Sommelier Wine Awards 2014 Winners

Effortless lightness alongside inspiring aromatics and great value gave Sharpham a coveted By The Glass award, as well as Gold.

'Spicy and exotic on the nose, with pear chutney aromas mixing with basil and grape notes,' said Hotel du Vin Brighton's Zigmars Grinbergs of this blend of Madeleine Angevine, Bacchus and Phoenix. The palate showed a range of citrus, peach and green flavours. Pair with lightly sauced scallop dishes or goats' cheese salads.

£6.80 Sharpham Wines

Wonderful to see Turckheim's Silver of 2013 make it to Gold this year.

'Delicious, with balance, structure and typicity,' said team leader Annette Scarfe MW approvingly.

'With flavours of cranberry and bramble, the palate is plush with ripe tannins and a sweet 'n' savoury finish,' said Mark Perlaki of Hotel du Vin Harrogate. Match with monkfish fillet with tomato and chorizo sauce or lamb chops with sage pesto.

£8.55 Boutinot

A winner from the start, the richer honeyed notes, oily texture and well-balanced complexity illustrate why this wine won the tricky Green Thai Curry Food Match award as well. Baked apple, cooked pear and apricot flavours run alongside an underlying spiciness on the fragrant, honeysuckle-infused palate with a waxy texture.

£9.49 Matthew Clark

With plenty of personality already, this wine still has promise.

'Super-bright in the glass, the perfumed nose shows apple, white flowers, kerosene and minerality. Intense and focused, one to watch,' said Matthew Cocks of Cubitt House Group. Team leader Laura Rhys MS added: 'Great benchmark Riesling. Pair with gravadlax or tuna tartare.'

£12.27 Maisons Marques et Domaines

Impressive structure and drinking well now, serious cellar potential set this wine apart.

'There's a lovely balance between the cedar wood and ripe red and black fruits. An elegant wine,' said team leader Laura Rhys MS. Food match suggestions included duck breast but centred on beef, whether of the roast, stewed or sirloin kind.

£17.84 Enotria&Coe

Complexity and the classic Pinot quality made this the wine to swoon over, winning it a well-deserved Critics Choice award. Yes, it was pricey, but despite that, the judges loved its evolved nose of tar, truffles, cinnamon and leather.

'Balanced and fresh, it's an elegant palate – to be drunk now!' said consultant sommelier Nicolas Clerc MS. Food tips majored on meat and game or – you guessed it – truffles.

£49.85 Boutinot

Scoring highly on 'deliciousness' and 'value for money', this pretty wine is 'very floral on the nose, with pretty red fruits and smoky oak overlay', said consultant Patricia Stefanowicz MW, adding: 'Nicely integrated juicy palate with sillky texture and good freshness.'
Pair with game or beef Bourguignon.

£24.60 Berkmann Wine Cellars

Still youthful, this already shows great class.

'Lovely aromatics, with lemon blossom and white peach,' said consultant Patricia Stefanowicz MW.

'Soft and open-knit, this is proper, elegant Burgundy,' said The Tate Group's Hamish Anderson, adding: 'Lightweight but good. Try with simply prepared turbot.'

£16.85 Boutinot

Value and personality marked this wine out from the start.

'Rich, ripe, tense and vibrant, with a solid core of fruit and firm minerals to balance,' said team leader Simon Woods.

'Opulent and interesting,' said The Tate Group's Hamish Anderson. Match with butter-roasted veal chop.

£18.74 Hatch Mansfield

One of only five wines to score two special awards, this great value wine has lovely buttery typicity.

'Tastes like Burgundy should,' said Gold List co-ordinator Christine Parkinson. Rounded, juicy and rich. Ram Chhetri of Bread Street Kitchen said: 'Subtle, elegant style without overpowering oak, this has a good balance of lemon, pear, lees and creamy flavours.'

£8.00 Boutinot

Benchmark Chablis, freshness and well-integrated minerality gave Jean Defaix Gold. Complex on the nose, the palate is rich and dry, balanced with 'an uplifting, clean, mineral finish', according to Sarah Guignard of The French Table. Aim for oysters and seafood, said team leader Tom Forrest.

£12.69 Bibendum

Showing real typicity, this, our first Chablis Gold, impressed with its mineral flourish on the finish, its attractive lees notes, its bright stone fruit and citrus notes, and its fresh acidity.

'Greater complexity and texture than many, this shows a nice touch of lime marmalade,' said Stuart Skea of 21212.

£9.13 Majestic Commercial

Age and beauty in this more mature style of Chablis.

'Nice caramelised notes. This has a classic profile, with nuts, cooked white fruits and intense minerality,' said Nerea Sorribes of 28°-50° Marylebone.

'With toasty, ripe citrus flavours, this is more food-friendly,' said team leader Laura Rhys MS.

'Think pork belly with candied apples.'

£37.37 Liberty Wines

'With its lovely freshness, this is a great example of Chablis at this price point,' said team leader Laura Rhys MS. Match with grilled sole with candied lemon sauce.

£10.50 Boutinot

An understated elegance achieved Gold for Brocard.

'This has a complex nose of mineral and savoury notes and a lingering finish,' said Gordon Lawrence of Fifteen Cornwall.

'More complex, but fresh and well defined, with its delicious mix of fruit, citrus and wet stone flavours,' said team leader Laura Rhys MS, adding: 'Match with fish pie – the wine has a lovely acidity that will cut through the sauce.'

£15.88 Berkmann Wine Cellars

A beguiling alliance of zest and minerality, this is fresh and fruity, with lemon peel, limes, green apples and gooseberry, and the whiff of smoky gunflint.

'Elegant and refined palate,' said consultant sommelier Nicolas Clerc MS.

'Delivers a lot for the price,' said team leader Laura Rhys MS.

£11.69 Enotria&Coe

Freshness, spice and a long finish more than made their mark – just listen to what Olivier Marie of Coq d'Argent had to say: 'Flavours of apple alongside aromas of jasmine, freshly cut grass, tarragon, mint and hints of passion fruit.'
Couple that with good intensity of gooseberry and spice, and a fresh, mineral and lemon finish, and it's no wonder Joseph Mellot picked up Gold.

£9.76 Hatch Mansfield

Minerality, tang and spice led this to the top.

'Cooler fruit, with zesty lemon freshness. This has lovely incisive minerality and a saline character,' said Olivier Marie of Coq d'Argent.

'The minerality is subtle and earthy, while the palate is elegant, with green fruit and lemon backbone. Best with food,' added team leader, Peter McCombie MW.

£7.31 Juckes of Worcester

Sweet fruit, judicious oaking, well-integrated tannins and fantastic value won this wine a spot on the By The Glass list as well as a coveted Food Match award - one of only five wines to do the double this year. Consultant sommelier Nicolas Clerc MS praised the balance and racy nature, 'earthy, truffle and bay leaf, juicy and rich palate'. Ragout, rib eye steak or puy lentil dishes were reckoned to be the ideal food matches.

£8.50 Boutinot

Richness, texture and a lyrical complexity set this wine apart. Fragrant aromas of white flowers, peach and Nashi pear mix with fresh almonds, spice, a hint of cumin and a note of wax, while the palate is round anf fleshy, with a distinct mineral freshness.

'A generous touch and length,' said consultant sommelier Nicolas Clerc MS. Lobster ravioli was regarded as the ultimate match.

£20.86 Enotria&Coe

A seductive complexity allied to lovely bright, ripe fruit and length won this wine fans.

'Aromas of crème de mûre, garrigue, blackberry and dark grape jam, and a faint hint of animal character,' said Athila Roos of The Arts Club, adding: 'Juicy, spicy, warming and generous. Crying out for autumn food around the fireplace.'

£15.26 Enotria&Coe

Big can be beautiful, as ably demonstrated here.

'Big smoky oak is layered with brambles, leather and Christmas cake,' said team leader Neil Bruce, adding: 'Plenty of power.'
'Classic Rhône, with a dark core of fruit. Grippy, long, fine and very complex,' said Athila Roos of The Arts Club.

£23.67 Enotria&Coe

Perfumed and well balanced, spicy and complex, with delicious typicity and value for Rhône. Team leader Laura Rhys MS said: 'A really elegant style, with pure fruit, great potential and lovely freshness. Match with roast ox.'

£25.33 Enotria&Coe

What a winner! From the off, this wine's heady aromas evoke good Syrah, and the quality fruit, flavour and balance inspired all who crossed its path.

'Juicy berry fruit, well-integrated tannins with some hints of sweet spice,' said a happy Katherine Balanovsky of Michael Caines at Abode Manchester. Food match suggestions were plentiful, including duck and plum sauce, Anjou pigeon, beef carpaccio, stews, foie gras and Sunday roast… Inspiring indeed.

£9.41 Bibendum

Although youthful, with a bright future ahead, this already shone. Dark cherry and blackcurrant notes mix with crème de mûre on an intense palate, with meaty, jammy notes and much oak.

'The luscious berry character shines through, with an elegant body and lipsmacking, juicy finish,' said team leader Jenny Mackenzie, while Athila Roos of The Arts Club simply said: 'Superlative and well balanced.'

£19.94 Bibendum

Another magical, textured wine from the maestros at Saint Cosme. Exotic floral, apricot and peach aromas run alongside honeyed notes of saffron, ginger and vanilla.

'Viognier is present. The palate is ripe, tropical and pure, with pineapple and apricot, and the best sort of minerally finish,' said Gus Gluck of Vinoteca.

£35.34 Bibendum

Arriving in style, our first Jura Gold. Spicy and elegant, with subtle floral notes mixed with pear flavours on the nose.

'The palate is very crisp, fresh and intense, with a mouthwatering finish,' said Matthieu Longuere MS of Le Cordon Bleu.

'Very mineral, almost Koshu-like,' said competition director Chris Losh.

