Anne Krebiehl MW, Justin Knock MW and Dirceu Vianna Junior MW tasted 139 wines, with 2 outstanding, 101 highly recommended and 36 recommended.

Americas Pinot Noir: Panel tasting scores

139 wines tasted

Exceptional 0

Outstanding 2

Highly recommended 101

Recommended 36

Commended 0

Fair 0

Poor 0

Entry criteria: Producers and UK agents were invited to submit their current-release, dry, still 100% Pinot Noir red wines with a minimum retail price of £30 in the UK or equivalent in their domestic market

What a Pinot Noir marathon! In late September in the tasting suite at Decanter’s London offices, we three judges tasted 273 New World Premium Pinot Noirs over three full days, and I do not think any of us had ever reviewed such a comprehensive selection before.

Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores from the Americas Pinot Noir panel tasting

Americas Pinot Noir: Panel tasting scores

The judges

Anne Krebiehl MW is a widely published writer, award-winning author and lecturer with a particular focus, among others, on Pinot Noir and traditional- method sparkling wines from around the globe.

Justin Knock MW is director of wine for luxury merchant Decant London, and has a background in winemaking, brand and generic marketing, education, consultancy and fine wine retail. An Australian national, he was a director of the California Wine Institute UK, and is currently a DWWA joint Regional Chair for Australia.

Dirceu Vianna Junior MW is a wine writer, consultant and educator. Based in the UK since 1989, he was a director at some of the UK’s top distributors. After becoming a Master of Wine in 2008, he co-authored the awarded book Conheça Vinhos (‘Understanding Wine’, in Portuguese).

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Stephen Brook, Vincenzo Arnese and Sara Bachiorri tasted 60 wines, with 3 highly recommended and 40 recommended.

Piedmont Barbera: Panel tasting scores

60 wines tasted

Exceptional 0

Outstanding 0

Highly recommended 3

Recommended 40

Commended 17

Fair 0

Poor 0

Entry criteria: Producers and UK agents were invited to submit current vintage releases of still red Barbera wines from any of the DOC/DOCGs Barbera d’Alba/Superiore, Barbera d’Asti/Superiore, Barbera del Monferrato/Superiore, Nizza or Nizza Riserva

Barbera is a wonderfully versatile grape variety that can be produced in a range of styles, from lean and refreshing to bold, rich and oaky. Above all, it’s a wine designed to be enjoyed with food: its high natural acidity is perfect for cutting through rich Italian dishes such as lasagne. Acidity can be treacherous, however – too much and the wine will be tart and astringent; too little and it can be flabby or drab.

Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores from the Piedmont Barbera panel tasting

Piedmont Barbera: Panel tasting scores

The judges

Stephen Brook is a Decanter contributing editor and the DWWA Regional Chair for Piedmont. The author of 35 books, he has won several awards for his work in wine.

Vincenzo Arnese is the director of wine at Raffles London at the OWO. Born in Naples, he previously worked at top hotels in Italy, Switzerland and Australia, as well as Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester. He is a DWWA judge, and in 2022 he won the coveted title of Taittinger UK Sommelier of the Year.

Sara Bachiorri is in the buying team at merchant WoodWinters. A DWWA judge since 2013, she was was formerly head sommelier at The Glasshouse in Kew, then Chez Bruce in southwest London, followed by a stint at Italian specialist merchant FortyFive10°.

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Ronan Sayburn MS, Eugenio Egorov and Ben Gubbins tasted 105 wines, with 9 Outstanding and 32 Highly recommended.

USA Chardonnay: Panel tasting scores

105 wines tasted

Exceptional 0

Outstanding 9

Highly recommended 32

Recommended 50

Commended 8

Fair 6

Poor 0

Entry criteria: Producers and UK agents were invited to submit their latest-release, still, dry white wines made from 100% Chardonnay, from any region in the US.

Chardonnay: The chicken of the wine world. A blank canvas upon which winemakers can draw their own style. And just like artists, some draw well, and some draw badly. As a winemaker, there are many tools that can be used to give flavour to Chardonnay. Inherently it is a neutral-tasting grape variety that’s high in acidity. So the flavours can be manipulated in the winery.

Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores from the USA Chardonnay panel tasting

USA Chardonnay panel tasting scores

The judges

Ronan Sayburn MS is CEO of the Court of Master Sommeliers European chapter and runs his own consultancy and wine training company, RS Wine Academy. A previous winner of the UK Sommelier of the Year competition, he is also one of four DWWA Co-Chairs.

Eugenio Egorov is head sommelier at AA five-star The Stafford in London. Born in Ukraine, he began his hospitality career in restaurants in Italy and Florida, USA, before moving to London in 2014, where he rose through the ranks as a sommelier at the likes of 45 Park Lane and The Dorchester.

