2018 Awards | Top 12
97
Badagoni, Georgia, Badagoni BRUT 2015 - Kakhetan Mtsave
BEST SPARKLING
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.
93
Grover Zampa Vineyards, India, Soirée Brut 2015 - Chenin Blanc
GOLD MEDAL
Golden bright hue. Pineapple tones on the nose, Chenin varietal is showing. Sherbet style balance of acidity and sweetness. Very lively mousse, flavours carries well with a fresh and dry finish.
97
Sapporo Breweries Okayama Winery, Japan, Grande Polaire Dry Koshu 2016 - Koshu
BEST WHITE
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 Katsunuma Winery, Japan, Grande Polaire Yamanashi Koshu Barrel Fermentation 2016 - Koshu
GOLD MEDAL
Fresh and lively citrus on the nose. Layers of complexity of grassy and honey notes, vibrant acidity, long finish.
Grover Zampa Vineyards, India, Art Collection Rosé 2017 - Shiraz
BEST ROSÉ
Beautiful colour, bright red hue, attractive aromatics, red berries, bright red fruits and spicy, well-made balancing acidity. A great example of the potential of a rosé produced in Asia.
97
97
Barkan Winery, Israel, Superieur Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
BEST RED
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, China, Li's Family Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine 2015 - Cabernet Sauvignon
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, India, Vijay Amritraj Reserve Collection Red 2015 - Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Viognier
GOLD MEDAL
Bright purple hue. Moderate fruit tones 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, China, Li's Family Collection Shiraz Red Wine, 2015 - Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
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, Japan, Château Mercian Kikyogahara Merlot 2013 - Merlot
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.
97
Xingjiang Silk Road Manor Winery, China, Chateau Silkroad Ice Wine White 2014 - Vidal, Riesling
BEST SWEET
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.
94
Hatten Wines, Indonesia, Hatten Wines Pino de Bali NV - Belgia, Alphonse Lavalleé
GOLD MEDAL
Tawny colour. Full bodied. Ginseng, spicy, plum fruit. Well made, good representation of Asia.