'It's effortless – it blows through your palate.'
Try with crab mayonnaise.

£14.96 Bibendum

Great value and a rich finish propelled this to Gold status.

'Deep and youthful, with gentle aromas and a fresh finish,' said team leader Neil Bruce, adding: 'Very good fruit – pure and lightly crunchy.'
'Ferrous and floral, this is quite firm and a bit edgy,' said team leader Peter McCombie MW. Match with meat, whether it be rare duck or grilled chicken or beef.

£5.72 Cockburn & Campbell, Richmond Caterers, RI Wines of Ascot

Ripe and concentrated. The oxidative style wowed the judges with its distinctive elegance.

'Notes of blue cheese, chestnuts, almond and honey on the mouth,' said Stefano Marro of Caravaggio Restaurant.

'Dry and lean, wtih really pure, flinty, oxidative notes and a very fresh finish,' said Matthieu Longuere MS of Le Cordon Bleu.

£21.45 Templar Wines

Another stunning value wine from the South, this is richly fruited with a pleasing complexity. Luigi Buonanno of Etrusca Restaurants said: 'With redcurrants and herbs, the palate is good – fruity, with well-extracted tannins and good length.'
Great By The Glass, and ideal with game, casserole, Cornish pasty or bangers and mash.

£5.45 Liberty Wines

Plenty of spicy concentration adds up to a Gold medallist just made for roast lamb. With juicy red and dark fruit, and herbaceous hints adding complexity, this is rich and powerful.

'Enjoyable now, but with potential to carry on a while,' said Ram Chhetri of Bread Street Kitchen.

£11.75 Liberty Wines

Strength and poise won the day for Prieuré St Jean, with its expressive nose. The Tate Group's Hamish Anderson said: 'Rich wine with minerals alongside earthy, rustic tannins. Dark and brambly, I like it.'
Team leader Nigel Lister agreed, suggesting either grilled barbecue meats or whole lamb brushed with rosemary.

£20.25 The Flying Corkscrew

Earthy and ambitious, this entranced the judges.

'Elegant, violet perfume with blackcurrant leaves leading to well-rounded fruit on the palate and a lovely fresh finish,' said Claire Love of Loves Restaurant.

'A sweet nose of oak and cherry. Very silky and smooth,' noted Alimentum's Maxwell Allwood, while team leader Peter McCombie MW said: 'This opens up remarkably in the glass. A keeper.'

£25.00 Arcadian Wines

Floral elegance and garrigue inspiration took this wine all the way.

'Cassis, currants and sweet spices run alongside herbal notes, spicy overtones and fresh, elderflower blossom acidity,' said Claire Love of Loves Restaurant.

'Rich and tannic,' added Maxwell Allwood of Alimentum. Match with beef.

£11.76 Enotria&Coe

Exceptional value and wonderful balance wins South of France this Gold. Juicy plums and cherries mix with warm spices and floral perfume.

'Good concentration of cassis on the nose, with a good balance of sweet Morello cherries and a tantalising menthol note,' said Claire Love of Loves Restaurant. Perfect with grilled meat.

£5.42 Liberty Wines

Aromatic and gastronomic inspiration from Schloss Gobelsburg with this. Apricot notes mix with white spice, dill, green pepper and acacia flowers, while the palate sports flavours of melon and pears, minerals and spice.

'I’d pair this with crab or sole with lemongrass,' said a happy Michael Moore of Enigma 88, while The Vineyard at Stockcross's Alan Holmes chose pork with sweet spices.

£13.04

Spice and complexity brings this Gold. With a pepper edge alongside elegant floral notes, anise, citrus fruit, pear and red apple flavours, this is a generous style of Grüner. The palate shows ripe fruit, with a tropical flourish on a lengthy finish.

£8.66 Clark Foyster Wines

'Polished, complex, intense and exhibiting finesse. I could sell this at £70, no sweat. Consumers will be intrigued by it as a novelty,' said Matthieu Longuere MS of Le Cordon Bleu. Consultant Caroline Symington suggested a match with pigeon breast with berries.

£22.00

Its elegance and fine-boned structure, not to mention its velvety tannins and versatility, made this one of the most garlanded wines of this year’s competition. Spicy, earthy aromas of dense dark fruits and sour cherries lead to more of the same on a medium-bodied palate, with good acidity and a cinnamon flourish on the finish. Versatile on the food front, it scooped the pizza Food Award, but that's just the beginning. Definitely one to write home about.

£8.75 Alpine Wines

Focus and precision, and a step up in complexity won our judges' hearts. Ripe and round with spices and minerals, there's a little tutti frutti on the palate, with confit lemons and good balance.

'So much more sense of place,' said team leader Simon Woods.

'This is a great food wine, and still at a very good price,' said Roger Jones of The Harrow at Little Bedwyn, immediately thinking of fish. Other suggestions included sashimi with a touch of lime.

£14.92

Wonderful value and vibrant aromatic typicity gave Reh Kendermann Gold. Zesty lime on the nose mixes with honey, petrol and mineral notes, leading to a balanced, rich palate and a dry finish.

'This is a great example of Riesling – clean, delicate, fresh. Perfect solo or with delicate foods, even delicately spicy foods,' said consultant Xavier Chapelou.

£8.50 Greene King

Spice, aromatics and sheer versatility brought Bischöfliche to the top. Refreshing, sweet and lovely, this has bright acidity alongside floral, mineral, citrus, gingerbread and cinnamon flavours.

'Good example of a style that is gaining in popularity,' said team leader Simon Woods, suggesting sipping it solo or with delicately spiced food.

£11.35 Boutinot

Spice and vibrancy made this very much a winner. Fragrant, with a melange of violets, strawberries and rich dark fruits, this shows a ripe palate with hints of vanilla.

'Good concentration and intensity is matched by a clean, fresh, fine structure,' said Charlie Young of Vinoteca.

£5.35 Eurowines

'Vibrant and atractive on the nose, this has ripe, punchy acidity, some depth and character, and a long finish,' said a happy Charlie Young of Vinoteca.

'Well made, with well-integrated, slightly earthy tannins and a nice fruit backbone,' added Zigmars Grinbergs of Hotel du Vin Brighton.

£4.55 Boutinot

Versatility and value took Two Ridge to the top of the class. With a complex bouquet of berries, pomegranate, perfumed violets, chocolate and balsamic notes, the palate is 'fruity, with a red berry character, and a dry, fresh finish', said Diana Rollan of Hakkasan London.

'There's a red meat character, woody spices and cloves,' said Garry Clark of The Chester Grosvenor, recommending beef carpaccio, Parmesan – even tomato and onion salad.

£4.54 Majestic Commercial

'Very light and super-fresh, this is a summer house red,' said Emily O'Hare of The River Café. Fruit-driven, 'this is fresh and harmonic, with some granitic precision', said consultant Simon Cassina. Serve lightly chilled in the summer with starters, charcuterie platters and salad.

£5.35 Boutinot

Spice and structure and food friendliness mark out this Cabernet Franc. With ripe cherry and crunchy berry fruits alongside dark fruits, there's an earthy tinge and a hint of chocolate to the soft fruit. There's even enough character to accompany grilled ribeye steak with pink peppercorn sauce.

£5.40 Boutinot

With an inspiring depth alongside a bone-dry delicacy, this turned heads and made Le Sanglier the pink ambassador on our By The Glass list. A slight spritz and floral notes on the nose added interest. ‘Good ripe, juicy berries and good length. Try with triple cream Bourgogne cheese,’ said Robert Mason of Cheese at Leadenhall.

£5.25 Cockburn & Campbell, RI Wines of Ascot, Firkin Express

Bright, grassy, fresh and exciting, this has greengage and nectarine among its fruit flavours, and savoury notes.

'Lovely juicy fruit, great balance and value for money,' said team leader Laura Rhys MS. Try with white fish in butter sauce, or quail, grouse, or pigeon.

£5.35 Cockburn & Campbell

Minerality and flavour depth lifted this white to the top.

'Ripe melon, lime leaves and elderflower blossom on the nose,' said Claire Love of Loves Restaurant, while team leader Simon Woods noted 'plump fruit with crisp lively notes of greengage, citrus fruit and herbs'.

£5.35 Boutinot

A great balance of aromatics and acidity lifted this white ahead of the pack. Orchard fruit, peaches, nectarine and melon notes mix with hawthorn and honeysuckle aromas, while orange zest, lemon sherbet and a hint of spiciness lift the palate.

£4.62 Majestic Commercial

Lose yourself in the complex fragrance of this elegant wine to see why it won Gold.

'White flowers, apple and pear blossom, herbal hints and notes of freshly cut grass lead to exotic fruit flavours of guava, pineapple and passion fruit,' said Olivier Marie of Coq d'Argent. Enjoy!

£4.80 CyT UK

So much to offer at such a good price, no wonder it scored Gold! Floral notes mix with lemon custard, leading to a punchy palate with bold citrus and guava notes alongside herbaceous hints. Versatile too – food matches include baked fish fillets, crayfish and pasta.

£4.30 CyT UK

Exciting value and a slightly richer style gave this our first House White Gold.

'Plenty of citrus fruit, this dry wine is both a refreshing aperitif and a versatile food match,' said Richard Brooks of Caroline Catering. Think everything from salmon tartare and octopus salad to a variety of chicken dishes.

£4.25 Majestic Commercial

Plenty to shout about here.

'This is a crafted wine,' said consultant Martin Lam.

'Great nose, with cherries and tobacco alongside notes of leather and earth. Big on the palate, with red fruit in good balance,' said Julian Sahut of China Tang at The Dorchester.

'A polished wine with a smooth, rich mouthfeel,' said a happy Maxwell Allwood of Alimentum.

£15.62 Enotria&Coe

It was the aromatics that lifted Moncaro's Verdicchio above its peers, with its beautiful nose of quince, nuts, green tea and candied citrus.

