(BI) - Since 1988, Wine Spectator's editors have been reviewing the best wines in the world.

In 2014, they reviewed about 18,000 new wines and narrowed their list down to a manageable 100 they deemed the most “thought-provoking.”

This year, the winner was surprising. Instead of the usual French or California bordeaux or chardonnay, the winning wine was a vintage port from Portugal — highly unexpected.

The ranking spans 14 countries (including the US) with an average price point of $47 (lower than last year’s $51).

Below are the 20 best wines of 2014, according to Wine Spectator, based on quality, value, availability, and "x-factor."

   1. Dow Vintage Port ($82)

   2. Mollydooker Shiraz McLaren Vale Carnivale of Love ($75)

   3. Prats & Symington Douro Chryseia ($55)

   4. Quinta do Vale Meão Douro ($76)

   5. Leeuwin Chardonnay Margaret River Art Series ($89)

   6. Castello di Ama Chianti Classico San Lorenzo Gran Selezione ($52)

   7. Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape ($135)

   8. Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills ($40)

   9. Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto Don Melchor ($125)

   10. Château Léoville Las Cases St.-Julien ($165)