TO ALL READERS: The G Top 100 Wines (2016 Edition) has been unveiled. Head on over to thepeakmagazine.com.sg/gwines2016 for full results.
The Top Five Wines
Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec
Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends
Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet
The Panellists | Head Panellist’s Note
Stockists
The Top Five Wines
WHITE WINE OF THE YEARNEWTON JOHNSON, FAMILY VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY 2013
Gold and bright. Forward and intense with coconut, vanilla, citrus, peach, sweet oak, pineapple, mixed tropical fruit and some crisp apple notes. Flavoursome, balanced and complex. Hint of nuts on the finish. Rich yet elegant. The rising star in Hemel en Aarde Valley, along the scenic Hermanus wine route. | |
SWEET WINE OF THE YEARASKERNE, HAWKE’S BAY NOBLE SEMILLON 2007
Deep golden tea colour. Inviting aromatic scent of coconut, cocoa, honeyed apple and Chinese coconut candy. Mouth-filling flavours of pineapple and treacle. Rich but not cloying, with pleasant acidity. Made from clones sourced from two sides of the Tasman sea. | |
RED WINE OF THE YEARMARCHESI DE’ FRESCOBALDI, LUCE DELLA VITE, LUCE, IGT 2012
This racy, expressive wine has dark and red fruit flavours – from plum and cherry to blackberry and currants. With it comes cedar box, chocolate, vanilla and spices, woven with tannins. A befitting sangiovese-merlot blend, from the effort of the Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi families. | |
NON-VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE OF THE YEARLOUIS ROEDERER, BRUT PREMIER NV
Light yellow with medium bubbles. Pound cake and hazelnut, chalk and minerals with florals. Medium-bodied with high acids, yet round with good concentration and balance. Soft ripe fruit including kumquat and apricot, with a long finish.
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VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE OF THE YEARTAITTINGER, COMTES DE CHAMPAGNE BLANC DE BLANCS VINTAGE 2005
Very clear, medium yellow with fine bubbles. Nose of tropical fruit, blue ginger, nuts, bruised red apple and raspberry. Light yet frothy with deep autolysis biscuit character, toast and some caramelised fruit. Citrus fruit, pomelo and duku notes balance out the flavours. This wine finishes nutty toasty, and long. |
Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec
Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends
Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet
CABERNET & BLENDS
CULLEN WINES, CABERNET SAUVIGNON MERLOT 2013 [GOOD BUY]
Purple-red cabernet sauvignon-merlot blend. Attractive cassis, mint and eucalyptus notes. Ripe and intense with blackcurrant, blackberry, cocoa, coffee and some vanilla notes. Medium full-bodied, balanced and with a long finish. | |
ST HUGO, CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010
Deep red; medium intensity with cassis and cedar on the nose. Ripe and intense flavours of blackcurrant, liquorice and cinnamon, and with good structure. Medium full-bodied, balanced and with a long dry finish. | |
ATLANTE, PAOLO E NOEMIA D’ AMICO, CABERNET FRANC 2011
Dense and deep purple-red wine from Umbria. Bold and intense with blackberry, black cherry, cloves, coffee and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, very fine tannins, lengthy and with depth. | |
XANADU, XANADU ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011
This purple-red wine from Margaret River has notes of wood incense, dark plum, liquorice, leather, sandalwood and Chinese tea. Full structure, mediumbodied and with a long dry tannic finish. | |
LA RESERVE DE LEOVILLE BARTON, 2010
This is the second wine of both Chateaux Langoa and Leoville Barton. It is elegant with subtle fruit and oak nuances. It’s attractive, thanks to the soft tannins and longish, powerful finish. | |
SMITH HAUT LAFITTE, LE PETIT HAUT LAFITTE 2010
This bright garnet cabernet sauvignon-merlot blend offers notes of blackcurrant, spices and some mint. The attack is refreshing and pleasant. Soft tannins but still evident. Young but drinking well. | |
RUTINI, ENCUENTRO BARREL BLEND 2010
This deep red blend has dark cherry, prune and cassis aromas, along with leather, spices and oak. It is creamy and bursts with fruit and herbal notes. The cassis and berry flavours settle the medium tannins. It finishes medium long, with a dark-fruit aftertaste. | |