'The palate is rich, generous and gastronomic,' said consultant sommelier Nicolas Clerc MS. Richard Brooks of Caroline Catering agreed: 'The Verdicchios here match fish, richer risottos, pâtés and charcuterie. This wine illustrates this very versatile style while being very good value for the quality in the bottle.'

£11.78 Eurowines

Richness allied with freshness, power allied with minerality – no wonder Antinori scored Gold again with this wine.

'Elegant and complex, with candied citrus, ginger and a hint of saffron,' said consultant sommelier Nicolas Clerc MS. The palate is fresh and balanced, with lovely length. Partner with rich but aromatic food, possibly creamy sauces or lightly spiced oriental dishes.

£14.96 Berkmann Wine Cellars

The expressive, sophisticated nature of Poggiotondo's powerful Chianti shone through. Dark and chocolatey, soft and smoky, this sports savoury notes alongside rum and raisin flavours.

'Deep and rich on the palate, with good structure and length,' said a happy Zack Charilaou of Gaucho. Aim for similarly rich dishes, including grouse and duck.

£31.00 Liberty Wines

Balance and approachability brings us our Amarone Gold.

'Plenty of fruit, this is juicy and tangy, good and honest. Firm as well as intensely plummy and pruney, with glints of tobacco,' said team leader Simon Woods.

'Well balanced with good freshness, this is excellently drinkable,' said The River Café's Emily O'Hare. Think rich dishes such as pheasant, deer in chocolate sauce, or hard cheese.

£29.23 Eurowines

Great value for money and authenticity took Villa Almadi to the top. With violets and cherries on the nose plus hints of plum and chocolate, this has good grip.

'A very juicy style – highly drinkable – this has good acidity and length,' said Luigi Buonanno of Etrusca Restaurants. Opt for rustic dishes to match, such as snails or boeuf Bourguignon.

£9.51 The Flying Corkscrew

A second richly deserved Gold for Zenato with this elegant, toasty wine with its superb minerality and good length.

'Dense, with unctuous tecture, this is a lovely foodie wine,' said team leader Jenny Mackenzie, immediately suggesting salmon en croute. Matt Segal of Frederick's agreed, saying: 'Exciting, enticing. It’s not cheap but it’s everything you want at the price. I would match it with seafood lasagne.'

£18.95 Eurowines

With perfumed notes of rose water, violets and honey mixed with exotic flavours of lychee, elderflower and orange candy, the palate is similarly complex, with rich stone fruit, blossom and spices, and a pleasingly fresh finish. One for those who love the aromatic side of life – as Michael Harrison of Hotel du Vin Henley does.

'I’m an aromatic fanatic, and this bordered on overripe – that unctuous, textural palate,' he said.

'I’d drink it with pan-Asian cuisine.'

£19.08 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Zenato's first Gold of the day arrived with this pretty, mineral-driven wine, with notes of fresh and tinned pears and hints of frangipani pastry. While Michael Harrison of Hotel du Vin Henley liked the 'modern nose, fatter palate and creamy texture', Athila Roos of The Arts Club commented: 'Peachy and floral yet elegant, with very refreshing acidity.'

£8.26 Eurowines

Much to write home about with this Gold winner. There's dried fruit, spice and oak on a developing nose of ripe fruit, while the palate shows ripe, fleshy tannins. Xavier Lamande of L'Etranger said: 'Really meaty, complex nose, it is quite elegant. For the next five to six years it will be really interesting.'

£21.75 Ellis of Richmond

Full of both body and personality, with its bold aromas of liquorice and oak alongside strawberry and dark red fruits.

'Very rose and tar,' said team leader Natasha Hughes, adding: 'Firm but supple. Quite graceful.'
'Sweet, luxurious, lingering, long and fresh,' added Roger Jones of The Harrow at Little Bedwyn, recommending carpaccio, venison or anything kissed by truffles.

£35.50 Try Wines

Still youthful, but very exciting, with bright cherry and plum fruit on the nose and palate.

'Complex and balanced with good tannins,' noted Sandro Lyhs of Oxo Tower Bar, while Robert Mason of Cheese at Leadenhall said: 'Pungent anise/passata nose followed by red cherries and floral qualities on the palate.'
Needs to breathe, but match with dishes such as game and faggots.

£36.75 Liberty Wines

Out of the traps with a bang – not only a Gold-medal winner, but the Food Match for lamb shank too – way to go! But then behind the ripe, juicy approachability of this red-berried, spicy wine comes earthy complexity, vibrant acidity and a great balance.

'Good expression. Lovely in the summer!' said team leader Laura Rhys MS. As well as lamb, think antipasti and charcuterie in particular.

£5.75 Boutinot

Complexity and concentration – plus a great future – propelled Olim Bauda to Gold status. Kicking off with charcoal, leather and spice notes alongside dark fruits on the nose, the palate is rich and long with a fresh red berry finish.

'Ready to drink but will age for a while. Some feminine notes but some structure. It’s very complete,' said Nerea Sorribes of 28°-50° Marylebone. Match with a rare T-bone steak.

£18.33 Alliance Wine

What a turn-out – the second Gold for Il Cascinone and a Critics Choice to boot! 'This over-delivers,' said team leader Laura Rhys MS succinctly.

'With a floral character on top of the red fruits, this has lots of intensity and warmth,' said Richard Brooks of Caroline Catering. Its bold structure triggered food suggestions aplenty, including game, steak, bresaola with polenta, anything Italian – even Gorgonzola cheese.

£8.90 Boutinot

Perfumed and expressive, this shows complexity all the way through.

'Very classic, with an earthy nose, autumnal truffle, nuts and evident tannins,' noted consultant Ronan Sayburn MS, while team leader Natasha Hughes said: 'Notes of mint, tar, dried flower, cherry, orange zest', adding roast quail as the ideal match.

£31.65 Boutinot

An impressive second Gold for Marchesi di Gresy, with this classic, mature Barbaresco.

'Lovely tobacco character, with settled, harmonious tannic grip,' said team leader, Richard Bampfield MW, adding: 'Outstanding and ready to drink.'
Roger Jones of The Harrow of Little Bedwyn said: 'Sexy, lingering with violets, perefume and a touch of oak.'
Perfect with white truffle risotto.

£46.00 Boutinot

Richness allied with elegance gave Morgassi Gold.

'With its steely minerality, green apple flavours and fruit blossom notes, it's elegant in the mouth, with good acidity,' said an admiring Stefano Marro of Caravaggio Restaurant.

'Fine-boned with good stony character, this is light on its feet,' said team leader Simon Woods. Pair with carpaccio or sautéed garlic prawns.

£10.67 Bibendum

A head-turner from the start, this is highly food-friendly as well as balanced, complex and aromatic.

'There's a beautiful nose of orange peel, pink grapefruit and flowers. Medium in body on the palate, with minerality, citrus flavours and a good finish,' said Ignacio Campos of Hawksmoor Seven Dials. Coq d'Argent's Olivier Marie agreed, noting 'flavours of passion fruit, melon, Meyer lemons, violets and lilac'. Match with grilled scallops, asparagus and green vegetable salad.

£11.54 Enotria&Coe

Sophistication, elegance and an unusual, mineral style set this wine apart. With tobacco, cedar, liquorice and balsamic notes alongside red cherries and prunes on the nose, the palate shows spicy, toasty earthy tendencies and good balance.

'Super-complex and long lasting,' said a happy Zigmars Grinbergs of Hotel du Vin Brighton.

£17.53 Eurowines

Balance, ripeness and sheer great value gave Cento Cavilli Gold for this fresh, ripe wine that is floral on the nose, with dark berries and blackcurrants.

'Rich with high tannins and fresh acidity,' said Hakkasan London's Diana Rollan, while consultant sommelier Nicolas Clerc MS said: 'Concentrated, with a hint of rusticity, with the flavours of dried fruit and spices. Balanced and generous.'

£6.50 Liberty Wines

'Rich and ripe, with a lovely concentration and good balance,' said team leader Laura Rhys MS, summarising why this rose to the top. A complex nose of clove, chocolate and toffee proved fascinating.

'With a colour that stains the glass, dense cherry and plum fruit sit with ripe, chewy tannins,' said Matthew Cocks of Cubitt House Group, adding: 'A lot to like here.'

£9.42 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Individuality at a brilliant price brings home the booty.

'Peach, with amazing texture, this has great balance and a beautiful finish,' said Filipe Bhering Reis of Barbecoa.

'With tropical fruit flavours, this is round and ripe, with good depth. Great gastropub wine,' said team leader Natasha Hughes. Match with roast cod or mezze.

£5.35 Liberty Wines

Complexity and typicity won Fèlsina the Gold.

'With polished wood notes alongside sour cherry, almond and chocolate on the nose, the palate shows blueberry, raspberry, more chocolate and a lovely finish,' said Zigmars Grinbergs of Hotel du Vin Brighton, adding: 'There is a market for these wines. It would be £100 or over, and not an everyday seller, but it is an amazing wine.'

£30.33 Liberty Wines

A stimulating and well-built wine. Zigmars Grinbergs of Hotel du Vin Brighton said: 'The tannic structure is just right, at this price level it really stands out – classic.'
'This has an elegant nose, with chocolate and liquorice notes, leading to a well-balanced palate,' said Nick Chiu of Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells, adding: 'Perfect for any tomato dish.'

£12.30

'Upfront', 'powerful', 'excellent' – just some of the descriptors that explain why this elegant wine struck Gold.

'With liquorice, black cherry and subtle fruits, this is well balanced,' said Mark Thornhill of The Rockingham Arms.

'This has the bite and vibrancy that others don't have at this level,' explained Vinoteca's Charlie Young approvingly.

