Sommelier Wine Awards 2013 Winners

Illustrating how good Bacchus can be when both ripe and in the right hands, this has fresh flavours of dragon fruit, pomelo, stone fruit, nettles and green orchard fruit on a medium-bodied palate with a zesty finish.

'Pleasant, delicate and very personable,' said Frédéric Jean-Yves Billet. Food tips came tumbling in, from delicate fish and asparagus with hollandaise sauce, to risotto and goats cheese soufflé.

£7.95

Restraint and elegance characterised this first Gewürz Gold.

'Delicate and sophisticated primary aromas combine with a perceived spiciness and a concrete lychee finish,' said St James's Hotel and Club's Marco Feraldi. With floral notes of lily and rose, the palate has good texture and a decidedly food-friendly finish.

£11.94 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

'Classic and well balanced, with a rich mid-palate, good acidity and long finish,' said Vivat Bacchus' Laura Ward, summarising why this Gewürz brought home Gold.

'An aroma bomb, with lemon zest, elderflower and spices' said Morgan Vanderkamer, Butlers Wharf Chop House, adding 'Excellent lychee, fresh ginger and tangerine peel flavours. Try with Asian dishes and also cheeses, like Munster cheese.'
£19.20/150cl

£19.20 Boutinot

The balance of smoke and savoury notes marked this wine out. Rose petals and compote of berry fruits on the nose, with gentle well balanced tannins on the palate.

'Delicious dark fruit flavours, a mineral undertone and nice oak,' said team leader Angela Reddin. Try with roast chicken.

£9.58 Thorman Hunt & Co

Truly a Vin de Gard, with beautiful aromas of cassis, tobacco and cedar, this has beautiful acidity, ripe fruits and flavours of violets and rosesIts prominent tannins makes it very ageworthy – 'A great wine to drink in 3 to 5 years,' said The Arts Club's Athila Roos.

'Excellent!' said Morgan Vanderkamer of Butlers Wharf Chop House.

£25.00 Ellis of Richmond

Deep ruby in the glass, this is packed with spicy black fruit flowers, alongside fleshy ripe plums and dark cherries, with a long finish. ‘A fleshy, juicy, approachable wine for everyday drinking, so certainly one to put on by the glass,' said consultant Robert Giogione.

£10.00 Castel

Elegance, texture and balance took this wine to the top. York & Albany's Nigel Lister liked the open, expressive nose, and the concentration on the palate, while Hakkasan's Diana Rollan noted 'An intense nose of minerals, gooseberry and jasmine'.

£12.75

The Grand Cru character stands out from the start. A complex bouquet shows honey and marzipan, dried fruit and minerality, and hints of oak. The palate seems infinite, being rich, full, concentrated and long.

'Exotic, lively, quite profound with great acidity. Very stylish,' said team leader Jamie Goode. Liberty Wines

£59.60 Advini

'Delicate but with tension,' was how Trangallan's Xabier Alvarez summed up this complex Chablis.

'With aromas of ripe stone fruit and unripe pineapple alongside chalky, steely, smoky notes, the palate has a great mouthfeel and a minera, long finish,' said Guillaume Mahaut, The Jugged Hare. Versatile foodwise, try with scallops, oysters, chicken or veal.

£9.70 Louis Latour Agencies

Complexity and vibrancy took this to the top. Beginning with a savoury, biscuity character to the floral, stone fruit bouquet, the palate has an underlying spiciness to the opulent fruit and minerality. Citrus notes run alongside the smoky character and lemony finish.

£12.34 Bibendum

'Focused and faultless,' is how Marco Feraldi of St James's Hotel and Club explained how this wine struck Gold.

'Balanced and expressive with great length and a lovely baked apple and honey character,' said James Hocking of The Vineyard Group.

'Beautiful!'

£16.71 Alliance Wine

'Very pure on the nose, with pear and crystalline ginger, this has a velvety texture, and laser-like minerals - a gorgeous Chenin,' said Winetec's Tim Wildman MW.

'With its lightly honeyed nose, strudel aromas and delicate balance between ripeness and an attractive bitter edge, this is serious food wine,' said team leader Angela Reddin.

£9.95 Boutinot

Rich and expressive, this impressed all.

'Class in a glass, yum in my tum,' said team leader Angela Reddin.

'Serious Burgundy - this is á point now,' said Mark Deamer of The Marylebone Hotel, noting 'Gentle liquorice, cassis and black cherry, with lovely acidity and great length.'