Ben Gubbins is general manager and WSET wine educator at Vagabond Wines in London. A native of Chile, he previously worked as UK & Europe sales director for Dos Andes Wines before joining Vagabond in 2013.

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Amanda Barnes, Vincenzo Arnese and Ben Gubbins tasted 149 wines, with 5 Outstanding and 61 Highly recommended.

American Cabernet Franc: Panel tasting scores

149 wines tasted

Exceptional 0

Outstanding 5

Highly recommended 61

Recommended 69

Commended 8

Fair 6

Poor 0

Entry criteria: Producers and UK agents were invited to submit their latest-release dry, still red wines made from a minimum of 75% Cabernet Franc grapes.

Cabernet Franc is undoubtedly a rising star of the Americas. Although still niche, it has been steadily rising in the ranks and playing a greater role in each of the major wine countries. Its leafy, peppery, fresh, fragrant style can offer the ideal counterpart to the richer styles of heavyweight champion varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Tannat and Merlot.

Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores from the American Cabernet Franc panel tasting

American Cabernet Franc: Panel tasting scores

The judges

Amanda Barnes is a writer and presenter specialising in South American travel and wine. A DWWA judge, she is author of the award-winning South America Wine Guide (£35 southamericawineguide.com)

Vincenzo Arnese is the director of wine at Raffles London at the OWO. Born in Naples, he specialised in sommellerie at hospitality school, then worked at top hotels in Italy, Switzerland, and Australia, as well as Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

Ben Gubbins is general manager and WSET wine educator at Vagabond Wines in London. A native of Chile, he previously worked as UK & Europe sales director for Dos Andes Wines before joining Vagabond in 2013

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The judges

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Caro Maurer MW, Mark Dearing and Stefan Neumann tasted 74 wines with 8 Outstanding and 31 Highly recommended.

German dry Riesling: Panel tasting scores

74 wines tasted

Exceptional 0

Outstanding 8

Highly recommended 31

Recommended 26

Commended 8

Fair 1

Poor 0

Entry criteria: producer-members of the VDP organisation and UK agents were invited to submit their latest-release, dry Grosses Gewächs Riesling wines from any German region.

Riesling acts as a kind of medium: a mediator between origin and grape variety. In the best examples, the delicate Riesling aromas bear witness to the terroir within which each wine is produced – and also to the vintage, as was shown in this panel tasting, which featured a constellation of Grosses Gewächs (‘GG’) Riesling wines of varying styles.

Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores from the German dry Riesling panel tasting

German dry Riesling panel tasting scores

The judges

Caro Maurer MW is a German wine writer and WSET- and MW-level educator. A DWWA Regional Chair, she also contributes to Bonn’s daily newspaper General-Anzeiger and food and wine magazine Der Feinschmecker.

Mark Dearing is a wine buyer for London-based merchant and importer Justerini & Brooks, where his responsibilities include Germany as well as several other major wine nations and regions.

Stefann Neumann is an independent Master Sommelier who runs his own wine consultancy. A DWWA Regional Chair, he has many years of experience working in the world of Michelin-starred restaurants, and in 2023 launched an online blind tasting course to help students pass their wine exams.

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Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW, Andy Howard MW and Susan Hulme MW tasted 198 wines with 1 Outstanding and 27 Highly recommended.

Prosecco: Panel tasting scores

198 wines tasted

Exceptional 0

Outstanding 1

Highly recommended 27

Recommended 138

Commended 23

Fair 7

Poor 2

Entry criteria: producers and UK agents were invited to submit their spumante sparkling wines from DOC Prosecco and Prosecco Rosé, DOCG Prosecco Asolo Superiore or DOCG Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore, with retail pricing at £7.99 or above.

Synonymous with sparkling wine now, Prosecco was relatively unknown outside Italy 20 years ago, yet today it is renowned worldwide, as evidenced by its meteoric rise in popularity – more than 600 million bottles were produced in 2022, of which over 70% is exported globally.

The area in northeast Italy where Prosecco is produced spans just under 40,000ha across the regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia; the one constant is Glera, the white grape used for the vast majority of production, known for its fresh acidity and aromatic notes of apple blossom, peaches and lemons. Add carbon dioxide and a touch of residual sugar, and you have a fresh, fruity fizz that goes down a treat.

Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores from the Prosecco panel tasting

Prosecco is sold under a few denominations related to the area where the grapes are grown. The large Prosecco DOC (28,000ha) is diverse in terroir and is known for fruity, light-bodied wines. In contrast, the DOCG regions of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore (approaching 9,000ha) and Asolo Prosecco Superiore (some 2,000ha) represent the historical centre of production – in the steep foothills of the Alps, they produce wines that are very aromatic but lean and steely, often tasting drier than their DOC counterparts.