£15.78 Eurowines

Polished and sophisticated, this impressed all with its rich yet elegant approach. Dark fruits are joined by sweet spice, well thought out oak, eucalyptus and a herbaceous tone, while the finish is long and savoury. Food suggestions were plentiful, including rib-eye steak and lamb rump cutlets.

£30.00 Alliance Wine

Ageing gracefully, the ability to combine complexity with delicacy made the Sutherland stand out.

'Smoky notes appear in concert with eucalyptus and baking spices in this enjoyably savoury wine. Dark plums, red apple, cherry, with such fresh acidity,' said Vinoteca's Gus Gluck, adding: 'The acacia and the wood show nicely.'

£10.53 Enotria&Coe

Vibrancy and real food-friendliness gave Decero not just Gold but the newly created Burger Food Match award. Hardly surprising, given the judges' comments.

'Excellent red fruit, with a vanilla tone, this is lively and spicy,' said team leader Sarah Jane Evans MW.

'Rich and silky with notable tannins,' added an equally approving Sandro Lyhs of Oxo Tower Bar of this dense but approachable Cabernet. Equally happy being sipped solo or accompanying chargrilled fare.

£8.73 Berkmann Wine Cellars

Rich, yet very approachable and food-friendly, Katnook was a worthy Gold Lister. Youthful dark fruits mix with woody notes and chocolate hints on the nose, while the palate has well-integrated oak and a lengthy finish. Food matches aplenty, from spicy Thai food to Angus beef or grilled game.

£15.95 Berkmann Wine Cellars

Unashamedly traditional in style, this was tarry, dark, dense and spice-infused, and it impressed our judges.

'It's grippy and muscular – a big wine with lots of power,' said team leader Jenny Mackenzie.

'There's plenty of fruit, with a fair amount of oak and a firm finish, but it's very pleasant and balanced,' said Xavier Rousset MS of Texture and 28°-50°. Top match? Fillet steak – naturally!

£12.86 Enotria&Coe

An exuberant sense of style and great price gave Dandelion Vineyards a well-deserved Gold. With coconut and vanilla alongside eucalyptus notes, spices and plummy red fruits, the palate and nose are very ripe. The palate is 'very long and likeable', said team leader Sarah Jane Evans MW.

£9.28 Liberty Wines

A red Gold to partner its Chardonnay Gold, the class shone through. While Claire Love of Loves Restaurant said: 'An intense, dark red fruit and blackcurrant nose mixes with cranberry acidity to give a great depth of flavour,' team leader Nigel Lister said: 'Elegant, ripe and drinkable, with a deep, bruised berry nose.'

£17.25 H2Vin

While team leader Laura Rhys MW called this 'a more thoughtful, complex style, with good depth and spice', Nerea Sorribes of 28°-50° Marylebone said: 'While the palate has a very good profile, there are notes of Earl Grey tea, cedar, grass and fresh fruit on the nose.'
It was either venison or barbecue pork as the food match of choice.

£12.49 Ehrmanns Wine

Lovely complexity that really delivers for the price, this would be ideal by the glass. While Andrea Briccarello of Galvin Restaurants said: 'Dark spices run alongside intense forest fruits and lots of sweet rich fruits on the palate,' others appreciated the 'easy-drinking' nature, the 'eucalpytus notes' and the 'classic style'. Food suggestions included smoked duck.

£6.87 Hatch Mansfield

Depth and a lovely complexity from judicious oaking made this a stand-out. Red and black fruits are wrapped up in toasty notes, with leafy notes alongside bright flavours on the palate.

'Deep, with good tannin structure and a long finish,' said Vinoteca's Charlie Young. Match with lamb shank or rib-eye steak.

£11.75 Anthony Byrne Fine Wines

With a marriage of sophistication and richness, Glaetzer struck Gold. Opulent fruit of sweet, dark cherries and plums come wrapped in smoky spices. Fresh, balanced acidity, hints of hot chocolate, good depth and structure all add to the complexity. Good now, even in its youth, but certainly with interesting prospects to evolve. A winner.

£29.34 Enotria&Coe

A wonderful blend of the best of both grapes at an irresistible price gives Thorn-Clarke not just Gold, but one of only four Perfect Pub Pours. Sweet, jammy fruit comes wrapped with gentle oak spice and eucalyptus notes.

'Smoky, dark and rich – very hard for a consumer not to like,' said Vinoteca's Gus Gluck.

£5.65 Codorníu Raventos

Richness and ripeness in an elegant, leafy style made this a Gold Lister. Almost Merlot in style, plums and capsicum mix with earthy notes, soy hints and cloves. The palate is bright and fresh.

'Silky tannins.This is ripe with a good length and good acid,' said Gaucho's Zack Charilaou.

£9.88 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Elegance, vibrancy and subtle oaking led Concha y Toro to the Gold podium with this riper style of Carmenère. Chocolate, black tea and savoury notes join red and blue fruit on the palate, with its good length.

'It's earthy and spicy, with good freshness,' enthused Athila Roos of The Arts Club.

£14.70 CyT UK

Restraint and food-matching versatility brought the Bon Vallon the hotly contested Scallops Food Match award. Peach, lychee and herbal notes meet acacia and honeysuckle on the nose, while the palate is ripe with a blend of stone and exotic fruit flavours.

'With its long finish, good minerality and confit pineapple notes it's very elegant,' said Frédéric Jean-Yves Billet of Luton Hoo Hotel Golf & Spa, suggesting rich chicken and truffle dishes to match.

£7.20 Ellis of Richmond

With its beguiling complexity, this gave Stella Bella its hat-trick of Golds. An impressive feat.

'Elegant and classy, the nose is intriguing and multilayered,' said The Arts Club's Athila Roos, adding: 'Lashings of buttery tropical fruit with vanilla and oak spice, leading to a mouthwatering finish.'
Quite a wine.

£25.90 Alliance Wine

With plenty of character for your money, Indómita struck Gold. Tropical fruit salad aromas mix with a hint of well-placed oak on the nose, introducing a zesty, fresh palate with plenty of bright fruit. Good texture and acidity adds to the charm. Good for By The Glass lists.

£6.95 Alliance Wine

Great name, great wine – from the expressive nose, which with its subtlety could be mistaken for a European Chardonnay, through to the spicy minerality and well-integrated oak on the palate, this was loved. While The Chester Grosvenor's Garry Clark applauded the 'glorious finish', team leader Jenny Mackenzie said: 'Restrained and held in style with a steely finish,' suggesting fish in a lemon sauce as her ultimate match.

£19.52 Enotria&Coe

A Meursault-like complexity at a great price brought Lourensford the second Food Match gong for South African Chardonnay. Fresh and bright on the nose, saline and herbal notes run alongside peach and pineapple and hints of butterscotch, while the palate mixes pineapple, guava with nuts and brioche flavours. Food matches range from roast chicken to pike fish à la créme and good Cheddar.

£7.63 Hatch Mansfield

Well-judged oaking gives this wine a sense of luxury.

'Very Burgundian, almost Puligny,' said Roger Jones of the Harrow at Little Bedwyn. Along with the exotic and citrus fruit on the nose and palate, 'this is steely and flinty – and good value', added Roger, suggesting tempura lobster as his match of choice. Go on then!

£15.75 Bibendum

Style and substance won the day. A complex bouquet of ripe melon, nectarine, apple, pear and quince with a smoky note leads to a palate filled with ripe sweet fruit.

'It's very elegant, with great balance. Almost Puligny-Montrachet-like,' mused Frédéric Jean-Yves Billet of Luton Hoo Hotel Golf & Spa. Match with rich dishes, such as veal with mushrooms.

£17.25 H2Vin

With its fabulous complexity, its savoury depth in balance with the juicy acidity, it's no wonder this took a Food Match award too – for mushroom risotto since you ask. Attractive on the nose, with appley fruit and a touch of pineapple, an elegant palate boasts tart peach and apricot next to white melon, while the finish is juicy and sherbety in texture. Partner with lobster thermidor and other richly flavoured dishes.

£10.68 Sogrape UK

Much appreciated by all, this is complex and intense, ripe and rich, well balanced and long. Off-dry in style, sweet fruit supports the well-judged oak.

'Nicely toasted, savoury and balanced, there's light honey with hints of clove-studded pineapple,' said an inspired Gus Gluck of Vinoteca.

£18.67 Enotria&Coe

Serious and stylish in approach gave Spier the edge, resulting in a well-deserved Gold. Apples, melons and lemon sherbet on the nose lead to a similarly zesty, fresh palate.

'With its well-integrated oak, there's a nice concentration and purity to the palate,' said Olivier Marie of Coq d'Argent, while team leader Peter McCombie MW added: 'Full, rich and round, this is textured, firm and ambitious.'
Respect.

£11.08 PLB

Beguiling aromatics plus good balance and a great price gave Norton Gold. Ripe and exotic, with fragrant aromas of rose petals, acacia, lavender and jasmine, the palate shows flavours of pear, pineapple, peach and spice.

'Great for summer. And by the glass,' said Nerea Sorribes of 28°-50° Marylebone.

£5.77 Berkmann Wine Cellars

Wonderful complexity borne by this off-dry Gewürz gave us our final Gold.

'A great wine to match with food,' said team leader Laura Rhys MS, noting its 'buttery, toasty, tropical fruits', and immediately suggesting sashimi as a match.

'It is very intense and complex,' agreed 28°-50° Marylebone's Nerea Sorribes, citing its 'lovely flowers and tropical fruits' and proposing tuna teriyaki.

'It screams for a rich food match,' countered consultant Martin Lam. I feel some research is needed…

£12.08 Bibendum

Gewürz comes of age in the New World with this Critics Choice Gold-winner, with its wonderful aromatics and beautifully balanced palate. With perfumed floral notes mixing with honey, apricot and ginger on the nose, the palate offers further stone fruit, honeyed tones and parma violet notes. Great as an aperitif, and all agreed on the outstanding value.