TORRES, MAS LA PLANA 2010
Deep dense red. Dark fruit with some musky notes. Ripe and juicy flavours of black plum, black cherry and coffee. Fleshy, full-bodied, beautifully balanced, with fine tannins and a long finish. | |
RODNEY STRONG BROTHERS, CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011
Deep red, moderate density. Sweet berry nose, ripe and intense flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, cocoa, coffee and liquorice. Full-bodied, structured, balanced and persistent. It can mature for a further five years. | |
PHILIP TOGNI, CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
From Napa Valley, this is a deep dense dark red with a bright red rim. Cedar and black fruit on the nose. Nose of pencil shavings, earth and undergrowth. Medium full-bodied, dry fine tannins, with a dark fruit and smoky aftertaste. Medium acids, creamy ripe tight and long. | |
KENZO ESTATE, RINDO 2010
Medium density, dark red wine from Napa Valley. Cedar and black fruit aroma. Very complex and intense with notes of black plum, black cherry, blackberry, savoury wood spices, cedar, coffee, chocolate and more. Full-bodied, structured, balanced, fine dry tannins, persistent finish. |
Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec
Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends
Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet
CHAMPAGNE
LARNAUDIE-HIRAULT, BRUT CUVEE PRESTIGE PREMIER CRU NV [GOOD BUY]
Light yellow and fine slow bead of bubbles. Lime, ginger, yeast, bread, pear, apple, high acids, and honey nougat notes. Balanced and long. | |
G.H.MUMM, BRUT LE ROSE
Salmon pink with fine bubbles. Aromas of brioche, raspberry, strawberry and white berry. Clean, ripe, intense with pomelo and duku fruit notes. Medium body, balance and long finish. | |
BRUNO PAILLARD, BRUT PREMIERE CUVEE MV
Very clear, medium bold, and medium fine bubbles. Chalky almond with lemon peel and pomelo. Medium body, florals and fresh persistent finish. | |
TAITTINGER, BRUT RESERVE NV
Very clear, pale medium gold with fine bead. Nutty biscuits, brioche, red apple, strudel, walnuts and pear. Complex and light-bodied with good balance and length. | |
PHILIPPONNAT, ROYALE RESERVE BRUT NV
Light gold champagne with slow bead. Notes of honey and ripe apple, some chalk and minerals with lemongrass. Medium full-bodied and lengthy in the finish. | |
JOSEPH PERRIER, CUVEE ROYALE DEMI SEC NV
Light yellow and fine bubbles. Floral, nutty with honey, brioche and hint of shiitake. Intense palate with ripe fruit, yellow plum, mango, pomelo and mandarin orange. Medium-bodied, lively and light-footed. Wonderful balance. | |
PAUL DETHUNE, BLANC DE NOIRS, GRAND CRU NV
Crystal clear with medium- gold tones. Honey nougat nose and apple. Light body, good acids and with a dry, long finish. The wine offers minerals in the mouth and has a fine texture, along with grapefruit, lemon peel and ginger blossom flavours. | |
PIERRE PETERS, CUVEE DE RESERVE GRAND CRU NV
Medium gold with fine bubbles. Spicy with flowers, acacia, pear, apple and a touch of honey and yeast. Clean and flush with white fruit. Good length, finishing austere but ever so complex. | |
VIEILLE France, BLANC DE NOIRS BRUT NV | VIEILLE France, BLANC DE NOIRS BRUT NV
Light gold champagne made of 100 per cent chardonnay. Nutty biscuits with gunflint, grass and walnut. Medium full-bodied with grapefruit, brioche, buttered toast and spices on the palate. Complex and medium length. |
HENRI GIRAUD FUT DE CHENE BRUT MV
Very clear gold champagne made of chardonnay and pinot noir. Slow bubble rate and few bubbles. Apricot, yellow plum, mango and kumquat with some floral nuances. Light and dry with dried lemon, apple, and pear on the palate. Medium full, soft, round and long. |
Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec
Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends
Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet
Chardonnay
Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec
Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends
Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet
Dry White Wine – Various
D’ARENBERG, D’ARENBERG THE LAST DITCH VIOGNIER 2010 [GOOD BUY]