Given the vast amount of production, one would expect variations in quality, but our judging panel was pleasantly surprised by the consistency found here, with 83% receiving scores of 86 points or higher. The Prosecco DOC wines were ‘light, easy-drinking wines that were designed for early consumption, but very few elevate themselves above this consistent baseline’, said Andy Howard MW.

For the wines from Prosecco DOC Treviso – a sub-zone of the wider DOC area – Susan Hulme MW found they had ‘in general, more character and better balance’. They were ‘worth looking out for’, according to Howard.

Prosecco DOC Rosé wines were less inspiring: no entries scored above 87pts. ‘It’s as if producers don’t seem sure of what exactly the style for pink Prosecco should be,’ said Howard – the allowed small addition of red wine (15% or less), seemed to mask Glera’s aromatic character in the examples we tasted.

See all Prosecco panel tasting wines

The UK is the top export market for Prosecco Superiore DOCG, so it wasn’t a surprise to see a high number of entries. Both Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG and Asolo DOCG performed well: more than 92% of entries scored 86pts or higher, and 21 wines 90pts or more. This category offers more fruit concentration, with acidity and residual sugar far better balanced than in its DOC counterparts. ‘I liked many of the wines from Asolo DOCG, which had a different, more gentle style than Prosecco DOC,’ said Hulme.

Without a doubt, the standout was Prosecco Superiore di Cartizze DOCG. Cartizze is a 108ha vineyard in Valdobbiadene considered the ‘grand cru’ of the entire region. Three of the four wines tasted were rated 90pts and above, with one (the 195th wine tasted, at the end of two long days!) managing to shine above all the rest and receiving an outstanding score of 95pts (see below).

The takeaway? The Prosecco category offers different things to different consumers. Prosecco DOC proved that, despite the high volumes of production, it still can produce good wines at an affordable price point.

But – as this tasting demonstrated – there are benefits to stretching the budget to a Prosecco Treviso DOC, or a DOCG.

Prosecco panel tasting scores

The judges

Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW is a widely published wine writer, consultant, educator and WSET lecturer. She is a regular judge and contributor for Decanter, and from this year is the DWWA Regional Chair for Tuscany.

Andy Howard MW is a Decanter contributing editor and a DWWA Regional Chair for categories including Central Italy. A former wine buyer, he now runs his own wine consultancy Vinetrades, focusing on wine education, investment and sourcing.

Susan Hulme MW is a wine writer, editor, educator and presenter specialising in Italy. She runs her own wine training and consultancy company Vintuition and travels regularly to Italian wine regions. Now focusing more on her writing, she is Italian editor for The Wine Independent.

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Decanter is committed to providing you with trusted, independent, expert wine recommendations on what to buy, drink and cellar.

How we taste: Decanter panel tastings

Panel tastings are a core component of Decanter magazine’s monthly buying guide, and results are also published online alongside other regular tasing articles by our experts.

Each panel tasting is judged by three experienced tasters chosen for their authority in the category of wine being rated.

All wines are tasted blind and are pre-poured for judges in flights of eight to 10 wines. Our experts taste and score wines individually but then discuss their scores together at the end of each flight.

Any wines on which scores are markedly different are retasted; however, judges are under no obligation to amend their scores. Judges are encouraged to look for typicity in wines, rewarding those that are true to their region.

Do experts know the price of the wines?

When judging, experts are aware of wine price bands – under £15, £15-£30 and over £30 – with the aim of recognising and rewarding quality and value.

Where are panel tastings held?

The tastings are held in the controlled environment of Decanter’s tasting suite: a quiet, purposely designed room, with natural light.

We limit the number of wines tasted to a manageable level – a maximum of 85 per day – allowing judges to taste more thoroughly and avoid palate fatigue.

Drinking windows

Drink-by dates indicated are based on how long it is prudent to keep the wine in question. However, some wines will have a longer ageing capacity if stored in pristine conditions throughout their lifespan.

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Peter Liem, Alan Bednarski and Claire Thevenot MS tasted 28 wines, with 3 Outstanding and 20 Highly recommended.

Vintage rosé Champagne panel tasting scores

28 wines tasted

Exceptional 0

Outstanding 3

Highly recommended 20

Recommended 5

Commended 0

Fair 0

Poor 0

Entry criteria: producers and UK agents were invited to submit their current-release, single-vintage rosé Champagnes, allowing for any style from zéro dosage through brut to demi-sec

Rosé Champagne is a difficult category to generalise about, and vintage rosé perhaps even more so. Most in this tasting were of excellent quality, showing that there are multiple ways to achieve success. One conspicuous element was a relatively restrained dosage, even for those wines not labelled as extra brut or non-dosé.

Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores from the vintage rosé Champagne panel tasting

Historically there has been a tendency to dose rosés slightly higher than their blanc counterparts, often due to an archaic stereotype about rosé being sweeter to suit the female palate – but some winemakers also believe that the tannins of red wine need more sugar to balance.

