Top 50 Wines of 2016
Each year, we take a look back at some of the most memorable wines and vintages from the year. This year's top 50 is full of some stunning wines that are sure to impress any palate.
#1 Wine of the Year
2013 Antica Terra, Pinot Noir ‘Ceras’
Willamete Valley, Oregon
An absolutely breathtaking Pinot Noir.
Intense aromas after the cork is pulled are only enhanced with a slight decant. Absolutely spot on varietal characteristics and terroir transparency is impressive.
High complexity on the nose, but once you start to unravel, the scents of black tea, loam and white pepper start the show. Cherry, wild blackberry and brambly raspberry follow after the swirl with scents of bitter greens, salty minerality, crushed florals finishing with hints of blood orange and wild herbs.
On the palate, bright, persistent and open. Impeccably well balanced with flavors that are an exact duplicate of the nose; cherry, blackberry, pomegranate and wild raspberry that blend seamlessly with black tea, white pepper, loamy earth, fleur de sel and minerals, wild herbs, mustard greens, bramble, crushed flowers and blood orange notes that linger through the long finish.
949 Cases produced $92
2
2010 Luce, Brunello di Montalcino
D.O.C.G., Italy
3
2013 Carte Blanche, Chardonnay
Sonoma Coast, California
4
5
2012 Duckhorn, Merlot, Three Palms Vineyard
Napa Valley, California
2013 Bodegas Alto Moncayo, Garnacha
Campo de Borja, Spain
6
2012 Celler de Cervoles, Estrats
Costers del Segre, Spain
7
2005 Rotllan Torra, Tirant
Priorat, Spain
8
2012 Mount Eden Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Domaine Eden
Santa Cruz Mountains, California
9
2009 Domenico Clerico, Ciabot Mentin, Barolo
D.O.C.G., Italy
10
2013 Juan Gil, 100 Aniversario
Jumilla, Spain
#11 2003 Far Niente, Cabernet Sauvignon
#12 2007 Duemani, ‘Duemani Toscana’
#13 2012 Bodegas Tritón, ‘Rejon’
#14 2005 Turners Crossing, Shiraz
#15 NV Dios Baco, Sherry Baco de Elite, Amontillado
#16 2002 Pier Heidsieck, Cuvée Rare Champagne
#17 2012 Alpha Omega, ‘ERA’
#18 2007 Dunham Cellars, Syrah ‘Artist Series’ Lewis Vineyard
#19 2011 Poggio al Tesoro, ‘Sondraia
#20 2013 Kuleto Estate, ‘India Ink’
#21 2011 Cloudy Bay, Sauvignon Blanc ‘Te Koko’
#22 2009 JC Cellars, ‘Misc. Stuff’
#23 2010 Michael-David, Zinfandel ‘Rage’
#24 2013 Bodegas El Nido, ‘Clio’
#25 2012 Scarborough, Syrah ‘The Immortal’ Lewis Vineyard
#26 2008 Col Solare
#27 2009 Corliss Estate, ‘Red’
#28 2012 Kuleto Estate, ‘Native Son’
#29 2010 Tulpen, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tokar Vineyard
#30 2011 Bedrock, ‘Compagni Portis’ Heritage Wine
#31 2012 Quinta do Crasto, ‘Reserva Old Vines’
#32 2009 Cellers Sant Rafel, ‘Solpost’
#33 2012 Campo alla Sughera, ‘Achenio’
#34 2012 Baer, ‘Ursa’
#35 2011 Abadia Retuerta, ‘Vine de la Tierra, Selección Especial
#36 2013 Tenuta San Guido, ‘Guidalberto’
#37 2012 Bodegas Fariña, ‘Dama de Toro Barrel Aged’
#38 2012 J. McClelland, Charbono
#39 NV El Maestro Sierra, ‘Amoroso’ Sherry
#40 2011 Donnafugata, ‘Tancredi’
#41 2014 Gorman, Chardonnay ‘Big Sissy’
#42 Acumen, Red Wine
#43 2013 Bodegas Juan Gil, ’18 Meses’
#44 2012 Kerloo Cellars, Malbec, Stonetree Vineyard
#45 2010 Astrale e Terra, ‘Arcturus’
#46 2014 Alexandria Nicole, ‘Shepherd’s Mark White’
#47 2013 Jamieson Ranch, Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Double Lariat’
#48 2011 Morandé, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gran Reserva
#49 NV Hijos de Rainera Perez Marin, Sherry, Manzanilla, ‘La Guita’
#50 2013 Robin K, Cabernet Sauvignon