Straw-coloured wine with aromas of chamomile, dried persimmon, clotted cream, oak, butter and banana liqueur. Medium finish and quite delightful. | |
BRANCOTT ESTATE, LETTER SERIES MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013
The pioneer of sauvignon blanc in the Marlborough region offers a wine that is flavoursome and textured. This wine exhibits its signature style of passionfruit, guava, pomelo, gooseberry, lime, white pepper and more. It is also balanced and crisp with a long finish. | |
VOYAGER ESTATE,VOYAGER ESTATE CHENIN BLANC 2014
A pale straw wine with notes of peach, apricot, orange and custard apple. Balanced with a nice soft entry and a medium finish. Excellent example of the varietal. | |
LIVIO FELLUGA, PINOT GRIGIO 2013
Italy’s pinot grigio specialist offers a complex, engaging wine with this oft-overlooked variety. Refined and flavoursome with lime, white florals, white stone fruit, herbs and apple. A soft but balanced long finish. | |
M.CHAPOUTIER, M.CHAPOUTIER CONDRIEU ‘INVITARE’ 2013
Straw-medium gold wine with aromatic florals complemented by a hint of peas, yellow plum, apricot and nectarines. Fat, weighty, balanced, long and with a spicy finish. Opulent! |
Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec
Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends
Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet
NEBBIOLO
BALBI SOPRANI NEBBIOLO D’ALBA 2012 [GOOD BUY]
Elegant wine, underlined by crushed raspberry, sandalwood and small red fruit. Medium tannins with mouthwatering fruit. Ready for drinking. | |
CORDERO DI MONTEZEMOLO, LANGHE NEBBIOLO DOC 2010
This nebbiolo has tawny hues and notes of wild cherry, violet and pepper. Chewy tannins, leather and meat flavours, balanced by fruit. Will continue developing for up to 10 years. | |
ALDO CLERICO, BAROLO 2010
Brown rust-coloured wine with aromas of dried leaves and cherry, with a hint of wood, and forest floor. Still young, but opens up with swirling. Elegant, attractive, structured, with grippy tannins; but everything is well-balanced. | |
PELASSA, BAROLO 2009 | PELASSA, BAROLO 2009
Brown colour with orange highlights. Developed nose with cherry, vanilla, violet and candy floss. Harmonious and with finesse; a little bit woody. |
PAOLO SCAVINO, BAROLO CAROBRIC 2006
A blend of three crus, this wine oozes the classic aromas – cherry, raspberry, mushroom, red berry, nuts, herbs and flowers. There is depth and breadth with super tannins; lots of room to grow. | |
DOMENICO CLERICO, CIABOT MENTIN BAROLO DOCG 2009
Crafted in the modern style, this barolo is racy and rare. Fresh violet, cherry, vanilla, dried coconut, tobacco – all woven subtly together. Complex, long finish. Potential to evolve. |
Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec
Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends
Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet
MALBEC
TRAPICHE, TERROIR SERIES FINCA DOMINGO SARMIENTO MALBEC 2009 [GOOD BUY]
Dense red purple with bright red rim. Notes of lightly oaked red berry and plum. Full-bodied dry wine with flavours of crushed red berry, spices, chocolate and blackberry. Balanced, elegant, structured, layered, finely textured, persistent, creamy and with a long finish. Utterly delicious. |
Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec
Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends
Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet
MERLOT BLENDS
BARRIERE FRERES, GRAND BATEAU BORDEAUX ROUGE 2011 [GOOD BUY]
Layered with black fruit, tea leaves, meat and spices. This merlotcabernet franc blend is the fruit of a collaboration between Maison Barriere and sister company Chateau Beychevelle. | |
CHATEAU CORBIN, XX DE CORBIN 2010
Chateau Corbin is one of the oldest estates in Saint-Emilion. This merlot- cabernet franc has nuances of spearmint, currants and crushed berries, alongside toast and wet earth notes. Has depth. Nice acids, tight and firm all the way through. Enjoy with roast goose, sauteed beef and the like | |
CHATEAU HAUT SAINT-CLAIR, PUISSEGUIN SAINT EMILION 2010
Beautiful fruit; juicy and lovely presentation. Multifaceted with currants, pastilles and a touch of sweetness. Warm and balanced. This merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon blend has finesse. |
Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec
Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends
Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet
PINOT NOIR
BRANCOTT ESTATE, TERRACES MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2010 [GOOD BUY]
Smoky with sour cherry, leather and spices. Fine tannins, a light creaminess and mid-palate persistence. Good intensity and long finish. | |
PICARDY PINOT NOIR 2012
This Western Australian wine is herbal with cherry, bacon, almond and strawberry. Precise, defined fruit, balanced, dry, fresh with a long finish. Enjoy within three years. | |
ROBERT FOLEY, PINOT NOIR 2011
Deep ruby with cranberry, cherry, leather, spices and hints of truffle earth and raspberry. Has potential to evolve. Only in its third vintage, this could be an up and coming wine to watch. | |
BERNHARD HUBER, BIENENBERG SPATBURGUNDER GG 2011
Medium ruby. Smoky and grassy with sour cherry and strawberry. Medium-bodied, dry with graphite and fruit nuances. Elegant. | |
DOMAINE PIERRE DAMOY, GEVREY CHAMBERTIN CLOS TAMISOT 2011
Medium ruby. Smoke and spices underlining wild strawberry, dark cherry and rose. Medium- bodied with fine tannins and soft creamy fruit. The wine is enjoyable now, yet should mature splendidly. | |
MEYER-NAKEL, SPATBURGUNDER S TROCKEN 2012
Deep garnet. Smoky with spices, cherry and florals. There are notes of fresh flowers, red berry and even some braised meat. It has elegance, finesse and a long finish. |
Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec
Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends
Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet
RIESLING
SHAW VINEYARD ESTATE, WINEMAKERS SELECTION RIESLING 2014 [GOOD BUY]
From Canberra District, this coolclimate wine is an unexpected but impressive wine with aromas of green plum, green apple, camomile and golden kiwi. | |
VINA CHOCALAN, MALVILLA RIESLING 2009 [GOOD BUY]
Pale gold with nuances of banana liqueur, kerosene, chrysanthemum and dried lemon peel. Forward and minerally; a touch of salinity elevates this wine of medium maturity. | |
ZIND HUMBRECHT, RIESLING 2012
Buttery and honeyed with lime, limestone, sour green mango and a long full finish. From Alsace’s keenest proponent of biodynamic farming. | |
KUNSTLER, HOCHHEIM HOLLE 2008
Reminiscent of wet pebbles on a sunny day, this medium-gold wine is creamy, lemony and honeyed all at the same time. Long finish. | |
REICHSGRAF VON KESSELSTATT, GRAACH JOSEPHSHOFER RIESLING GG 2012
Pale-gold riesling with white florals, lanolin, citrus and ripe lemon peel. Honeyed with minerals, concentrated but lean. |
Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec
Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends
Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet
SANGIOVESE & TUSCAN WINE
PIANCORNELLO, ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2011 [GOOD BUY]
Garnet with brown highlights. Plenty of red fruit with mushroom and chocolate. Medium-bodied, long velvety finish with spicy notes, and ripe plum. Excellent example of a traditional style aged in older tonneaux. | |
TENUTA IL POGGIONE, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2009
Brick red, cherry and plum with some candied fruit. Minerally, steely, balanced and smooth. Lightly warm in the finish. | |
CAPARZO, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2010
Garnet with some amber tones. Meaty, with sweet strawberry, cherry and purple flowers. Heavy tannins, bittersweet finish and harmonious from beginning to end. | |
FELSINA, CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2010
Wild berries with some minty and stalky nuances on the nose. Savoury flavours that include herbs, spices and sweet ripe fruit. Tight and longish finish. | |
CASANOVA DI NERI, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010
A very fruit-driven wine with aromas of mint and sea salt. There are cherry, plum, small fruit and even some herbs. Tannins balanced by lots of fruit. The finish is vibrant. | |
PIANCORNELLO, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010
Ripe strawberry, dried cherry and very ripe sweet fruit on the palate. Medium tannins and lovely finish. | |
IL MOLINO DI GRACE, IL MARGONE SELEZIONE 2010, CHIANTI CLASSICO
Ruby red with garnet reflections. Preserved cherry on the nose and developing cured plum in the mouth. Some development is detected and there is good structure in this wine with high tannins. Good for maturation. | |