Vintage rosé Champagne panel tasting scores

The judges

Peter Liem is an awarded wine writer and author specialising in Champagne. Resident in Epernay, he publishes his website champagneguide.net and co-hosts the annual La Fête du Champagne event in the US. His book Champagne was published in 2017 (Mitchell Beazley).

Alan Bednarski is a sommelier, wine consultant and a DWWA judge. He is co-owner of a new ‘comfort European food’ restaurant due to open in Katowice, Poland in spring 2023, and is soon to launch his Cool Climate Wine Guide initially online.

Claire Thevenot MS is owner of UK-based importer Vins-Clairs. She moved from eastern France in 2002, rising to be head sommelier at Hotel du Vin in Winchester, then in 2006 she became the first French female Master Sommelier, winning the UK Sommelier of the Year competition in the same year.

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The post Vintage rosé Champagne: panel tasting results appeared first on Decanter.

Caroline Gilby MW, Isa Bal MS and Darrel Joseph tasted 151 wines, with 8 Outstanding and 67 Highly recommended.

Adriatic whites panel tasting scores

151 wines tasted

Exceptional 0

Outstanding 8

Highly recommended 67

Recommended 72

Commended 4

Fair 0

Poor 0

Entry criteria: producers and UK agents were invited to submit their current-release white wines from Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro or Bosnia-Herzegovina, single varietals or blends using any grapes, but preferably including a large proportion of indigenous varieties

The eastern shore of the Adriatic sea is better known for its tourism than for wine, but results from this tasting showed that it’s home to many wines to spark wine lovers’ interest. Croatia, with some 1,800km of Adriatic coastline, submitted most wines, but there was also a good showing from Slovenia (47km of coast) and a handful from Bosnia & Herzegovina (just 20km of seashore).

This was an impressive, and often exciting, two-day tasting, with very few poor wines. As Isa Bal MS pointed out: ‘I found the quality to be of a very high standard,’ highlighting, ‘some excellent Malvasia from Croatia and some very well-made, pyrazine-free examples of Sauvignon Blanc from Slovenia.’

Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores for the top wines from the Adriatic whites panel tasting

Local grapes dominated the entries and provided many of the top-scoring wines. Malvasia Istriana (Malvazija Istarska is the local spelling) was the superstar, showing its potential in several styles. It has gone from ordinary workhorse to something quite special in the last two decades. It makes great bright, fruity, appealing wines when vinified cool in steel, though even these simpler versions can keep remarkably well. Among the 2021 wines, the main reservation was that, though quality was generally very good, the wines were all quite similar.

Malvasia is also capable of greatness in a whole range of styles, from classic oak fermentation to skin contact, orange and natural wines aged in other vessels such as clay amphora, larger casks and even acacia wood. Bal noted ‘some very competent winemaking using skin contact and natural yeast’.

Other local grapes also showed well, not least the incredibly rare Grk – grown on a handful of hectares on the island of Korčula – as did Korčula’s other special white grape, Pošip. There’s real intensity and great texture, underscored by a sea-salt mineral freshness in these unique local grapes. Darrel Joseph noted that ‘most of these wines are gorgeous exotica, treasures of where they are so at home’.

See all 151 wines from the Adriatic whites panel tasting

There were only a few examples submitted to the tasting of the flagship Rebula grape (Ribolla Gialla) from western Slovenia – though these did show its quality and versatility.

Bosnia & Herzegovina’s flagship Zilavka was praised by Joseph: ‘Zilavka has really been coming into its own in recent years,’ he said. ‘The variety’s wonderful Mediterranean herb and citrus characteristics and its gently elegant acidity shine through in the wines with such focus, clarity and freshness. Even better, Zilavka’s diversity is so enticing. It’s not just about young and fresh steel-aged wines; it does so well also as barrel-matured and – joyously – even as a natural, amber-style wine with age. Such exciting potential!’

Yet it’s not just about local grapes here, and you’ll find several excellent examples of international varieties that can also showcase the terroir. Pinot Gris was particularly strong, with several high-scoring wines showing an intensity and balance that wouldn’t be out of place in Alsace or Collio. There were also some excellent Chardonnays, and Sauvignons in a unique regional style between the aromatic fruitiness of New World and the mineral intensity of the Loire.

All in all, this tasting was evidence of a dynamic, if less well-known part of the wine world that is well worth exploring.

Top scoring Adriatic whites

The judges

Caroline Gilby MW is an awarded wine writer, author and speaker, with a passion for the wines of the Balkans, central & eastern Europe and the Black Sea. She is joint DWWA Regional Chair for North, Central & Eastern Europe.