£4.80 CyT UK

Elegance allied with great depth gave Doña Paula a well-deserved Gold.

'With cherry, black fruits and spices on the nose, plus tobacco, leather and black fruit on a well-integrated palate, this takes Malbec to a different level of complexity,' said a happy Julien Sahut of China Tang at The Dorchester. Mature and rich with a savoury seam, this still has many years of drinking ahead. Match with similarly rich dishes, such as rare steak or game.

£26.49 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

An irresistible complexity intrigued our judges. Smoke comes first, then violets, followed by redcurrants and black plums and a hint of menthol, with blueberries on the palate. Team leader Annette Scarfe MW said: 'A drier style, this is more elegant.'

£8.54 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Elegance and focus lead Ata Rangi to the Gold List. A fragrant blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with morello cherry, red and black fruits and a herbaceous streak, the palate has at its core crunchy fruit with an elegant seam of acidity.

£18.15 Liberty Wines

Balance and a distinctive flavour profile makes this a stand-out. Good, fresh forest berries mix with mulberries and pepper on the nose, while the palate has flavours of sour cherries and plums, baked tomato and red berries.

'More interesting on each taste and not too forceful,' said team leader Simon Woods, suggesting quail, grilled chicken with truffles, or pork pie with piccalilli as the perfect food matches.

£13.63 Bibendum

Bold and intriguing, this unusual blend caught the judges' fancy as it took to the podium. There are minty notes alongside the good redcurrant and blueberry fruit and rich tannins.

'Attractive and long,' said team leader Annette Scarfe MW.

£10.90 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Attractive but not over-strident, this wine's eloquence and charm inspired our judges. With a good tang of pithy pear to balance the peach, candied citrus, lemongrass and minerals on the nose, the palate is bright and fresh, with a welcoming texture. And it's this texture that makes it so versatile on the food front, from sole meunière to moules marinière, by way of rich fish [ITALIC]en papillotte[/ITALIC].

£9.65 Enotria&Coe

Charmingly complex, with that perfect tension between savoury texture and aromatic spices, Mt Difficulty won a Food Match award as well as Gold. With its floral, grassy, tart tropical fruit-infused nose and multilayered palate, the finish is long and memorable. Food tips range from cod carpaccio all the way to pork belly – for which it won its Food Match award.

£10.75 Ellis of Richmond

Big can be beautiful, as seen here. This is fresh, with bracing cherry and plum jam notes. Still evolving.

'There's also minerality and freshness to balance, making this long and rather tasty,' said team leader Simon Woods. Match with similarly big foods, such as chargrilled steak or Peking duck.

£29.60 Berkmann Wine Cellars

'Who does Pinot so well at this price?' team leader Simon Woods asked, voicing the question on the tip of all our judges' tongues. Well, the very accomplished Cono Sur crew. Lovely and fragrant on the nose, this is fresh and peppery alongside red and black fruits.

'Round and juicy with a bit of residual sugar and good length,' concluded Babbo's Bruno Piane. With such approachability, no wonder it picked up a By The Glass award, too.

£5.00 CyT UK

Great value with good varietal character gave this our second Pinot Noir Gold.

'There's a herbal character to the ripe fresh cherries and berries, along with freshly crushed pomegranate and rhubarb,' said Olivier Marie of Coq d'Argent. There's a touch of ripe tannins and the finish is fresh. Match with lamb kebab or spicy pilaf.

£7.65 Enotria&Coe

Last year it was the Terroir Hunter Shiraz that took Gold, this year it's the TH Leyda Pinot Noir. And what a wine. Fragrant, with burnt orange zest aromas alongside lifted plum, cherry and berry notes, plus a little minerality. The palate is elegantly fleshy and fresh, with hints of coffee and dark chocolate. Versatile on the food front – try with seared tuna or Asian salads.

£10.94 González Byass

Richness meets silky texture in this complex wine.

'Dark plum sits next to almost ripe cherries, cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose, while the palate is driven by plums, damson, and coffee and cocao beans,' said Olivier Marie of Coq d'Argent, concluding: 'It's almost Côte Beaune-esque!'

£16.99 Matthew Clark

With all the telltale Pinot signs, this was a welcome Gold Lister. Violet aromas, spice and smoke add a wild, savoury note to stewed strawberries on a complex nose. Warm and generous on the palate.

'This has good flavour and a pleasing sweetness of fruit,' said team leader Richard Bampfield MW.

£12.24 Enotria&Coe

Excitement all round when this arrived.

'Well-balanced, sweet fruit follows a smoky, forest floor nose,' said team leader Nigel Lister.

'This is very vibrant, with lovely fresh red plum and raspberry fruit. Delicious, almost Chambolle-like,' added The Tate Group's Hamish Anderson. Good food matching potential – try with roast goose.

£23.87 Bibendum

Well structured and inspirational, this is very perfumed, with smoke and floral notes alongside the dark fruit, and an elegant delicacy to the palate.

'Firm and complex, with different layers of flavours balanced with good alcohol,' noted a happy Riccardo Marcon of Hakkasan Mayfair. Long and persistent in its finish, a welcome food partner. Think pan-seared tuna.

£19.75 Berkmann Wine Cellars

A wine that simply impressed, despite still being youthful.

'Lots of ripe and overripe red and black fruit flavour, the ripe but fresh tannins offer a great smooth texture,' said Gergely Barsi Szabó of Bread Street Kitchen.

'Expensive, but delivers poise, fresh fruit, complexity and a long finish,' added team leader Natasha Hughes. Match with rabbit in red wine or venison and blackberry sauce.

£39.00 Ellis of Richmond

Sheer exhilaration made this a Gold winner.

'Delicious, layered, complex and long – very, very Aussie,' explained The Arts Club's Athila Roos. While others commented on the wonderful honeysuckle notes, team leader Natasha Hughes said: 'The nose is intense, floral, toasty and stony, with an intense streak of lime marmalade.'

£12.35 Negociants

A true performer with intensity and glamour in its sights.

'The nose is complex, with roast nuts alongside honeysuckle blossom and chargrilled limes,' said consultant Ronan Sayburn MS, adding: 'The palate is tight and youthful, with crisp, green apple acidity and a long length.'
'Clean as a whistle – very elegant,' concluded team leader Neil Bruce, approvingly.

£20.63 Negociants

Wonderful complexity gives Montes Gold. Green grass mixes with herbaceous notes, floral hints, passionfruit, papaya and grapefruit on the nose, leading to a palate tinged with wet stone that springs into life.

'Beautiful and elegant, this is a great example, just starting to show layers of complexity,' said Athila Roos of The Arts Club, suggesting pickled crab and wasabi mayo as a tantalising match. Other food tips included monkfish and goats' cheese.

£10.95 Liberty Wines

Expressive and big, this combines elegance with depth.

'With tomato leaf, exotic fruit and grassy minerals on the nose, the palate is dry, ripe and balanced,' said Hakkasan London's Diana Rollan. Flint, grass and fresh blossom join a very mineral-driven palate, with a citrus-fresh zip on the finish. Match with a similarly strong-flavoured food, such as goats' cheese.

£12.88 10 International

Serious in structure and seriously stylish wins Gold for this wine. Big, firm and oaky, this wine has a good tension and smoky intensity, while the palate shows guava and tinned pear alongside other fruit, and has a 'lovely intense and fresh fusion', according to team leader Simon Woods.

£23.87 Bibendum

Intense and beautifully balanced, this starts with toasty Roses Lime Juice on the nose, leading to a powerful palate, with summer nectarines and grass underpinned by good structure.

'Fresh, restrained, clean, delicate and precise,' said Roger Jones of The Harrow at Llittle Bedwyn.

£11.00 Liberty Wines

Fuller in flavour, the balance and structure impressed our judges. Beginning with leafy notes alongside citrus flavours and minerals, the palate is rounded and ripe, with some waxy, weighty fruit.

'Great for high-end bistros and Michelin-starred restaurants, this would be ideal with monkfish or halibut,' said Gordon Lawrence of Fifteen Cornwall.

£11.57 Eurowines

Complex yet restrained, this sports an almost Old World balance of flavours on the nose, with herbaceous, grassy notes mixed with citrus fruit.

'The palate is lean and racy, with fine fresh minerality,' said Alan Holmes of The Vineyard at Stockcross.

'This calls for fresh, simple and seasonal food,' said team leader Natasha Hughes, suggesting asparagus and trout with fragrant herbs.

£9.85 Bancroft Wines

Exuberant flavours, complexity and appealing ripe fruit flavours makes this our first New World Sauvignon Blanc Gold. While The River Café's Courtney Stebbings felt this would be a great food wine, she noted: 'Wet stone, gunpowder and lemon peel on the nose, while there's a lovely texture that wraps around the mouth.'
Match with duck or cod, came the word.

£5.65 Hatch Mansfield

Age and beauty, this entertained from the start. Complex aromatics of citrus, flint, nuts, spices and petrol lead to an elegant body.

'There's a real classic touch of honey, petrol and complexity,' said Filipe Bhering Reis of Barbecoa, adding: 'This is showing some minerality, with a long finish. Awesome!' A versatile food matcher, everything from smoked salmon to Tomme de Savoie cheese or big creamy dishes. You decide!

£11.59 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Sophisticated, accomplished, delicious, elegant, versatile, poised – just some of the descriptors used for this gem.

'Citrus, flowers and nuts mix with brioche and minerals on the nose,' The Lucky Onion's Lionel Periner tells us, adding: 'The dry palate is complex and smooth, with well-integrated oak, a velvet finish and long length.'
You'll find ripe apples, spices, ginger, candied orange peel, juniper – I could go on! Opt for bold food matches, such as smoked eel or chicken and hazelnut croustade.