AVIGNONESI, VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2010
Sweet fruit including strawberry and raspberry. The fruit continues on the palate, with some earth, cocoa and spices coming through. Balanced and | |
LA VELONA, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2008
Sweet plum giving way to ripe berries. Some cherry and meat flavours, nice chewy tannins and a finish that’s warm and long. | |
MASTROJANNI, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010
Ruby red with a hint of mint on the nose. Lovely sweet red berry and currants on the palate. Fresh acids, tannins, juicy, leading up to a savoury finish. |
Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec
Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends
Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet
SHIRAZ, SYRAH & BLENDS
SHAW VINEYARD ESTATE, WINEMAKERS SELECTION SHIRAZ 2009 [GOOD BUY]
Ripe dark cherry, spices, plum, mixed red and black fruit, smoke and spice in the nose and mouth. Good sticky tannins, creamy texture and fairly long finish. | |
TERRAS D’ALTER, OUTEIRO RED 2012 [GOOD BUY]
With a healthy dose of petit verdot, this syrah blend from Alentejo seduces with its smoky cocoa-chocolate-raspberry fruit notes and savoury-spicy dry finish. | |
CAVE DE CLAIRMONT, CROZES-HERMITAGE 2010
Complex with a vibrant nose of spices, flowers, pink peppercorn, dried orange peel, red fruit, earth, strawberry and red berry. Ripe and structured with a long finish. | |
ARAMIS, ARAMIS BLACK LABEL SHIRAZ 2008
This wine is intense with dark spicy notes, incorporating black pepper, blackberry, eucalyptus, mocha, liquorice and currants. Medium acids, balanced, dry and with a very long finish. | |
ANVERS WINES, ANVERS SHIRAZ 2007
A McLaren Vale wine that is brimming with ripe red fruit. Full structure with high acidity, fine grained tannins, oaky with blackberry and blackcurrant and a long finish. | |
PICARDY, SHIRAZ 2011
This cool-climate shiraz with sweet red fruit tastes European. Some viognier and malbec were added to the blend to bring out the complexity and fresh fruit flavours. | |
MOUNT LANGI GHIRAN, CLIFF EDGE SHIRAZ 2013
From Victoria, this wine is ruby in colour with orange highlights. Citrus peel, kirsch, with hint of pepper and leather. Medium full-bodied, good concentration, notable acids upon entry, balanced and eminently drinkable. | |
SCHILD ESTATE, BAROSSA VALLEY SHIRAZ 2013
This deep ruby wine exhibits red currant, with nuances of mint and blue flowers. Dryness on the back palate and a longish finish. | |
CHATEAU MARIS, LA TOUGE SYRAH 2011
From the Minervois-La Liviniere commune comes this syrahgrenache that is vinified in concrete and oak foudre. Bottled and unfiltered, this organic wine is succulent and redolent of smoke, bacon, farmyard, blackberry, wild herbs, olive and pepper. | |
DOMAINE DE L’ECHEVIN GUILLAUME DE ROUVILLE 2012
Deep dense wine with a restrained nose. The syrah and grenache blend offers aromas of dried red and black fruit, leather and a hint of farmyard. Medium full-bodied, structured and with an elegant, long finish. | |
GROVER ZAMPA, GROVER LA RESERVE 2012
Fashioned by Michel Rolland, this deep ruby wine made from shiraz and cabernet brings with it beguiling aromas of rosewater, red berry and flowers. Long finish and reminiscent of a Crozes. | |
JACOB’S CREEK, ST HUGO SHIRAZ 2010
St Hugo, named after the grandson of Johann Gramp (founder of Orlando wines which owns Jacob’s Creek), is better known for its iconic cabernet. This shiraz stands out too, with flavours of pomegranate, maraschino cherry and dark fruit, alongside a long finish. | |
BROTHERS IN ARMS VINEYARD, BROTHERS IN ARMS SHIRAZ 2007
A Langhorne Creek wine with a deep opaque centre, black fruit with a hint of florals, leather and spice. Layered with flavours of stewed fruit and candied peel. Grippy tannins and quite a big wine. | |
FIVE GEESE, JON’S BLOCK RESERVE SHIRAZ 2012
Moderate temperatures and sandy soils at a high-elevation vineyard in McClaren Vale contribute to the rich aromas of red fruit, red berry, rose and a leafy freshly crushed peppery taste. Chocolate and violet nuances make this a memorable wine. | |
E. GUIGAL, COTEROTIE BRUNE ET BLONDE DE GUIGAL 2007
Fragrant wine with florals, spices, herbs, pepper and blackberry. An elegant, full, dry and balanced wine with a long finish.