Isa Bal MS is a consultant Master Sommelier. Winner of the prestigious Sommelier Award 2022 from Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland, he was also winner of the Best Sommelier of Europe competition in 2008, and was head sommelier for The Fat Duck Group for more than 12 years.

Darrel Joseph has been writing about the wines of central and eastern Europe since 1995, now also covering Croatia, Serbia and all other Balkan wine countries. He is a regular wine judge, educator and speaker, and is joint DWWA Regional Chair for North, Central & Eastern Europe.

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Stephen Brook, Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW and Aldo Fiordelli tasted 87 wines, with 2 Outstanding and 44 Highly recommended.

Barbaresco panel tasting scores

87 wines tasted

Exceptional 0

Outstanding 2

Highly recommended 44

Recommended 39

Commended 2

Fair 0

Poor 0

Entry criteria: producers and UK agents were invited to submit village or MGA-level Barbarescos, with a maximum of two wines per producer and preferably to include one current vintage and one older vintage, or two different crus 

The results of this Barbaresco panel tasting were impressive, with 46 wines (just over half) scoring 90 points or above.

It was dominated by the consistently attractive and newly released 2019 vintage, represented by 54 wines.

These balanced, fruity and structured wines are accessible in their youth but, in most cases, should also age well. This is in line with recent trends in the region, where even Barolos are now being made in a less demanding and dense style so that consumers are no longer obliged to cellar these wines for a decade or more.

Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores for the top wines from the Barbaresco panel tasting

Top scoring Barbarescos

The judges

Stephen Brook is a Decanter contributing editor and the DWWA Regional Chair for Piedmont. The author of almost 40 books, he has won several awards for his work in wine.

Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW is a widely published wine writer, consultant, educator and WSET lecturer, and was an Acting Regional Chair for Tuscany at DWWA 2022.

Aldo Fiordelli is a widely published journalist, wine writer and author, and a DWWA judge. He qualified as a sommelier in 2003, and in 2022 received a special award from Tuscany’s Consorzio Cortona Vini.

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Roger Jones, Melanie Brown and Rebecca Palmer tasted 116 wines, with one Exceptional, five Outstanding and 40 Highly Recommended.

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc panel tasting scores

116 wines tasted

Exceptional 1

Outstanding 5

Highly recommended 40

Recommended 45

Commended 21

Fair 4

Poor 0

Entry criteria: producers and UK agents were invited to submit their latest releases of still white wines made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc from any region in New Zealand

New Zealand wines – particularly Sauvignon Blanc – suffered severe shortages in the 2021 vintage, so it was gratifying to see such a large number entered for this two-day tasting. In our discussions during and following it, we three judges considered regional and vintage differences as well as the range of Sauvignon Blanc styles, notably considering whether there is a lighter, more focused style emerging.

Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores for the top wines in the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc panel tasting

Top scoring New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

The judges

Roger Jones is the retired former owner of The Harrow at Little Bedwyn restaurant in Wiltshire. He is now a wine writer, judge and consultant with a particular interest in the hospitality trade, as well as helping charities. He is a DWWA judge, with a focus on New World regions.

Melanie Brown is founder and CEO of Heist Group, which includes New World-focused online wine merchant Specialist Cellars and The Laundry restaurant, Brixton. From New Zealand, she arrived in the UK in 2015 to work as a chef for the likes of Raymond Blanc, Peter Gordon and more.

Rebecca Palmer is associate director of Corney & Barrow, based in the UK, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore. She heads up the commercial buying team, covering most world regions. At DWWA 2022 she judged in the New Zealand and USA & Central America categories.

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Greg Sherwood MW, Daniel Grigg and Roger Jones tasted 137 wines, with 11 Outstanding and 75 Highly Recommended.

South African Shiraz/Syrah panel tasting scores

137 wines tasted

Exceptional 0

Outstanding 11

Highly recommended 75

Recommended 45

Commended 5

Fair 0

Poor 0

Faulty 1

Entry criteria: producers and UK agents were invited to submit their latest vintage releases of still red wines made using a minimum of 85% Shiraz/Syrah

With striking examples being produced in almost every corner of the Cape at varied price points, Shiraz has to be one of the strongest weapons in South Africa’s armoury when taking on other New World competitors in wine.

In this impressive two-day panel tasting, the vast majority demonstrated what all three judges felt was the driving force behind the rise in both quality and global perception of South African wines in general.

Namely, the winemakers’ courage and determination to make the wines they want to make, rather than what is expected of them. Were this an Australian Shiraz tasting, for example, we questioned whether we would have been treated to such a plethora of wine styles.

Scroll down for the top-scoring South African Shiraz/Syrah

While producers seemed to use new oak to distract from a lack of substance in some wines, Daniel Grigg highlighted other wines where it was used to great effect, bestowing a sense of gravitas and enhancing the grape’s varietal identity and purity of fruit.