£20.50 Alliance Wine

Rich, with an intriguing complexity, this is serious wine. With notes of eucalyptus on the nose alongside a fragrant blend of spice, pepper and herbs, the palate has chocolatey notes, hints of oak and a lengthy finish. Match with similarly flavourful, dense dishes, such as pheasant.

£27.74 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Sophistication wins the day for Penfolds with this youthful but already promising wine. Spice and chocolatey notes add to the blueberries, plums and dried fruit on the nose, while the palate is very dense and deep, with good concentration and intensity.

'Lovely nose. This is ripe, elegant and long,' said team leader Nigel Lister. Match with wild boar stew with juniper.

£26.99 Bibendum

'A good example of premium, oak-aged McLaren Vale,' said Vinoteca's Charlie Young, summarising why Shingleback struck Gold. With aromatic, minty, rich fruit on the nose, the palate is smoky, with sweet Rhône fruits and well-judged oak. Pair with venison and blackberry sauce.

£17.99 Matthew Clark

A silky complexity brought Dandelion Vineyards Gold. A whiff of eucalyptus and menthol on the nose leads to a sweet, spice-infused palate, with cassis and notes of real polish.

'The palate is classy, concentrated and integrated,' said Vinoteca's Gus Gluck, concluding: 'Tasty!'

£29.95 Liberty Wines

Dark, savoury complexity wins Bonterra Gold. With floral hints alongside blueberries and brambly black fruit, this shows smoky, spice notes and hints of chocolate. Peppery notes on the finish, and tannins with good grip add up to a food-friendly wine. Match with dishes ranging from pigeon through to venison with dark chocolate sauce.

£11.50 CyT UK

Character, complexity, a good price and some ageing potential wins Flagstone the top medal. Rich, with good tangy fruit, this is smoky, peppery, spicy and savoury, with a hint of minerals.

'A wine that speaks of its origin,' said consultant Simon Cassina. Spicy chicken dishes and steak tartare were the most popular food matches.

£11.94 Matthew Clark

Deftly stylish, with the aromatics to inspire, a worthy Gold.

'Stylish and smoky, with plenty of raspberries and plums alongside sweet spices. This is powerful and has finesse,' said team leader Simon Woods.

'There's a distinctive sense of terroir, even at this price,' said an impressed Emily O'Hare of The River Café.

£13.65 Liberty Wines

Food-friendliness and great value gave Luis Felipe Edwards the top medal for this orange blossom-infused wine with its lengthy finish.

'Witch hazel and perfume on the nose, with tropical fruit aromas and minerality,' noted Robert Mason of Cheese at Leadenhall, adding: 'The palate is fresh and lively, with notes of peach, melon and pear.'
'Quite restrained and crisp, this is a versatlle food matcher,' said team leader Natasha Hughes, suggesting mussel chowder, mango and lobster, and mild curry as possible food partners.

£6.52 10 International

Balance and depth wins the day for Eberle. A beguiling mix of floral perfume, waxy melon, apricot and savoury spice on the nose leads to a 'juicy, fresh, stone-fruited palate, with an edge of minerality', said Robert Mason of Cheese at Leadenhall.

'This has good balance, is ripe and rounded, with finesse,' added Alan Holmes of The Vineyard at Stockcross. Food suggestions ranged from crab to duck with orange sauce via seafood ragout. Versatile too then.

£14.98 Alliance Wine

'Well produced and excellent, with its good fruit expression ad nice acidity, it's a lovely example of Zinfandel,' said team leader Laura Rhys MS. Consultant sommelier Nicolas Clerc MS agreed, saying: 'The nose offers jammy fruit, damsons, plums and prunes. This is a powerful style, with rich texture and length.'
Match with pigeon.

£17.49 Matthew Clark

Charm and an exotic mix of red berries and spices brought Quady its second Gold.

'Juicy red fruits, delicate and sweet, this is good value,' said team leader Laura Rhys MS.

'Herbal and aromatic, light and juicy – try with Turkish delight,' added team leader Nigel Lister. £8.58/37.5cl

£8.58 Size: 37.5cl Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Marked out as a winner from the start, team leader Sarah Jane Evans MW said 'Complex! Prunes and chocolate, there's vanilla, strawberries and much richness.'
With its notes of tangy apricot, peach and orange peel, plus aromas of spice and chocolate, consultant Caroline Symington likened it to liquid Christmas pudding, while team leader Nigel Lister wanted to match it with said pud. £20/37.5cl

£20.00 Size: 37.5cl Cockburn & Campbell, Jascots Wine Merchants, Wine Utopia

'A lovely balance of sweet, sour and bitter,' said team leader Peter McCombie MW. Rich and aromatic, with spicy notes alongside menthol and garrigue, Romain Bourger of The Vineyard at Stockcross felt this was 'very good. Similar to Fernet Branca. Complex and weighty.'
£15.48/75cl

£15.48 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

The sole Madeira on the podium – but what a wine! 'Nuts, spices and herbs add up to a lovely perfume,' said Matthieu Longuere MS of Le Cordon Bleu, adding: 'This is lovely, pure and intense.'
Team leader Nigel Lister noted 'rich toffee, caramel and date, this is elegant and rich', and called for sticky toffee pudding and cheese. £22/75cl

£22.00 Size: 75cl Liberty Wines

Delicacy allied with freshness, plus a frankly brilliant price, makes this a sure-fire Gold for the maestros at Krohn.

'Big, ripe and tangy, with orange notes alongside evolved, delicate oak, this is long and sexy,' said team leader Simon Woods.

'Perfect with blue cheese,' said Roger Jones of The Harrow at Little Bedwyn. £14/75cl

£14.00 Size: 75cl Boutinot

To have a wine that's nearly 20 years old at this price is a dream.

'Intensity, power and finesse,' said team leader Simon Woods, adding: 'Rich, fleshy and warming, this is a lovely grippy style.'
'More complex and slightly sweet, this is attractive with its long length,' said team leader Annette Scarf MW. Cigars, chocolate Magnum or hard cheese? Decisions, decisions! £20/75cl

£20.00 Size: 75cl Boutinot

Distinctive freshness and tremendous value took this new style for SWA not just to Gold but to the Caspar Auchterlonie award, given each year to the most outstanding fortified wine. Amber in colour, it combines honey and almonds with green notes of eucalyptus, herbs and pine resin. Whether it's to partner foie gras, milk chocolate dessert, or macaroons – or to be added into cocktails – one not to miss. £9/75cl

£9.00 Size: 75cl Boutinot

'A real crowd pleaser', was how team leader Laura Rhys MS summed up the appeal of this wine. With cherries, plums and sweet paprika on the nose, there is a rich core of ripe purple and black fruit alongside sweet spices on the palate. All in perfect balance, it's perhaps no surprise this picked up the Pizza Food Match gong. Try also venison, suggested Laura.

£8.50 D & F Portuguese Wines

Harmony and elegance is what the judges loved with this wine. Rose petal, blossom and violet notes join forest leaves, black fruits and spices on the nose, while the palate is full and lengthy.

'It's a riper style, with fleshy tannins and opulent fruit,' explained Olivier Marie of Coq d'Argent.

£8.96 Enotria&Coe

The perfect match of 'Portuguese salty tang with exotic Alvarinho richness', said team leader Simon Woods, explaining in a stroke why Regeuiro struck Gold here. Tropical and stone fruit lead the charge on the nose, while the palate is rounded and honeyed. Good solo, this is versatile on the food front, with suggestions ranging from caldo verde soup through to bacalhao and marinated octopus.

£10.90 D & F Portuguese Wines

Harmony and richness earned the tangy Regueiro its second Gold – no mean feat in this competition. Peach and melon flavours mix with flowers and fresh almonds on the zesty nose.

'The palate is round, balanced and racy,' said consultant sommelier Nicolas Clerc MS. Match with mussels or clams, suggested Enigma 88's Michael Moore.

£10.15 D & F Portuguese Wines

With a lovely balance of floral, bright and grassy notes, it was the great value that clinched Gold for Santo Isidro. With aromas that reminded some of Riesling, spice and peach lead the way. The palate is fresh and ripe, with tangy lemons on top of a creamy background.

£5.86 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Exotic and complex, this intrigued our judges. A multilayered nose of white fruits, with floral hints, good minerality, honeycomb and lime leaf leads to a well-balanced palate. Versatile on the food front, try with Vietnamese rolls to begin with.

'Excellent wine,' said Morgan Vanderkamer of Thornton's Restaurant.

£22.00 Alliance Wine

Character and versatility in a light-bodied format took Rossidi to the top. This is almost PInot Noirish in character, with its hints of musk and savoury notes. Flavours of wild strawberries rub shoulders with spices and violets. Match with a spicy cassoulet or saddle of hare with heritage potatoes.

£10.50 Ivo Varbanov Wines

Not just Gold but a Critics Choice for this fascinating wine. Very fruity and floral, with grapey, mineral notes, the palate is judiciously oaked with a lively panoply of sherbets and minerality.

'Light but well made, with a long finish,' said Frédéric Jean-Yves Billet of Luton Hoo Hotel Golf & Spa. Perfect with Thai seafood or miso cod.

£11.17 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Character and frankly amazing value earn this Gold, with team leader Nigel Lister describing this as 'charming, light, gentle, easy and delicious'. Sour dark cherry fruit mixes with redcurrants and floral and chocolatey notes, while the palate is textured, with a herbal streak.

'A by the glass glugger,' said Mark Perlaki of Hotel du Vin Harrogate. And why not!

£7.00 Anatolian Foods

Expressive and distinctive, with a finesse that delighted, this is a well-judged wine.

'The fruit is dark and the tannins fine-grained, making it delicate for a wine of its size,' said Matthew Cocks of Cubitt House Group.

'Broody, earthy and subtle' was how Mark Perlaki of Hotel du Vin Harrogate put it. One to lose yourself with.

