California Vineyard (© Rboncato | Dreamstime.com)

Wine.com, America’s top online wine retailer, has announced its third annual Wine.com Top 100, a list based entirely on customer preferences.

"We are excited to offer this unique list for the third year in a row," said Rich Bergsund, Wine.com CEO. "Our customers are trendsetters when it comes to wine, and our Top 100 list displays these purchasing trends. In comparison to the Top 100 lists from different publications, it’s always interesting to see a list based solely on what customers are buying and enjoying."

This year’s Top 100 list reflects current economic trends, with over 75 of the wines coming in under $20 and only two wines above $100. "Value is clearly the running theme this year. Our customers are taking advantage of the excellent quality wine available at these value price points," said Michael Osborn, Founder and Vice-President of Merchandising at Wine.com.

Surprisingly, the average selling price of this year's Top 100 was $23.50 per bottle, an increase of 15% over last year, perhaps a reflection of increased consumer confidence amongst Wine.com shoppers. Top 100 unit volumes were also up over 10% and accelerating in more recent months. Wine.com's total unit volume for November 2009 grew more than 30% compared with November 2008.

California Wine Hits #1

The top wine of 2009 is the Cambria Julia's Vineyard 2006 Pinot Noir, the first Californian wine to hit the #1 spot. Hailing from the Santa Maria Valley of California, priced under $20, and carrying two 90+ point ratings, this wine embodies many characteristics of the top 100 list. In fact, while Wine.com customers voted for this wine with their wallets, Wine Enthusiast magazine chose this same wine for their number one spot as well.

Another Californian wine in the top 5, Tin Roof Merlot 2005, was also praiseed by Wine Enthusiast magazine, "I found myself returning to this Merlot again and again, because it’s such a good, gentle, easy sipper. It’s a pleasure to drink one that’s so nicely dry and balanced. Does a great job balancing ripe berry and stone fruits with earthy herbs and spices."

As a single region, California remained the most popular, with 34 wines making the list. Washington State was America’s next most popular region with four wines making the list.

Ratings still play a key role in consumer choices. 93 of the wines on this year’s list – just one less than last year’s list - are rated 90 points or higher by industry critics, including Wine Spectator, The Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast magazine.

Red Remains King

Red wine remains the king, with 69 red wines on the list. Cabernet Sauvignon is the front-runner for the third year in a row, with 22 wines. Syrah/Shiraz (12) and Malbec (6) are the other popular red categories, similar to last year. In the white wine category, of the 23 on the list, Chardonnay (10) remains most popular, while Sauvignon Blanc (8) is a close second. Seven sparkling wines and Champagnes made the list this year.

Consumers signaled interest in "green" wines, wines that use sustainable, organic and/or biodynamic practices in the vineyard and/or winemaking process, with 4 wines on the list, up from zero last year. Wines finished with screw caps were surprisingly well represented with 22 on the list, indicating continuing consumer acceptance even for ultra-premium wines.

About Wine.com

Wine.com is the nation's #1 online wine retailer, according to Internet Retailer magazine’s annual ranking of websites by revenue, offering thousands of wines, wine gifts, gift baskets and monthly wine clubs. Wine.com’s mission is to be the ultimate resource for wine enthusiasts, whether shopping for themselves or sending a gift, by offering a great selection, low prices, convenient delivery and helpful information.

Wine.com is the world’s most visited wine web site, according to research conducted by comScore Media Metrix. For more information click on the ad near the top of the right hand column of this page.

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