Top-scoring South African Shiraz/Syrah: 

The judges

Greg Sherwood MW is the widely travelled senior buyer at Handford Wines. He publishes his Fine Wine Safari blog at gregsherwoodmw.com, and in 2021 was the DWWA Regional Chair for South Africa.

Daniel Grigg is managing director of merchant Museum Wines, winner of the South Africa Specialist category in the 2021 Decanter Retailer Awards.

Roger Jones is the retired former owner of The Harrow at Little Bedwyn restaurant in Wiltshire. He is now busy as a wine writer, judge and consultant, with a particular focus on the hospitality trade, as well as helping charities. He is a DWWA judge, including the South Africa category in 2021.

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Andy Howard MW, Sara Bachiorri and Michael Garner tasted 75 wines, with 1 Exceptional and 4 Outstanding.

Verdicchio panel tasting scores

75 wines tasted

Exceptional 1

Outstanding 4

Highly recommended 59

Recommended 11

Commended 0

Fair 0

Poor 0

Faulty 0

Entry criteria: producers and UK agents were invited to submit their latest-release vintages of still dry white wines from DOCs Verdicchio di Matelica or Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, and DOCGs Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva or Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva

In a white wine world dominated by Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, extolling the virtues of Verdicchio – the Italian white grape made infamous by curvy, amphora-shaped bottles in the 1970s – might seem like hard work. Yet ask Italian wine experts for their opinion of this variety and you may be surprised.

In his book Native Wine Grapes of Italy, Ian d’Agata states: ‘Verdicchio is arguably Italy’s greatest variety.’ The results of this panel tasting seemed to support the view that Verdicchio is a grape capable of producing high-quality, ageworthy wines.

Scroll down for the top-scoring Verdicchio wines

The results were certainly impressive, averaging 91 points across the range of 75 wines. This came as no surprise to Italian wine expert and panel judge Michael Garner, who commented that ‘this Verdicchio tasting more than lived up to my expectations – and they were already high’.

Top-scoring Verdicchio: 

The judges

Andy Howard MW is a Decanter contributing editor and DWWA 2022 Regional Chair for Central Italy (excluding Tuscany). A former retail wine buyer, he now runs his own consultancy Vinetrades.

Sara Bachiorri works in buying for merchant WoodWinters. First a DWWA judge in 2013, in the 2022 competition she judged in the Piedmont and Veneto categories. Born in Perugia, Umbria, she was formerly head sommelier at The Glasshouse in Kew, then at Chez Bruce in southwest London.

Michael Garner is co-owner of Italian specialist Tria Wines, author of Amarone and The Fine Wines of Verona (£35 Infinite Ideas), and DWWA Regional Chair for Northern Italy (excluding Piedmont & Verona).

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Alistair Cooper MW, Dirceu Vianna Junior MW and David Williams tasted 149 wines, with 15 Highly Recommended.

Value Argentinian Malbec panel tasting scores

149 wines tasted

Exceptional 0

Outstanding 0

Highly recommended 15

Recommended 92

Commended 40

Fair 1

Poor 1

Faulty 0

Entry criteria: producers and UK agents were invited to submit their latest-release vintage Argentinian red wines containing at least 85% Malbec

We received a whopping 149 samples for this marathon tasting, illustrating just how competitive this sector of the Malbec market is.

Having recently taken part in the impressive premium Malbec tasting for Decanter, I was keen to assess the value proposition at the more affordable end of the market.

Disappointingly I was left underwhelmed and somewhat confused as to the direction that producers are pursuing at the grass roots level.

Scroll down for the top-scoring value Argentinian Malbec wines

Stylistic uncertainty seems to be the key issue, as well as inconsistency.

At the premium end we had seen a refreshing move away from over-extraction and over-oaking towards an emphasis on purity and expression of place. Yet here we saw too many clumsy wines, with winemakers favouring style over substance.

Top-scoring value Argentinian Malbec: 

The judges

Alistair Cooper MW is a wine consultant, writer, broadcaster and educator with a particular focus on South America. President of the Cata d’Or wine awards in Chile, he is also consultant wine buyer for United Cellars in Sydney.

Dirceu Vianna Junior MW is a wine writer, consultant, educator and broadcaster. Moving to the UK in 1989, he spent much of his career as wine director for some of the UK’s most prominent wine distributors, and in 2008 he became the first South American male to obtain the Master of Wine title.

David Williams is a regular contributor to Decanter on all things Spanish. He is also wine correspondent for The Observer, deputy editor of The World of Fine Wine, and a columnist for trade magazine The Wine Merchant.

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The post Value Argentinian Malbec: panel tasting results appeared first on Decanter.

Georgina Hindle, Vincenzo Arnese and Andy Howard MW tasted 62 wines, with two Exceptional and 11 Outstanding.