£17.97 Bioagrofoods 2000

Tremendous appeal and much versatility took Asenovgrad to the winners' podium. Spice, leather and tobacco notes pervade the nose, while cherries, dark fruits and spices balance the earthy, savoury notes, and a fresh acidity cleanses the rich palate. Matches range from burgers to Lebanese mezze.

£8.55

Cracking value, a hint of minerality and a lively zest took this dry rosé to the top. Plenty of fresh summer fruits follow a perfumed nose, with hints of rose petal. With a good balance of fruit and acidity, this is versatile as well as pleasing.

£6.35 Boutinot

Gold for this rosé created in the shadow of Mount Sainte Victoire. Hints of herbs and minerals run alongside an aromatic rose petal-infused nose of cherry, strawberry and redcurrants. The palate has good structure and length, and a refreshing finish, no doubt thanks to the night-time harvesting policy.

£9.88 Enotria&Coe

Kicking off a hat-trick of medals is this tangy fino. With toasty bread aromas with nuts and spices, there is a lemon and mineral freshness to the rich palate.

'Confit lemon and great texture,' noted Romain Bourger of The Vineyard at Stockcross.

'Smoky and very savoury,' added team leader Jenny Mackenzie.

'Match with quail.'
£13/50cl

£13.00 Size: 50cl Boutinot

Tangy and complex, with notes of coffee, toffee, tobacco, bitter caramel, orange peel, walnuts, hazelnuts – the list of flavours is almost endless, as was the judges' appreciation of this wine.

'Bags of character, this is well balanced with a lingering finish,' said Nick Chiu of Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells. £17.50/50cl

£17.50 Size: 50cl Boutinot

Decadence in a glass, this shows treacle toffee, coffee and raisins on the nose, and a long finish of cocoa and spice.

'Spicy, rich and full, with dried fruit and fruitcake, this is complex and delicious,' said team leader Laura Rhys MS. Perfect with chocolate cake. £19/50cl

£19.00 Size: 50cl Boutinot

Sophistication allied with a steely elegance gives Montepedroso Gold. Fresh-cut apples mix with herbaceous notes, minerals, earth and spices. The palate is broad, rich and tangy. Roast chicken with apple and walnut stuffing is the food match of choice.

£8.83 Berkmann Wine Cellars

Kicking off with Gold, this vivid wine from Bodegas Larchago 'shows a complex nose of cherries, cooked fruits, vanilla and liquorice, with cooked fruits and ripe tannins on the medium- to full-bodied palate', said Ignacio Campos of Hawksmoor Seven Dials.

'Nicely made, with soft, easy tannins,' said a happy Olivier Marie of Coq d'Argent. Tremendous value, no wonder it picked up a By the Glass award, too.

£5.65 Greene King

An elegant style of complexity gave Museum a Gold. Delicate and perfumed on the nose, with red berry and spices.

'French oak supports juicy black and reducurrant fruit, while the fresh acidity ensures an integrated structure,' said team leader Annette Scarfe MW. Match with smoked pork with peppers and corn. Still young, see how this baby develops.

£12.50 Cockburn & Campbell, RI Wines of Ascot, Paul Adams Fine Wines

When less is more – less extraction, that is. With minerals and well-judged oaking, 'There's meaty savoury notes alongside aniseed and cherries on the nose,' said Ignacio Campos of Hawksmoor Seven Dials, adding: 'The palate is well balanced, with a mix of dark fruits, leather and spice – and a great finish!' Match with braised duck or kidney pie.

£20.72 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Richness rules the waves as Mas La Mola sails into view with its aromatic nose and its flavours of spicy red fruits, blackberries and plums. With a meaty, savoury edge, the palate is concentrated, chocolatey and plummy. And the dish of choice to match? Navarin of lamb, of course.

£18.28 Liberty Wines

Wonderful repeat performance from this Spanish star, with fresh red and wild fruits and floral notes on the nose.

'The sweet, ripe, Mediterranean-influenced climate fruit results in bright and soft tannins,' explained consultant Ronan Sayburn MS. Light spicing and savoury highlights make this versatile, too – sip solo or match with burgers or barbecues.

£5.45 Boutinot

Lovely typicity and unbelievable value takes Larchago to the winners' enclosure with this light, appealing white. Kicking off with peach, apricot and apples on the nose, the palate has lovely freshness, with pithy notes alongside a creamy, minerally texture.

'Albariño – at house price? Is it not a premium grape?' asked an astonished Matthew Cocks of Cubitt House Group.

£5.80 Greene King

Zesty notes and an irresistibly refreshing approach made this a stand-out. Crisp lemon and floral notes lead to a textured palate where chalky minerals rub alongside nectarines and other tropical fruit. The herbaceous, grassy nature of Godello adds complexity.

'Good balance of fruit and racy acidity,' said Nick Chiu of Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells.

£9.50 Boutinot

This wine's expressive nature allied with an attractive food-friendliness made it a winner. Intensely zesty, with lemon and lime and much minerality – think slate and quartzite – add up to a complex bouquet. Lots of skin contact adds 'good definition and good length', said Fergus Muirhead of Restaurant Story.

£11.70 Bibendum

A sultry perfume coupled with a serious, multilayered palate wooed the judges. Strawberry, spices and black pepper mix with floral aromatics on the nose, while the palate is complex, with crushed raspberry and blackcurrant flavours, toasted oak, supple tannins and a lengthy finish.

'Elegant, mature, ripe and inviting,' said team leader Neil Bruce, approvingly.

£25.98 Bibendum

Richness and complexity brings Rioja its second white Gold.

'A spiced bouquet with walnut skins, almond undertones, herbal notes plus a splash of preserved fruit with unripe banana opens the way,' said Sarah Riddle of One Canada Square. Claire Love of Loves Restaurant picked out 'well-established oak adding to a good balance alongside a good seam of acidity and the richness of creamy flavours'. One to savour.

£13.99 Matthew Clark

Super-ripe yet elegant and balanced, oaky flavours accompany fresh cherry and sour cherry notes and a savoury twang on the nose. The palate shows some maturity, good balance, a full body and a long finish after tasting.

£32.66 Hatch Mansfield

'That's more like it – real Rioja at a reasonable price,' said team leader Natasha Hughes of this wine with its freshness, soft mix of red and bramble fruit, and sweet oak. Alan Holmes of The Vineyard at Stockcross said: 'More youthful, the fresher oak adds finesse, power and depth.'
Enigma 88's Michael Moore wanted game as the food match, while Fifteen Cornwall's Gordon Lawrence was gunning for 'a chargrilled lamb chop with a good strip of fat on it'. No fighting guys.

£12.91 Bibendum

A no-brainer for wine lists everywhere, this well-priced, well-textured white more than earned its Gold.

'A gentle almost creamy texture, nicely balanced between tangy citrus and richer peach and pear, wrapped up in toasty oak,' said team leader Simon Woods.

'Lovely precise freshness, there is a good balance and some fresh lime acidity on the finish,' added Claire Love of Loves Restaurant. Team leader Tom Forrest simply exclaimed: 'Look at the price!'

£6.50 Boutinot

Complexity meets authenticity in Valenciso's masterful reserva. With good balance, sweet tannins and a welcome freshness, charcoal and chocolate kick off proceedings, alongside earthy notes of mushroom.

'Mellow, silky and fresh, with balsamic and liquorice notes, this is deep with a lingering finish,' said a happy Roger Jones of The Harrow at Little Bedwyn. Food tips range from beetroot to chorizo or roast lamb with artichokes. #Mmm!

£13.85 Boutinot

Well judged and well priced brings La Báscula Gold. Smoke and toast mix alongside wild cherry, cacao and vanilla notes, and flavours of dark fruit and raisins. The palate sports bright fruit, crunchy tannins, elegance and structure.

'Classic. What the others should have been,' said Athila Roos of The Arts Club.

£6.90 Boutinot

What a winner – and what a price! Consultant Ronan Sayburn MS said of this big and bold wine: 'Lots of toasty coconut oak flavours alongside a creamy strawberry nose, with sweet, ripe raspberry and cherry fruit on the palate.'
'So much flavour for the price,' enthused team leader Simon Woods, adding: 'Great bistro or wine bar wine, you could match with charcuterie, jamon croquettes, or hard cheeses.'
Decisions, decisions…

£5.85 Boutinot

This might be 'sans dosage', but its length, elegance and complexity made it exceptionally consumer friendly.

'Rich, refined and long,' said team leader Nigel Lister succinctly, while Charlie Young of Vinoteca noted 'spice, citrus and freshness'. Food matches range from shellfish to Dover sole and sushi.

£25.60 Berkmann Wine Cellars

A lovely open, crisp style, combining power with elegance took this to the top. With 'bags of flavour' but also 'a good mix of freshness and maturity', team leader Simon Woods felt this would match perfectly with terrine of foie gras and five spice.

£27.38 Liberty Wines

Spice and opulence lifted this fizz above its peers.

'White chocolate, croissant, crème patissière – it's all there. With great balance on the palate, this is fresh and subtle, with good length,' said Luigi Buonanno of Etrusca Restaurants.

'Match with fish, fruits de mer and rich, creamy-sauced dishes,' advised Gordon Lawrence of Fifteen Cornwall.

£34.38 Hatch Mansfield

Red apples and floral notes on the palate lead to a dry, intense palate.

'Made in a toasty, creamy style, the rounder, fuller approach makes this a great match for all manner of dishes,' said team leader Annette Scarfe MW, from smoked salmon and fish and chips through to light meat dishes.

£21.05 Liberty Wines

LIcensed to thrill, this turned heads, securing a highly coveted Critics Choice award.

'Complex nutty nose of toast and brioche followed by crisp lemon acidity, mineral and saline notes, and crushed oyster shells. Infused with mature tropical fruit with butterscotch and toasted nuts,' said consultant Ronan Sayburn MS.

