The making of wine is believed to have started as early as 6000 BC in Georgia and Iran, and production started as early as 4500 BC in Greece. Today, wines are produced in numerous region of the world that laws governing classification and sale of wines require wines to be either classified by region or terroir (European wines) or by grape (non-European wine).

Today's wines number in thousands, but only a few are recognized to be the world's finest. Below are some of the world's best wines, singled out by elite wine connoisseurs for their flavor expression, nose, and wine color.

1. 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nouva (Tuscany, Italy)

Named the world's best wine in 2006 by Wine Spectator Magazine, this wine was produced by Casanova de Neri. It has a deep garnet color with hints of tannins and long finish. With each sip, the palate bursts with red and black fruits, spices, and tobacco. Nose is fine oak, licorine, floral, plums, and herbs.

2. 1999 Clos de Lambrays Grand Cru (Burgundy, France)

From the winery of Domain de Lambray, this vintage Burgundian Pinot Noir has an intense flavor and aroma. Vanilla, herbs, and spices and nuances of black and red fruits are sure to delight the senses.

3. 1990 Domaine de la Romanée Conti “La Tache” Grand Cru (Burgundy, France)

From the vineyards of Burgundy, there's one bottle that truly captures the magic Burgundy is famous for. The DRC “La Tache” Grand Cru is the world's most expensive and also the rarest wine. Beautifully complex and spicy with intense finish, La Tache hints cloves, anise, soy, and hoisin--- this wine will truly knock you off, and leave you emotionally speechless. It is one of those wines that you want to let sleep for several years. Taste it again after 15 years or more and you'd understand what “knockout” and “best” truly mean.

4. 1998 Krug Brut Champagne (Reims, France)

Fermented in old oak casks, this vintage wine has robust flavor. It has a flowery aroma and complexity that you will love: the wine is delicate but explodes in your mouth.

5. 2002 “Gaston” Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley, California USA)

From the Palmas Vineyard in Napa Valley, California, “Gaston” brings out rich plummy flavors. Named after Palmaz son Christian Gaston, it is dense with edgy tannins, but nose is mild with hint of light oak, blackberry, and eucalyptus.

6. 2007 Koru Pinot Noir (Marlboroughy, New Zealand)

The grapes used for this wine all came from 1.1 acre vineyard at the foot of a hill in Marlboroughy. A rare one; there were only 359 cases or 2154 bottles made. Koru Pinot Noir is both understated and complex. Flavor is layered with subtle notes of fruits and spice. Let it sleep for 10 to 12 years, and its taste will be even more ethereal.

7. 1994 Muga Prado “Enea” Gran Reserva (Rioja, Spain)

Muga Prado is a red wine with nuances of espresso, stone fruits, and plum. You can drink this vintage now or open in 2016 when its flavor fully matures. Gran Reserva Enea is 80% tempranillo grapes an 20% garnacha. This is the wine to serve if you have dishes that are difficult to pair with.

8. 2003 Robert Weil Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese Goldkapsel, Kiedricher Grafenberg (Rheingau, Germany)

This is one of the rarest wines in the world, with less than 50 bottles made, and is considered the finest dessert wine.

9. 1989 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo Riserva “Gran Bussia,” (Piedmont, Italy)

This muscular wine has a deep ruby color with bursts of raspberry, licorice, and anise. Nose is cherry and floral. Gran Bussia perfectly captures the “the power and poetry of Nebbiolo grape.”

10. 2005 Clos de Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape (Rhone France)

Ranked number 1 wine by Wine Spectator Magazine in 2007, Chateauneuf-du-Pape has intensity and minerality that you will never forget. Wine bursts with a bouquet berries, bramble fruits, stone fruits, Provencal herbs, licorice and spices. Its sweet tannin and smoothness will knock you out. Grape is 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, and 10% Syrah and other grapes.