£43.10 Boutinot

True Pinot character and further ageing potential took this to Gold.

'Opulent, with vanilla and sweet spice notes, this has hints of age, with a brick dust rim and softened tannins. Nice length,' said Mark Deamer of The Marylebone Hotel.

'An open and generous style,' added team leader Simon Woods.

£20.60 Boutinot

Medium ruby in the glass this is light and elegant on the nose, with jammy fruits on the palate and coffee notes on the finish.

'Spicy minerals run alongside white pepper and red berries, with memorably tannins and acidity, and a long finish.

'A big peppery bold wine with some juicy fruit,' said team leader Natasha Hughes.

£16.33 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

'Gentle, delicious and great value,' said York & Albany's Nigel Lister. A good mix of pear, stoned fruit, lemon sherbert and light floral notes on the nose, while the palate shows pear and apple as well as stone fruit, texture, soft honey and a mineral freshness. Perfect with poached salmon.

£6.94 Hatch Mansfield

Value and food-friendliness set this wine apart from the start. It has an elegant blend of savoury notes, alongside peppery raspberries and spicy Christmas fruits, plus balanced acidity and medium tannins. While it stole the Roast Chicken Food Match gong, there were calls also for pork belly.

£6.64 Hatch Mansfield

'A bewitching Condrieu nose, this is elegant ripe and round,' said a haunted Nigel Lister of York & Albany. Balancing smoke, toast, minerals, stone fruit and floral hints, the bouquet is as complex as the palate is intense and powerful. Cinnamon and nutmeg finish over apricot fruit. Partner with roast turbot.

£34.55 Bibendum

'Glorious', 'stunning' and 'unique' - just three of the words that illustrate why this became the posh French Critics Choice, despite its price. And the fact that is it drinking well now. The bouquet is a mix of mature leather and game, bright red fruit, with hints of tobacco and jammy figs, while the peppery palate has a long length and gripping tannins. Match with game, spiced rack of lamb or Indian dishes.

£47.85 Boutinot

Pale gold, with an elegant nose of citrus, pear, cashew nuts, honeysuckle and a touch of sweet spices. The palate sings of spiced pears, apple pie, well-integrated oak and minerals.

'Excellent balance, with layer upon layer of creamy fruit and delicate toasty notes, and a very long finish,' said Soho Wine Supply's Kyri Sotiri.

£20.24 Enotria&Coe

Big and beautiful wins the day.

'Wonderfully scented with soft Syrah fruit coated with freshly cracked black pepper and a hint of savouriness,' said a happy Athila Roos, The Arts Club.

'Dark fruit with quite strong tannins and dark spice,' said Gergely Barsi Szabó of Bread Street Kitchen. Match with rare beef, boar and game.

£15.35 Boutinot

Easy come, easy go with this friendly Gold medallist. Light medium ruby in colour, with aromas of red apple, this shows a mix of fresh cherry, strawberry and other squashy red fruits, plus light tannins.

'With its touch of oak, this is good value,' said York & Albany's Nigel Lister.

£5.71 Alliance Wine

Beaujolais Blanc must be wholly Chardonnay, and this wine food-friendly wine illustrates how well this southern-most part of Burgundy looks after this variety. Creamy oak notes mix with nuts, lemon peel and pear drops on the nose. The complex palate is dry, fresh and smooth, with apricot flavours, a good length and a citrusy finish. Try with poached salmon, pork belly or roast chicken.

£11.20 Bulles Blanc Rouge

Great Chardonnay flavours at a bargain price won this not just the poached salmon Food Match gong, but also a coveted place on the By the Glass list.

'Very attractive and appealing flavours, this is lively, zingy with a nice finish,' said Caroline Caterings's Richard Brooks.

'Peachy and slightly nutty but without any heavy oak influence,' said team leader Angela Reddin.

£6.60 Boutinot

Judicious smoky oak has added complexity as well as tension and balance to this still evolving Burgundy.

'The ripe, concentrated stone fruit shows a great length of flavour,' says Matthew Cocks of Cubitt House.

'Long and very well made,' said The Arts Club's Athila Roos.

'Côte' d'Or, je t'adore.'
Match with roast lemon and thyme chicken.

£21.60 Boutinot

Turning heads from the start, on the nose, there's smoky, toasty oak, with pineapple, Ogden melon and hints of stone fruit.