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TORBRECK, BAROSSA VALLEY RUNRIG 2009
An Australian cult wine with aromas of dried berries, citrus and raisin. Reminiscent of amarone, this Barossa Valley wine is quite unique in style, with a dry, ripe and slightly warm finish. |
Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec
Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends
Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet
SOUTHERN ITALIAN
CALCAGNO ANTONINO FRANCESCO, ETNA ROSSO ARCURIA DOC 2013 [HIDDEN GEM]
Unique nose of sour plum, white pepper, spices and leather. Firm and lightly stemmy with a lean structure and medium body. Dry tannins and intense finish; great with roast or grilled meats and cheeses. Nerello Mascalese grape of Sicily’s Etna. | |
FARNESE, EDIZIONE CINQUE AUTOCTONI 2013
Notes of caramelised cherry with earth and sun-ripened flavours of black cherry with a hint of hay, peppers, cocoa and liquorice. Intriguing blend of primitivo, sangiovese, negroamaro, malvasia rosso and montepulciano. | |
MARABINO, ARCHIMEDE 2012
Ruby red wine from Sicily. Mixed fruit aromas, with flavours of cherry and plum. Full-bodied, strong tannins but velvety texture. It comes across quite masculine and long. |
Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec
Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends
Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet
SOUTHERN RHONE
ROGER SABON, CHATEAUNEUFDU- PAPE RESERVE 2012
Straightforward but blooms into a mouthful of spices and blue fruit flavours. Balanced and full-bodied, with a velvety sweetish finish. Unmistakable Chateauneuf with 80 per cent grenache and 10 per cent each of syrah and mourvedre. |
Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec
Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends
Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet
SPANISH WINE
VALDUERO, VALDUERO RESERVA 2009
Deep ruby wine that’s gushing with strawberry, raspberry, mint, chocolate and vanilla. Medium acids, dry and ripe finish. Drinkable, but, if you allow this modern-styled wine to mature for several years, you will be rewarded. | |
MARQUES DE MURRIETA, CASTILLO YGAY RESERVA 2005
This traditional-styled wine is drinking well but is an excellent candidate for mid-term maturation. Deep ruby with a pungent bouquet of red berry and oak. Rich fine tannins. Very enjoyable. Quite delicious. |
Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec
Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends
Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet
SPARKLING WINE
Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec
Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends
Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet
SWEET WINE
SHAW VINEYARD ESTATE, PREMIUM BOTRYTIS SEMILLON 2008 [GOOD BUY]
The 2014 Sweet Wine of the Year continues to impress with mature notes of rose and ripe chiku. Textured palate with good structure. | |
OLSEN WINES, THE OLD BAILEY 10 YEAR OLD
Luscious, intense and plush, this wine made of muscat is liquid dessert with flavours of brown sugar, treacle, caramel and roasted walnut. The finish is dry, long and warm. | |
OREMUS, TOKAJI ASZU 6 PUTTONYOS 2003
Vega Sicilia’s sweet Hungarian wine is medium-bodied with a clean, lively tart finish. Aromas and flavours straddle that of roasted barley, ripe pineapple, sour cream and custard apple. | |
GROOT CONSTANTIA, GRAND CONSTANCE 2012
South Africa’s oldest wine estate offers an iconic wine made of red and white muscat de frontignan. It has a complex nose of honeysuckle, rose, eucalyptus and apricot. The entry is smooth, the finish a little short but what a lovely bittersweet ending it gives! |
Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec
Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends
Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet
PANELLISTS
| EDWIN SOON Trained as an economist and an oenologist, Soon is an international wine consultant who moderated the wine tastings. Author of several books on wine, tea and food, he now also nurtures sommeliers. |
| DANIEL CHIA The lecturer at Temasek Polytechnic’s Culinary & Catering Management Diploma programme also co-developed the Asian Wine Lexicon and is the President/ Convivium Leader of Slow Food (Singapore). |
