Todos os anos, desde 1988, a revista norte-americana Wine Spectator lança a sua lista Top 100, na qual seus editores selecionam os vinhos mais emocionantes dos milhares analisados durante o decurso do ano. O Top 100 do ano passado por exemplo (2015), enfatizou o quanto o mundo do vinho mudou desde que a Wine Spectator publicou seu quadro de honra inaugural, em 1988. Naquele ano, o Top 10 foi integrado por quatro Borgonhas, três Bordeaux, dois tintos italianos e um Cabernet Sauvignon da Califórnia. Agora, menos de três décadas depois, excelentes vinhos de quase todos os cantos do globo competem com estes líderes históricos. Simplificando, é um grande momento para os amantes do vinho. Os vinhos encontrados pelos editores estão entre os mais interessantes de 2016 porque alguns são rótulos bem tradicionais ao lado de etiquetas de regiões emergentes o que motiva os produtores tradicionais explorarem novas direções. Também cabe ressaltar que todos vinhos foram escolhidos considerando o “X-Factor”. Além disso, a seleção também prioriza a qualidade (com base na pontuação), valor (com base no preço) e disponibilidade (com base no número de caixas seja produzidas ou importadas para os Estados Unidos). Estes critérios foram aplicados aos milhares de vinhos classificados como excelentes (90 pontos ou mais na escala de 100 pontos da Wine Spectator) para determinação do Top 100 de 2016. Por enquanto segue o Top 10 na ordem crescente, destacando que o vinho do ano foi um Californiano e que nenhum vinho do Cone Sul integra a lista composta por dois italianos, dois franceses e o restante norte-americanos (em número de seis a maioria indisponível no Brasil):
Lewis Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2013
Tasting Note
Remarkably elegant and refined for a wine of this size and depth, with tiers of plum, blackberry and currant flavors, as well as subtle touches of black licorice that remain pure and graceful on the long, lingering aftertaste. Drink now through 2028.— James Laube
Domaine Serene Chardonnay Dundee Hills Evenstad Reserve 2014
Tasting Note
Focused and expressive, this is layered with wet stone, tangy citrus, pear and green guava flavors that swirl through an expansive finish, gaining momentum and extra dimensions with each sip. Drink now through 2024.—Harvey Steiman
Beaux FrèresPinot Noir Ribbon Ridge The Beaux Frères Vineyard 2014
Tasting Note
Supple, expressive and multilayered, exhibiting flavors of plum, currant, pomegranate and violet that come together harmoniously, persisting into the long and exceptionally well-balanced finish. Drink now through 2024.—Harvey Steiman
Château Climens Barsac 2013
Tasting Note
There’s loads here, with apricot, nectarine and clementine flavors stitched with a racy orange zest note to give energy, while tropical papaya and mango flavors add a sublimely creamy edge. The finish sails on and on, coating the palate with a porcelain feel, while an echo of bitter almond lingers effortlessly, like a lace curtain hanging on an endless breeze. Stunning. Best from 2018 through 2043.—James Molesworth
Produttori del BarbarescoBarbaresco Asili Riserva 2011
Tasting Note
Intense aromas of cherry, rose, licorice and tar pick up tobacco, spice and mineral elements on the palate. Concentrated, yet elegant and expressive, with more to give. Ends with a long aftertaste of fruit, underbrush and mineral. Best from 2018 through 2032.—Bruce Sanderson
Orin Swift Machete California 2014
Tasting Note
Generous and expressive, big and brawny, this offers a mouthful of tannins but also brims with flavors and aromas, including Earl Grey tea, dark chocolate, dried violet and toasted gingerbread. Rich notes of plum and black cherry are balanced by forest floor and earth accents, which linger on the long finish. Petite Sirah, Syrah and Grenache. Drink now through 2030.—MaryAnn Worobiec
Ridge Monte Bello Santa Cruz Mountains 2012
7° colocado – EUA
Pontuação: 94/100 pts.
Tasting Note
A beautifully structured wine, with firm acidity and tannins that show grip and grit amid a core of dense, tense currant and blackberry fruit, turning juicy. Those seeking classic old-school Cabernet will embrace this. Cellaring for five to seven years is the right approach. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2020 through 2035.—James Laube
Antinori Toscana Tignanello 2013
Tasting Note
Aromas of graphite, smoke and tobacco introduce the cherry flavor in this expressive, focused red. Firm tannins and lively acidity balance the fruit and purity, while herbal, spice and mineral elements all gather steam as this plays out on the long finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2017 through 2027.—Bruce Sanderson
Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte Pessac-Léognan White 2013
Tasting Note
This has a gorgeous feel, with opulent fruit offset by racy herb notes and acidity, showing lemon sherbet, shortbread and white peach flavors backed by a salted butter– and tarragon-laced finish, with hints of talc and fennel skittering in the background. Seriously long and still a touch youthful on the finish, this is one for the cellar. Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Sémillon. Best from 2017 through 2023.—James Molesworth
Hartford Family Zinfandel Russian River Valley Old Vine 2014
Tasting Note
Plump and fleshy, with a dense core of focused tannins and lively acidity. Aromas of ripe black raspberry, anise and licorice open to layered, slightly jammy flavors of black cherry, blueberry pie and smoky cracked pepper. Drink now through 2024.—Tim Fish