Médoc grand cru classé 2017 panel tasting scores

62 wines tasted

Exceptional 2

Outstanding 11

Highly recommended 45

Recommended 4

Commended 0

Fair 0

Poor 0

Faulty 0

Entry criteria: producers and UK agents were invited to submit their 2017 vintage red wines from Bordeaux cru classé estates, first growth to fifth growth, with both grand vin and second label wines welcome.

The 2017 vintage in Bordeaux was a challenge for winemakers, posing multiple problems throughout the year including frost, drought and untimely rainfall, but it had the added misfortune of falling in the middle of a long run of great vintages. At that time, 2017 was overshadowed by the two preceding years and the three subsequent ones.

Scroll down for tasting notes & scores for the top-scoring Médoc grand cru classé 2017 wines

Almost five years on, all the tasters found much to enjoy from the 2017s of the classified estates of the Left Bank, and were pleasantly surprised at the quality and drinkability on show.

The top scoring Médoc grand cru classé 2017: 

The judges

Georgina Hindle is Decanter’s regional editor for Bordeaux and Burgundy, and editor of Decanter Premium online. She lives in Bordeaux.

Vincenzo Arnese is head sommelier at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, London. Originally from Naples, he specialised in sommellerie at hospitality school in Stresa, Italy, going on to work in prestigious hotels in Switzerland, Italy and Australia, as well as in the UK at The Waterside Inn in Bray and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal.

Andy Howard MW is a Decanter contributing editor and DWWA Regional Chair. A former retail wine buyer for more than 30 years, he now runs his own consultancy Vinetrades, focusing on wine education, judging, investment and sourcing, and has a house in southwest France.

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The post Médoc grand cru classé 2017: panel tasting results appeared first on Decanter.

Sarah Jane Evans MW, Christine Parkinson and David Williams tasted 51 wines, with 3 Outstanding and 30 Highly Recommended.

Godello panel tasting scores

62 wines tasted

Exceptional 0

Outstanding 3

Highly recommended 30

Recommended 15

Commended 3

Fair 0

Poor 0

Faulty 0

Entry criteria: producers and UK agents were invited to submit their latest-release dry whites made from 100% Godello.

Choose Godello and you can’t go wrong. That was our verdict from a most enjoyable tasting.

From the top-left corner of Spain – Galicia and Bierzo – comes a white grape variety that retains a distinction wherever it grows. It’s as comfortable with oak as without. It covers the gamut of citrus flavours, but additionally can show layers of honey and apricots, as well as potentially offering a mineral or saline finish.

If Godello hasn’t been on your top five white wine list, include it now.

Scroll down for tasting notes & scores for the top-scoring Godello wines

The top-scoring Godello wines:

The judges

Sarah Jane Evans MW is an awarded journalist, author and broadcaster, and a DWWA Co-Chair. Author of The Wines of Northern Spain (Infinite Ideas, 2018), she is also chair of Spain’s Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino.

Christine Parkinson is co-founder of Brimful Drinks, developing products in the no- & low-alcohol sector. She was formerly at Michelin-starred Hakkasan Group for over 18 years as a buyer, latterly as its group head of wine. Numerous career awards include The Caterer’s Wine & Spirits Ambassador Catey in 2018.

David Williams is a regular contributor to Decanter on all things Spanish. He is wine correspondent for The Observer, deputy editor of The World of Fine Wine, and a columnist for trade magazine The Wine Merchant.

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The post Godello: panel tasting results appeared first on Decanter.

Matt Walls. Tanguy Martin and David Round MW tasted 96 wines, with 21 Outstanding and 59 Highly Recommended.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019 & 2009 panel tasting scores

96 wines tasted

Exceptional 0

Outstanding 21

Highly recommended 59

Recommended 13

Commended 3

Fair 0

Poor 0

Faulty 0

Entry criteria: producers and UK agents were invited to submit their red Châteauneuf-du-Pape cuvées from both the 2019 and 2009 vintages

Forty-eight Châteauneuf estates, two wines each: a 2019 and a 2009. That was the basis for what proved to be a fascinating and memorable tasting.

The two years in question have a lot in common – both defined by hot, dry growing seasons producing an impressive crop of rich, ripe, concentrated wines.

The main differences are that 2019 was marginally hotter than 2009, certainly drier. So how the 2009s are showing now should give us insight into how the 2019s will be showing in 10 years’ time – a good point at which to start opening top Châteauneuf. And if the 2019s age as well as the 2009s, the principal takeaway is: buying some 2019s and cellaring them for 10 years will prove a very savvy move.

Scroll down for tasting notes & scores for the top-scoring 2019 & 2009 Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines

Top scoring Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019 & 2009

The following wines are listed in score order and all scored 93 points or above

The judges

Matt Walls is an awarded wine writer and consultant, a Decanter contributing editor and the DWWA Regional Chair for the Rhône. His latest book Wines of the Rhône (£35, Infinite Ideas) was published in January 2021.