'Really hedonistic and moreish,' said team leader Richard Bampfield MW.

£85.13 Liberty Wines

A complex interplay of citrus flavours, vanilla, nuts and oak characterise this Gold-Lister, with its excellent balance and long finish.

'Precise, with lovely acidity, this is great for food,' said Roger Jones of The Harrow at Little Bedwyn. Match it with everything from ceviche to sea bass with crème fraiche and caviar.

£31.66 Spirited Wines, Castelnau Wine Agencies

Winning friends wherever it went, Roger Jones of The Harrow at Little Bedwyn said: 'Rich and full, luxurious with great intensity and subtlety'; while team leader Natasha Hughes noted 'lovely acidity, with hints of honey and apples. Long and pure, this is very graceful.'

£62.12 Enotria&Coe

Relatively new on the English scene, Court Garden hails from the same village as Ridgeview and is rapidly gaining plaudits.

'Showing some development, with brioche alongside white flower and chalky minerality; the palate is rich with baked apple and lemon citrus notes. Princely!' said Mark Perlaki of Hotel du Vin Harrogate.

'Perfect with spicy Indian canapés,' said team leader Sarah Jane Evans MW.

£15.99 Court Garden

A lovely mature style won not just Gold but a Critics Choice gong.

'Very good balance of fruit and biscuity aromas, with flowers, yellow and golden apples, nuts and bread,' said Riccardo Giacomelli of Bocca di Lupo.

'Fresh and vibrant – very opulent,' added Bruno Piane of Babbo. Delightful solo, or try with mushroom risotto or quail.

£24.50 Charles Palmer Vineyards

Ridgeview continues its string of Golds with this 'abundantly aromatic' sparkler.

'An elegant nose of truffle on toast, this has a fine mousse and a long finish,' said Riccardo Giacomelli of Bocca di Lupo.

'Vibrant and concentrated, with crunchy Granny Smith and Red Delicious apples,' added Matthew Cocks of Cubitt House Group.

'Dive for crab and apple salad.'

£22.19 Enotria&Coe

'Stylish, approachable and dry, this elegant sparkler has restrained fruit and subtle, savoury autolysis,' said team leader Peter McCombie MW. Creamy vanilla mixes with lime and lemon zest, red fruits, cereal and digestive biscuit, while the finish shows herbal notes and a lime curd acidity.

£13.50 Vintage Roots

Elegance and subtlety won the day here, with Olivier Marie of Coq d'Argent commenting on the 'restrained fruit, white flowers and apple blossom', while Hotel du Vin Brighton's Zigmars Grinbergs noted 'pineapple and mango', and the ripeness of the fruit.Try with white asparagus, parmesan and other hard cheeses.

£14.31 Bibendum

Elegance, versatility and value gave Cavit not just Gold but a highly coveted By The Glass spot and a Food Match gong.

'Soft, round, peachy stone fruit, with rounded creamy acidity and lemon sherbet on the finish,' said consultant Ronan Sayburn MS.

'Great mousse and a lush fruit finish of yellow apples and quince,' said Garry Clark of The Chester Grosvenor. Match with seafood.

£6.65 Boutinot

The balance between florality and bright orchard fruit, its forgiving crispness and the citrus-infused finish made this Prosecco stand out from the crowd. Light blossom character alongside lovely acids and a lush, crisp finish makes it an ideal partner for either shellfish or white fish, or for a sweet pastry.

£7.50 PLB

The perfect balance of texture, acidity and depth took Deviation Road to the top. Strawberry, raspberry and cranberry flavours run throughout, in both fresh and candied form, while a lacing of yeasty notes add good complexity.

'Very Champagne-like,' said Filipe Bhering Reis of Barbecoa. Versatile, try it with salmon or stir-fry chilli prawns.

£14.75 Berkmann Wine Cellars

Vivid in colour and astonishing in value, this cherry and raspberry-fruited sparkler shows a bit of yeasty bread flavour alongside clean orange blossom.

'Good richness, weight and freshness – very well made,' said Vinoteca's Charlie Young, while team leader Tom Forrest suggested charcuterie as a food match.

£5.83 Majestic Commercial

Great harmony and balance gave this English sparkler the edge, with its elegant red berries and good, crisp acidity.

'Good wine for food,' said team leader Laura Rhys MS, pondering the thought of oyster risotto with saffron. Flavours of sour red fruit add to a distinctive package.

£29.96 Corney & Barrow, Wiston Estate Winery

A wine that entranced.

'Intense, dynamic and complex. Sweet and bold, with good acidity and lovely depth. An amazing wine,' said team leader Laura Rhys MS.

'Like fresh apricot jam, with good acidity and hints of smoke. This will evolve,' said Morgan Vanderkamer of Thornton's Restaurant. Partner with apricot tarte tatin. £13.04/37.5cl

£13.04 Size: 37.5cl PLB

'Superb and well priced, this shows a nice balance between fruit, acidity and depth,' said Xavier Le-Bellego of Forburys Restaurant of this Gold, with its honeycomb and floral-infused aromas.

'Has the acid bite to rein in the almost creamy Peach Melba flavours,' said team leader Simon Woods. £10.82/50cl

£10.82 Size: 50cl Liberty Wines

'Fine-boned and fresh' seemed to sum up the elegance that put this Tokaji ahead of the pack.

'Long, heady, with a finely balanced, fresh style,' said team leader Simon Woods, continuing: 'It's tense, tangy and classy, with grip and citrus tension alongside some gentle peach.'
'Well made with good balance,' added Xavier Le-Bellego of Forburys Restaurant. £23/37.5cl

£23.00 Size: 37.5cl Alliance Wine

This year's incredible value sweet Gold comes from Chile, with its aromatic stone fruit, floral fragrance, candied orange, toffee notes and ripe fruit.

'Perfect by the glass, with its tropical fruits, spice and touch of pastry,' said team leader Laura Rhys MS. Match with poached pear and vanilla ice cream, Peach Melba, or pistacchio sponge with warm chocolate. £3.75/37.5cl

£3.75 Size: 37.5cl Boutinot

A thrilling wine that turned heads from the start.

'It is rich and dense, with a heady fragrance and long, grippy acidity – excellent,' said team leader Simon Woods.

'Rich, powerful and wonderful. Sherry aromas mix with honey, marzipan and Christmas pudding. A powerful palate with a very long finish,' said a happy Ram Chhetri of Bread Street Kitchen. £14.24/37.5cl

£14.24 Size: 37.5cl Templar Wines

Delicacy and elegance scooped Gold for Peller Estates, with aromas of jasmine alongside candied citrus, dried apple and pear on the nose. The palate has balanced acidity with orange peel and stone and orchard fruit flavours. Match with apple strudel and honeyed clotted cream ice cream or baklava. £29.42/37.5cl

£29.42 Size: 37.5cl Enotria&Coe

Value and friendly fruit flavours made this perfumed, spicy wine an easy-drinking winner.

'Jammy red and black fruits on the nose follow through to the palate to mix with black cherry, chocolate and a hint of eucalyptus,' said Stefano Marro of Caravaggio Restaurant.

£5.67 PLB

A plentiful supply of spicy, juicy dark fruits and morello cherry won both our judges' hearts and a spot on the By The Glass list. Still youthful, the toasty oak and grippy, smooth tannins alongside a meaty finish make this a classic Malbec, while the lighter touch means that it doesn't have to partner steak to be at its best.

£7.28 Bibendum

Vibrancy and sophistication stole the day with this food-friendly wine. Ripe plum, blackcurrant and violet on the nose lead to a vibrant blue fruit palate.

'Mineral, earthy and spicy, a harmonious palate with a generous finale,' said consultant sommelier Nicolas Clerc MS. Try with lamb shank, venison, or polenta with Provençal herb and cherry tomato compote.

£11.47 Matthew Clark

Restraint, a savoury note and complexity lifted this above its peers.

'Nicely balanced with black fruit and pepper, creamy wood and velvet texture,' said consultant Patricia Stefanowicz MW.

'Blueberries, minerality, menthol and good acidity,' added Frédéric Jean-Yves Billet of Luton Hoo Hotel Golf & Spa.

£10.14 Negociants

Cooler, almost Awatere in style, the finesse with which the fresh apples and tropical notes blend with jasmine aromas and savoury notes impressed our judges. With its rounded sweetness, nice minerality and good balance, Sarah Riddle of One Canada Square wasn't alone in finding it 'Quite charming!'

£9.20 Liberty Wines

Wonderful complexity on both nose and palate. Minerals flow alongside lemon, lime, grass and passion fruit aromas, following on to the palate, with a lime flourish on the finish. Match with lemon sole in butter sauce.

'Elegant and smooth,' said Stefano Marro of Caravaggio Restaurant.

£11.49 Matthew Clark

An attractive complexity won the day for Tinpot Hot.

'Fresh, soft, perfumed and restrained. Elegance in a glass,' said Roger Jones of The Harrow at Little Bedwyn. Drier in style, this has good minerality alongside its rich mix of peach, apricot and honeysuckle. Asian cuisine is an obvious match.

£9.50 Liberty Wines

Lovely complexity at a frankly incredible price made this one of our Perfect Pub Quartet. Flavours of William pears, apples, tropical fruits and a floral hint, plus a touch of petillance.

'Uplifting, with its intense nose, good level of residual sugar and fresh acidity,' said consultant Simon Cassina, suggesting pork with apple sauce as the best match.

£5.97 Boutinot

'The richer face of Pinot Grigio' was how team leader Simon Woods summed this wine up. Another Gold from this Trentino set-up, there's a mix of savoury, mineral and fruit flavours wrapped up in a highly food-friendly wine. Think everything from grilled red mullet to fish with creamy sauces or salad Niçoise.

£7.97 Berkmann Wine Cellars