Top 20 wines of 2016 from Decanter Panel Tastings Decanter Staff December 23, 2016 Our famous Panel Tastings; three world class wine expe in their field review a flight of wines on a theme. Each give their own individual scores, which are then averaged to give an overall mark. This year has seen panel tastings on many different themes, from lit known Levante in Spain to California Chardonnay, with thousands of wines tasted. TAGS: Highlights See the top Decanter Panel Tastings wines of 2016 below This page is part of our best wines of 2016 series
This year, the magazine panel tastings have yielded unsurprising to the unpredictable in terms of results. To make it easy, the Decanter team has shifted through thousands of panel tasting wine reviews to bring yo our top picks of 2016. This is not necessarily the wine that came top in each class, but we took into account factors such as availabi to buy, price and a score of above 90 points. We also only included one wine from each category. These wines our some of our experts top wines of 2016 and well worth seeking out to try. How To Create The Perfect Curls This Autumn Promotional Feature by Schwarzkopf Top wines of 2016: Decanter Panel Tastings
Dönnhoff, GG, Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle, Nahe 2014 Nahe grower Dönnhoff would be in most people s top 10 in German dry Riesling... POINTS 97
Ruggabellus, Efferus, Barossa, Australia 2013 Ruggabellus, Efferus, Barossa, Australia 2013 Attractively fresh and aromatic, very succulently textured blackberry fruits which are gently peppery and satisfying POINTS 96
Ridge, Estate Chardonnay 2014 Ridge s two Chardonnays come from its superb Monte Bello vineyards high up in the Santa Cruz Mountains... POINTS 95
Charles Heidsieck, Rosé Réserve, Champagne NV Twinkling salmon lights in the glass. Intriguing citrus aromas pour out, backed up by toasty, honeyed tones... POINTS 95
Mar de Frades, Val do Salnés 2015 Winemaker Paula Fandiño is a native Galician who has always worked in the region... POINTS 95
Domaine François Crochet, Les Perrois, Sancerre, Loire, France 2015 Delicate citrus and grapefruit aromas. Toasted almond notes on the palate with grilled white peach... POINTS 95
Quatro Castas, Esporão, Alentejano, Portugal 2014 Quatro Castas, Esporão, Alentejano, Portugal 2014 Judicious use of Cabernet brings blackcurrant and line to this blend, lovely length, intensity POINTS 95
Aristos Kerner, Cantina Valle Isarco, Trentino-Alto Adige 2014 Aristos Kerner, Cantina Valle Isarco 2014 Hints of white Muscat on the nose which is refined and clean. White pepper, POINTS 95
Pegasus Bay, Pinot Noir, Waipara, New Zealand 2013 Pegasus Bay, Pinot Noir 2013 Animated and vibrant, with oodles of floral nuance backed by firm tannins. This gives it POINTS 95
Errazuriz, Costa, Pinot Noir, Aconcagua, Chile 2015 Errazuriz, Costa, Pinot Noir, Aconcagua, Chile 2015 Grace and elegance define the aromatics on this Pinot: forest fruits, spices and POINTS 95
TeHo Malbec, Paraje Altamira, Mendoza, Argentina 2014 TeHo Malbec 2014 Packed full of dark fruits, succulent blueberries and delicate violets. This is wonderfully ripe with an opulent POINTS 95
Domaine Taupenot Merme, Chambolle Musigny, 1er Cru Combe d Orveau, Burgundy, France 2014 Domaine Taupenot Merme, Chambolle Musigny, 1er Cru Combe d Orveau 2014 A firm, intriguing nose which translates to a flavourful attack POINTS 95
DeMorgenzon, Reserve Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa 2015 DeMorgenzon, Reserve Chenin Blanc 2015 Attractive the way through this focused Chenin, with a taut, leesy,, mineral notes thread all POINTS 95
Wiston Estate, Blanc de Blancs, East Sussex, Brut 2010 Appealing, generous toasty, buttery nose. Refreshing acidity enlivens some rich flavours of baked apple and buttered tea cakes... POINTS 94
Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro, Arzuaga Gran Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2004 Arzuaga Gran Reserva 2004 Discreet, opens up with elegance. Distinctive in mouth, with much class and a very Spanish style POINTS 94
Ringbolt, Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Australia 2013 Ringbolt, Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Good colour, touch of cumin and dried herb on the nose, nicely succulent cassis fruit middle, POINTS 94
Château Lynch-Bages, Echo de Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, Bordeaux 2009 On the palate, deep red and black fruits, silky, caramel. This is a very good expression of Pauillac Cabernet fruit, POINTS 93
Xenysel, Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain 2014 Xenysel, Monastrell 2014 A powerful wine: peppery, smoky, focussed nose, plump palate, rich, succulent; really appealing and beautifully balanced. A POINTS 92
Chateau Vrai Canon Bouché, Bordeaux, France 2012 Chateau Vrai Canon Bouché 2012 Very deep red. Sturdy, oaky black fruits nose, robust and forceful, with a savoury edge. POINTS 92
Newton Johnson, Family Vineyards Pinot Noir 2013 The vines, planted to moderate density, were up to nine years old in 2013; yields were modest... POINTS 92