Tanguy Martin is business development manager at Roberson Wine. After his oenology studies in Beaune and Montpellier, he moved to England in 2011 and began a prestigious career as a sommelier, working at Hotel TerraVina, La Trompette and Blandford Comptoir among others. He was the Moët UK Sommelier of the Year 2015.

David Round MW is head of wine at online platform Pix, a wine buying consultant and judge, including for the DWWA. He has worked in various senior positions such as buyer at Berry Bros & Rudd, fine wine manager at Direct Wines, and director roles at Bancroft Wines and Jascots.

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More panel tastings…

The post Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019 & 2009: panel tasting results appeared first on Decanter.

Justin Knock MW, Roger Jones and Julia Sewell tasted 52 wines, with 10 Outstanding and 39 Highly Recommended.

Australian Riesling panel tasting scores

52 wines tasted

Exceptional 0

Outstanding 10

Highly recommended 39

Recommended 3

Commended 0

Fair 0

Poor 0

Faulty 0

Entry criteria: producers and UK agents were invited to submit their dry, 100% Riesling latest-release vintages from Eden Valley or Clare Valley GIs and their sub-regions

In more than 15 years of tasting Australian wines for Decanter, I’ve never seen a line-up of such consistently high quality as this. Of 52 wines, 49 scored 90 points or above, and 10 of these were a golden 95pts or more. Roger Jones, also a veteran taster of Australian wines for Decanter, agreed:

‘Without doubt one of the best panel tastings, highlighting the value and quality of Aussie Riesling.’ ‘The quality exceeded my expectations,’ added Julia Sewell. ‘The wines were not just without fault, but with universal drinkability, complexity and finesse.’

Scroll down for tasting notes & scores for the top-scoring Australian Rieslings

Top scoring Australian Rieslings

The following wines are listed in score order and all scored 92 points or above

The judges

Justin Knock MW is director of wine for luxury wine merchant OenoGroup, overseeing their buying, marketing, trade and retail activities, and he is one of two DWWA joint Regional Chairs for Australia.

Roger Jones is the retired former owner of The Harrow at Little Bedwyn restaurant in Wiltshire. Now busy as a wine writer, judge and consultant with a particular focus on the hospitality trade, as well as helping charities, he is a DWWA judge for Australia.

Julia Sewell is a wine consultant and educator offering services via juliasewellwine.com. A DWWA judge, she began her career in restaurants in Melbourne, Australia before moving to the UK and working at The Fat Duck in Bray, Hide Restaurant Mayfair and Davy’s Wine Merchants.

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More panel tastings…

The post Australian Riesling: panel tasting results appeared first on Decanter.

Michael Garner, Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW and Michaela Morris tasted 92 wines, with six Outstanding and 33 Highly Recommended.

Valpolicella panel tasting scores

92 wines tasted

Exceptional 0

Outstanding 6

Highly recommended 33

Recommended 52

Commended 1

Fair 0

Poor 0

Faulty 0

Entry criteria: producers and UK agents were invited to submit their current-release vintage reds from Valpolicella DOC and Valpolicella Superiore DOC

How encouraging to find ‘life beyond appassimento’! While nearly all Valpolicella DOC wine is produced from freshly picked grapes, much Valpolicella Superiore on the market these days includes at least a proportion of semi-dried fruit, blurring the stylistic lines that separate it from the other, richer-style Valpolicella denominations: Ripasso, Amarone and Recioto.

Scroll down for tasting notes & scores for the top-scoring Valpolicella wines

A good number of the higher-scoring wines from this panel tasting not only rely on freshly harvested grapes, but also include examples from the basic DOC category (such as the Valpolicella Classico 2020 from Montecariano). Two of the six Outstanding wines – Tommasi’s delicious Rafaèl 2020 and Flavio Prà’s elegant Corte Allodola, Flavs 2018 – are also, crucially, made from dedicated Valpolicella vineyards where the best of the crop is not creamed off for Amarone or Recioto: a recurring issue which frequently has a negative effect on the quality of the ‘simpler’ denominations.

The top scoring Valpolicellas: 

The judges

Michael Garner is co-owner of Italian specialist Tria Wines, author of Amarone and The Fine Wines of Verona (£35 Infinite Ideas), and a DWWA Regional Chair for northern Italy

Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW is a wine consultant, writer, judge and WSET educator. She consults to restaurants and wineries, acts as an ambassador for wine trade bodies, and was Regional Chair for Veneto at DWWA 2021

Michaela Morris is a wine consultant, lecturer, writer, judge and a WSET educator. A Regional Chair at DWWA 2021, she consults to restaurants and wineries, as well as acting as an ambassador for wine trade bodies

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