WineSpectator.com Begins Countdown of the Top 100 Wines of 2006
NOVEMBER 2006. Wine Spectator Online, the most influential source of wine information on the Internet, began its highly anticipated Top 100 countdown today. The annual Top 100, a magnet for wine lovers, can be accessed online as well as in the Dec. 31 issue of Wine Spectator magazine.
In 2006, Wine Spectator reviewed more than 13,500 wines from around the world in blind tastings. More than 2,700 of them earned outstanding ratings (90 points or higher on the 100-point scale), qualifying them for the initial pool of candidates.
Thirteen countries are represented in the 2006 list, making this the most diverse group in the history of the Top 100, which debuted in 1988. The average score of the group is 93 points, while the average price is $49.
'The Top 100 wines continues to pique the interest of wine lovers worldwide,' said editor and publisher Marvin R. Shanken. We hope our selections stimulate discussion, and lead people to a deeper engagement with the world of wine.'
Wine Spectator will release the Top 10 wines between Monday, Nov. 13 and Friday, Nov. 17--with the Wine of the Year to be announced on Nov. 17. Wines Nos. 11 to 100 will then be released on the following Monday, Nov. 20. The names of all the wines will be available for free to anyone who visits WineSpectator.com.
About the Top 100
Each year, Wine Spectator editors survey the wines reviewed during the calendar year and select the most exciting wines for the Top 100. The wines chosen for the Top 100 are based on four criteria: quality (as represented by score); value (as reflected by release price); availability (measured by case production, or for international wines, the number of cases imported); and an X-factor that Wine Spectator calls 'excitement.' No equation determines the final selections; the choices reflect the editors' judgment and enthusiasm about the wines tasted that year.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
