And now, the WINE OF THE YEAR!!

I did score each wine on a scale out of 100, but kept these private since normally I don't put much stock in points or rankings. Everyone's taste is different. But whatever, this is an awards banquet. Out of my 67 editions, four wines achieved a score of 95 points. Each of these were profound, complex, wonderful wines. But only a single wine achieved a score of 96 points .

Dominio del Aguila Albillo Vinas Viejas 2020 (Ribera del Duero, $170, Vuelta Stage 19)

I fell in love with my first sniff. The nose is reductive, with honey, gunflint, perfumed white flower, ripe sweet lemon with a beautiful bracing of vanilla/oak. The palate is vibrant, with candied lemon peel, wonderful white stone minerality, and roiling acidity. The finish is long. The wine is complex and profound. This wine is stunning. Stunning.