Sommelier Wine Awards 2020
The 2020 Sommelier Wine Awards results are now live, and we’re delighted that a number of wines from our portfolio have received the highest awards possible.
48 of our wines were awarded Gold in the competition, our highest number of medals ever. Alongside this, seven of our wines were awarded special trophies in the hotly-contested ‘Critics’ Choice’ and ‘By The Glass’ categories; a huge achievement given the quality of wines on show this year.
Our Buying Director Andrew Shaw says, “We are so proud to have received our highest ever number of medals in the prestigious Sommelier Wine Awards this year. We are delighted that the specialist judges recognised so many of our producers’ wines, from every corner of the planet. It is a testament to our suppliers’ commitment to quality, as they strive to produce many of the very best wines available in the UK market.”
A full list of our gold winners can be viewed here, but take a look below to find out which wines really stood out for this year’s judges…
Critics’ Choice Winners
Vin Jaune Arbois 2009, Domaine De La Pinte
“An incredibly powerful nose fills the glass, with dried apricot and almonds shining through. An oxidative character is backed up by bitter lemon rind and marmalade, and cut with salinity. Brilliantly fresh and uplifting.” – Tim Handley, Royal Automobile Club
“This is everything Jura has to offer, and worth every penny.” – Raphael Thierry, consultant
Les Fourneaux Chablis 1er Cru 2017 , Domaine Paul Nicolle
“This is well-made and integrated, with citrus at the start, then cream and a light hazelnut note on the palate, all carried by acidity and leaving a light, flinty finish.” – Tim Handley, Royal Automobile Club
“An elegant nose, with some delicate citrus and minerality, and notes of bergamot and lemongrass. A dry palate and great creamy texture, and a refreshing finish.” – Lionel Periner, team leader
Heritage Zinfandel 2017, Dry Creek
“Really attractive and appealing, with a soft, gentle nose showing subtle notes of menthol and forest, leading to a rich and elegant palate with gentle tannins and a peppery finish. This is looking for a lightly chargrilled steak, with chargrilled vegetables.” – Antoin UaRuairc, UK Midland Sommelier
“A fine example of Zinfandel that’s big and structured, with a fine, savoury finish.” – Olivier Gasselin, OenoTrade
White Pinot 2016, Litmus
“A plush wine, with some well-integrated toasty elements and toffee, vanilla and pear notes. This can go with heavier dishes, and will develop over time.” – Alonso Abed, Trivet
“Brilliant, with vanilla and cream, Starburst strawberry, and some salty, saline notes.” – Harry Crowther, Grape Times UK
“This has minerality and citrus fruits, and a fantastic palate with good acidity.” – Michael Driscoll. Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa
Imperial Panoramic Cava Brut Reserva 2013, Llopart
“With notes of red apple, apricot and salted butter, as well as some oak and spcies, this is a very good substitute for a pricey aged champagne on a restaurant wine list.” – Elena Serban, Heritage Restaurant
“Great minerality, as well as pastry and brioche notes, There’s lots of fruit too, considering the age, and with much, much more to come. Complex and balanced.” – Michael Driscoll, Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa
Te Arai Chenin Blanc 2017, Millton Vineyards
“Lively, funky and fun as hell, with cola bottle and honeydew notes. Drink it. Love it.” – Harry Crowther, Grape Times UK
“A very exciting, natural-focused wine that brings some good minerality.” – Laurent Richet MS, team leader
“A shining Chenin Blanc with great structure, ripe fruits, floral notes, and hints of honey. A good example of a wine to be enjoyed with food.” – Jurjis Nemkovs, StreetXO
By the Glass Award
Malbec, Bodega Argento
“A succulent, juicy Malbec showing rich fruit, spice, and a dried herb note.” – Sarah Jane Evans, MW
“Juicy black cherries, black plums and blueberries, with a touch of green bell pepper and oak notes of toast, smoke and leather.” – Adam Michocki, The Man Behind The Curtain