc. This vibrant and refreshing white wine gets its flavor from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in the fertile vineyards of South Africa.
Thanks to its citrus and green apple notes, African Rock Sauvignon Blanc makes an excellent choice for seafood, salads, and light appetizers. The wine is well-balanced between fruitiness and acidity.
The crisp flavor of the wine helps to cleanse the palate. I love drinking it as an apéritif and on warm summer days. Last but not least, it offers excellent value for the price. This delicious wine is not only of high quality but also affordable.
Agata Szczepanek
Community Manager, LiveCareer
Gianni Moscato d'Asti
If you're a fan of sweet wines, Gianni Moscato d'Asti will be an easy favorite for you. This sparkling wine has the perfect balance of sweetness and freshness.
It makes for an excellent dessert wine, but I've found I can pair it with white meat meals like chicken or duck, too. The alcohol content of this wine leans towards the lighter side, making it a great sipping wine for those who want a drink but don't have any plans to get drunk.
It is easy to get through two or more glasses of this Moscato without too much worry. I'd recommend this brand to any wine lover, even if you aren't particularly fond of sweet wines. It's definitely worth a try.
Max Ade
CEO, Pickleheads
Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is the best wine I have ever had! This rich, full-bodied Cabernet has aromas of blackberry and cassis that give way to flavors of ripe cherry, mocha, and a hint of oak.
It's smooth on the palate, yet complex enough to keep your taste buds guessing. Every sip feels like a party in your mouth. I can't think of a better way to celebrate any special occasion! If you're looking for the perfect wine to share with friends and family, this one is definitely it.
Yaseen Shurbaji, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Prismfly
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