| SANDY CHNG A chef by training since 1996, Chng is a sommelier with Singapore Airlines and a wine educator with Wines and Spirits Education Trust of London. He is certified by the Society of Wine Educators and the Court of Master Sommeliers. |
| TAN KAH HIN The founder and grand seneschal of the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin was past president of the International Wine & Food Society of Singapore and co-founder of the Commanderie de Bordeaux and Ordre des Coteaux. |
| JANICE KOH The first Singaporean female to achieve a Certified Sommelier certification by the Court of Master Sommeliers, Koh fell in love with wine while studying at Le Cordon Bleu in Australia. |
| NICOLA LEE A second-generation member of the Commanderie de Bordeaux Singapore, Lee is the Consul General of the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne in Singapore. |
| LAM FOOK PING The recipient of the wine scholarship by Asian Gastronomic Awards of Excellence in 2011, Lam is on a never-ending journey to expand his knowledge on oenology. |
| STEPHANIE RIGOURD Rigourd graduated from Tain L’Hermitage Sommelier School, formerly serving as commis sommelier for Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte and head sommelier of Le Charlemagne. She is the wine director at Raffles Hotel Singapore. |
| TAN YING HSIEN He recently qualified as the first Singaporean Master of Wine, the most prestigious global wine qualification. Tan owns Taberna Wine Academy where he hosts tastings and classes. He also speaks and judges at wine events extensively. |
| MAGDELENE TANG Owner of the quaint Mag’s Wine Kitchen off Boat Quay, Tang is a banker-turned-chef who lives to cook, eat, drink and travel. She prefers to be called Mag. |
| CHRISTINE YAP Yap has been a keen wine enthusiast since 1991. A member of the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, she particularly loves Old World reds. |
Head Panellist’s Note
[dropcap size=small]I[/dropcap]n its sixth year and ninth iteration, the Gourmet and Travel Top 100 Wines is a compilation of the most exciting wines of the year.
Eleven panellists were tasked with blind-tasting, judging and rating wines using a 20-point scoring system. About 200 wines were submitted, and 100 of them earned their places among the Top 100 Wines of 2015. This selection reflects the judges’ idea of what makes a great wine, and is a representation of bottles they would personally buy.
The designation of “Hidden Gem” was given to a wine style/variety that is lesser known, but shows a lot of promise. The judges also highlighted certain wines as “Good Buys” – these are wines offering everyday drinking pleasure.
The Top 100 list also recognises outstanding producers and importers that have made the effort, in terms of proper wine storage and handling. This year, compared with previous years, only one wine was rejected (for being corked), reflecting the current excellent carriage and storage condition of wines in Singapore.
After two days of tasting at One Farrer Hotel and Spa, along with support from wine glass partner Sia Huat and wine cabinet partner Vintec, five labels were chosen as Wines of the Year. Each of these scored at least 18 points – they were blind-tasted then retasted – and pronounced by the judging panel to be exceptionally remarkable. They consist of Red Wine of the Year, White Wine of the Year, Sweet Wine of the Year, NV Champagne of the Year and Vintage Champagne of the Year. Together with the other 95 wines, these wines reflect the best tipples in Singapore today.
Of particular note, this year saw the entry of numerous chardonnays of exceptional quality. The same can be said of champagnes: 80 per cent of champagnes submitted made the grade. That aside, due to the high quality and large number of both vintage and non-vintage champagnes, the panellists felt that they should be tasted and graded separately — as vintage champagnes are not only more costly, they are also better for long-term ageing, while non-vintage are more ideal for immediate enjoyment.
This year, 32 importer-distributors participated and wines came from 16 countries, including a good number from Italy and Germany, and a sprinkling from Spain and Argentina. We hope you will enjoy our 2015 list!
Signed, Edwin Soon
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