In a preview of his 2024 Report, the prestigious American wine critic James Suckling, based in Hong Kong, has bestowed exceptional recognition upon Preludio, Uruguay’s high-end iconic wine, with 96 points, placing it among the best wines of South America. Likewise, Cru D’Exception Albariño has received 95 points, reaffirming our position as a global reference in Albariño production. It’s worth noting that previously this wine had achieved the highest score ever awarded to an Albariño in James Suckling’s tasting history.

We are pleased to share this exciting news that fills us with pride. These recognitions are a stimulus to keep moving forward, convinced that we are on the right path.

Suckling described Preludio as “complex and complete. Traditional in the best sense. Classic nature,” a statement that highlights the elegance and unique character of this blend. This emblem of national winemaking, with its rich history and unique aging method in selected barrels followed by extended bottle aging, reflects the aging potential and excellence of Uruguayan wines.

Furthermore, on this occasion, Suckling has elevated our Albariños to a global reference category. The Cru D’Exception Albariño, which had already received the highest score ever assigned to an Albariño in James Suckling’s tasting history, shone again with 95 points in its 2022 vintage. This label, along with the 2023 Atlántico Sur Albariño, which received 93 points, positions Uruguay as a leading exponent in the production of this variety globally.

Deicas-Suckling: a face-to-face encounter

The scores revealed by James Suckling are the result of a face-to-face encounter that Santiago Deicas, winemaker of our winery and third generation of the family, had with the critic. An unprecedented and remarkable event for the local industry, considering that Suckling is based in Hong Kong.

The wine selection presented also included the Extreme Vineyards Suelo Invertido Tannat 2022 and the Extreme Vineyards Subsuelo Corte Único 2022, with 92 and 93 points respectively, as well as the Preludio Blanco 2023, with 94 points, all reflecting the diversity and richness of Uruguay’s terroir.

“We are deeply honored and happy to see Uruguayan wine consolidating itself on the world stage. This recognition from James is a testament to the tireless work, innovation, and pursuit of excellence that we have been driving from our winery, always with the aim of exploring and enhancing the best terroirs of Uruguay. These scores are a spectacular stimulus to keep moving forward, knowing that we are on the right path.”

Santiago Deicas.

About James Suckling

At 65 years old, James Suckling stands as one of the most influential wine critics in the world, whose reviews are followed and respected by wine enthusiasts, collectors, and the wine trade worldwide. President and editor of JamesSuckling.com, a wine media and events platform with offices in Hong Kong, he has tasted and rated over 200,000 wines throughout his career. In 2023, he and his team assessed over 40,000 wines, providing on their website over 200,000 JamesSuckling.com ratings attracting over 600,000 unique visitors annually and organizing around 20 wine events in cities around the world.