Best, really is subjective, I share you disdain for Tire Rack's rating system, however, Tire Rack does list a manufacturer's description of tire that I find informative. My dislike of TR's rating system is based on how they count the miles rate per tire (a tire has 22,000,000 rated miles, but is it the same tire, no upgrades or such, so the rating miles should be reset if the tire has changed at all).

My tire, the Bridgestone RE960AS's are a excellent tire, I have not, nor do I live in snow country to test them out, so I cannot answer how they handle in the snow. I have 12k on them, wet or dry, they are a very good tire, quiet, grip, and treadwear are excellent. I probably will not buy another set of the 960's based on their cost and weight, but they are an excellent tire. My next set, in 25k miles (at least if not more), I am looking at the General Exclaim UHP (claims to be an ultra high performance summer tire that just barely does not make a "AS" rating, realatively inexpensive, and only weights 21lbs, 960's weight 26lbs) and Continental ContiExtremeContacts (price, weight 20lbs, and I have owned Continentals in the past and have been quite satisfied). Also, like I mentioned above, I do not live in snow country, so I may try to live on the wildside once and purchase a set of Michelin Pilot Sport PS2's, if I can pry the $1k out of my wallet . . . D'oh!!!

 

I am getting ready for Fall in Colorado and just put on a set of Michelin Pilot Sport All Seasons on my 07 A3 Quattro. I was looking at a set of the Bridgestones, but they were sold out at the time I was ordering and I did not want to wait. So far, in the heat, the noise is minimal, comfort is good and handling although not like a set of true ultra high summer performance tires, is also pretty sharp. We have had a lot of rain this week, and they tracked like champions through a lot of standing water, but that is a quattro attribute anyways. I have always thought Michelin was a bit high priced, but this is a good tire. I have not seen an impact on mpg by going to the all seasons, either.
Good luck in the search...there are a lot of contenders out there.

 

Currently using a set of Michelin PS2, on my 3.2Q, and I wouldn't dare to use them in winter. Just like many have said, do NOT use summer tires in the winter even if you have quattro. It's just not safe for you, and other people. It's not just about losing traction but stopping distance and everything else. Good luck in your search. I have tried the Falken (think it was 512) and they were pretty good for the price.