2018 Best Trophy Winners
RED WINES
97
Barkan Winery, Superieur Cabernet Sauvignon, Israel, 2012
BEST TROPHY
Dark ruby. Fruity and leathery aromas. Lively, well-integrated firm tannin and acid structure. Ripe fruits, savoury, mint and leather palate. This wine has got a depth of flavour that carries out on the long finish.
Li's Vineyard, Li's Family Collection Shiraz Red Wine, China, 2015
GOLD MEDAL
Nice nose of cream and oak. True to varietal. Balanced, elegant, well-structured with refined tannins. Very well made wine.
95
94
Grover Zampa Vineyards, Vijay Amritraj Reserve Collection Shiraz Red Wine, India, 2015
GOLD MEDAL
Bright purple hue. Moderate fruit tines on the nose - can detect a hint of Syrah that is softened by the Viognier. The palate is gentle, but expressive of ripe, clean fruit. This is an exotic blend.
94
Li's Vineyard, Li's Family Collection Shiraz Red Wine, China, 2015
GOLD MEDAL
Very competent winemaking, ripe tannins, good concentration on nose and palate, creamy oak and dark fruits. Will improve with age in bottle. Long finish.
93
Château Mercian, Château Mercian Kikyogahara Merlot, Japan, 2013
GOLD MEDAL
Light purple hue. Aroma of black plum. Palate is soft with good length and a very soft finish. True to varietal style. Some haunting flavours and a dash of green, but very good.
ROSÉ WINES
97
Grover Zampa Vineyards, Art Collection Rosé, India, 2017
BEST TROPHY
Beautiful colour, attractive aromatics, red berries, bright red fruits and spicy, well-made, balancing acidity, clean dry finish.
WHITE WINES
97
Sapporo Breweries Okayama Winery, Grande Polaire Dry Koshu, Japan, 2016
BEST TROPHY
Light golden tinge, colour of hay and lemon. Aroma has hints of lemon and yuzu. The palate is tight and expressive. Has great depth of fruit and flavours. The acid on the finish would pair well with tempura and yakitori. Good example of Koshu style.
95
Grande Polaire Kasunuma Winery, Grande Polaire Yamanashi Koshu Barrel Fermentation, Japan, 2016
GOLD MEDAL
Fresh and lively citrus on the nose. Layers of complexity of grassy and honey notes, vibrant acidity, long finish.
SPARKLING/SWEET WINES
97
Badagoni, Badagoni Brut, Georgia, 2015
BEST TROPHY
Good colour, refreshing nose, showing varietal characters and complexity, fine bubbles, floral and citrus, long saline finish with hints of minerality. Balanced, well-made, great effort.
97
Xinjiang Silk Road Manor Winery, Chateau Silk Road Ice Wine White, China, 2014
BEST TROPHY
Very appealing deep golden colour and hue. Botrytis character on aroma and palate. Sweet but crisp acid provides pleasing balance on finish. A standout, appealing, very well made wine. Delivers all that you would expect from a classic sweet wine.
93
Grover Zampa Vineyards, Soireé Brut, India, 2015
GOLD MEDAL
Golden bright hue. Pineapple tones on the nose, Chenin varietal is showing. Sherbert style balance of acidity and sweetness. Very lively mousse, flavours carries well with a fresh and dry finish.
94
Hatten Wines, Hatten Pino de Bali, Indonesia, NV
GOLD MEDAL
Tawny colour. Full-bodied. Ginseng, spicy, plum fruit. Well made, good representation of Asia.