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Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/746733
www.cheersonline.com 37 November/December 2016 • BEST WINES OF 2016 (98) Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Las Piedras 2012 (California). Absolutely stunning Napa cabernet: rich, elegant, velvety and complex with perfectly integrated soft tannins. Should age nicely, but why wait! ($278) (98) Maison Ambroise Corton Charlemage Grand Cru 2007 (France). A spectacular vintage and wine. The mineral, chalky soil gives this wine an intense struc- ture all the while feeling soft and supple. It is like heaven in a bottle! ($185 to 250) (97) Castello Banfi Florus Muscadello 2012 (Italy). Golden yellow in color, with great viscosity. The nose is highlighted by its dried fruit aspects, with a touch of spice. Good weight and a smooth texture on the palate are just part of its long, balanced, exquisite fi nish. ($30.99 per 500-ml.) (97) Domaine Sigalas Santorini Assyrtiko 2015 (Greece). Dry-white-wine drinkers need to taste Greek white wines as soon as possible, and Sigalas 2015 Assyrtiko is the leader in an up-and-coming category. Widely considered among sommeliers as one of the best white wines in the world, the 2015 offering is no different. This layered, graceful wine is balanced with a mound of acidity. Booming with citrus fl avors and very concentrated, it gets even better after some time in a decanter. The star from the Mediterranean, you will be over the moon after tasting this wine. ($27.99) (96) Domaine Tournon Shiraz Lady's Lane Vineyard 2012 (Australia). Intensely aromatic, followed by rich, elegant and complex black fruit fl avors. ($60) (96) Dr. Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli 2015 (New York). The variety is tough to pro- nounce. Just call it "R Cats," and tell your customers about it. A very pale, straw-gold in the glass, the nose is dominated by lovely citrus notes, with a touch of minerality. The taste is bright and clean, fresh and For our fi nal round of wine reviews this year, we asked our national panel to recall their favorite pours of 2016. As always, these selections include brief tasting notes, a rating and the wine's retail price (which can vary from store to store and market to market). Unless noted otherwise, the price refl ects a 750-ml. bottle. If you're a beverage professional with a specialty in wine and you're interested in participating in the panel, please contact associate editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz@epgmediallc.com or 203-855-8499 x2225. RATING SYSTEM Five stars (92-100 points) A top-fl ight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price/value relationship. Four stars (86-91 points) A superb wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back. Three stars (80-85 points) An above-average wine at a reasonable price point, one that many consumers will enjoy.