I mentioned the other day that I’m a chart nerd; it’s an occupational hazard (I’m a marketing researcher by day). Well, when the Top 100 issue of Wine Spectator showed up in my mailbox a couple of weeks ago, I found myself wondering what you’d end up with — varietally speaking — if you did a master blend of them all. An equal blend, one bottle of each of the 73 reds on the list.

Would all the Napa Cabs and Bordeaux mean a Cabernet-dominated blend?

Would the Rise of Pinot push it to the top, aided by the fact that it is almost always bottled as 100% Pinot Noir?

Or would there be a surprise to uncover?

My curiosity was piqued. I had to find out. So I fired up Excel and started a spreadsheet.

Here’s the result:

So what do you think? Syrah/Shiraz at #1 was a mild surprise for me. Any surprises for you?

This was a fun little exercise. Next year, let’s hope for a little more Mourvèdre in this blend.

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