'Generous creamy, vanilla oak underpinning ripe citrus, pineapple and melon notes,' said consultant Annette Scarfe MW, adding 'Refreshing and juicy, this multi-layered wine is complex and delicious.'

£22.02 Hatch Mansfield

Approachable and versatile, this is a 'young' star in the making. Already it shows some complexity, with its bruised apple and white peach flavours, its well-balanced oak and its minerality.

'Intense yet refreshing with uplifting spices,' said Galvin Restaurants' Andrea Briccarello. Match with chicken, turbot, sole – even cream sauces.

£16.33 Hatch Mansfield

The superlatives swiftly emerged for this wine.

'Bright and deliciously clean stone fruit nose, with lemon curd and hazelnut notes,' said team leader Angela Reddin.

'Gorgeous in the mouth – it oozes freshness, verve and personality. Amazing length.'
Lovely now. Will improve.

£29.85 Boutinot

From fruits de mer to pork belly, this wines' sheer food matchability illustrate why it rose to the top.

'Ripe stone fruit, with minerality and leafy notes, this is textured with a dry, long finish,' said Hakkasan's Christine Parkinson. Quite opulent, the palate shows citrus peel, laser-like acidity and a pineapple-infused finish.

£15.48 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

'OMG – awesome peach fruit and gorgeous acidity – poised to perfection,' said The Marylebone Hotel's Mark Deamer – I think he likes it. And The Arts Club's Athila Roos agreed: How Riesling should be. Delicious, stunning palate that is long fine and refreshing.'
'Kerosene, apricot and camomile, it is spritzy, textured and medium sweet, with a long, herb tea finish,' said Hakkasan's Christine Parkinson. Could withstand thai green curry.

£12.73

Kloster Eberbach does the double, scooping Gold with this well structured wine. A fantastically bright palate weaves together a streak of minerality with stone fruits, flint, gooseberry and rhubarb. Honey and hints of petrol add to the elegant complexity, with good acidity adding to its great potential with food. Think fish and shellfish, with or without light sauces.

£22.30 Boutinot

Wonderful to see Kloster Eberbach scoop its first Gold with this classic mix of elegance and flavour.

'Minerals mix with white peach, melon and honey. There's a good balance between the Granny Smith apple acidity and residual sugar,' said Laure Patry of Pollen Street Social. Versatile on the food front, everything from scallops to pork belly.

£10.60 Boutinot

Character, balance and integration won this applause and a Perfect Pub spot on the By the Glass list. Deep red/purple in the glass, it has good juicy, berry fruit wrapped with the right amount of spice, finishing with a plum-driven flourish.

'Nice body, crisp acidity, a fine length and a long finish,' said a happy James Hocking of the Vineyard Group.

£4.85 Boutinot

One of the most garlanded wines of 2013, and for good reason.

'Ripe red fruits and hints of mint on the nose lead to a juicy palate with nice supporting tannins,' said Louise Gordon of The Rib Room.

'An attractive colour with young, pinky rim, it is easy drinking but with enough stature for a variety of foods,' said Richard Brooks of Caroline Catering.

£5.10 Boutinot

'Lovely broad dark plum with dollops of cream, this is very savoury with nice, stalky ripe tannins,' said Richard Graham of Cooks & Capers.

'With its juicy, fruity palate, this will be very food friendly,' added Hakkasan's Christine Parkinson.

'Very Parisian bistro. And at this price, bring it on,' said an enthused Tim Wildman MW of Winetec.

£4.55 Boutinot

'With its attractive nose of brambly fruit and florals, the palate is mid-weight with some spice and tannic crunch. A vibrant and juicy wine,' said Winetec's Tim Wildman MW.

'Ample, classy and drinkable – just what I'm expecting in house wine,' said The River Café's Courtney Stebbings

£4.95 Alliance Wine

A tasty lick of crispness lifted this to Gold status. Pale, bright salmon in colour, the nose sports cranberries and raspberries, leading to juicy apple and strawberry flavours on a ripe, rounded palate.

'Light and ethereal, but nice substance though,' said Oliver Marie of Coq d'Argent.

£4.45 Boutinot

'Delicate… elegant… lovely… pleasant' – it's not hard to see why this good value rosé picked up a Gold and a By the Glass award too. Pale salmon with onion skin tints, restrained strawberry fruit, floral notes, some minerality and good acids.

'The freshness would make this a great house pour that is also food friendly,' said Matthew Cocks of Cubitt House.

£4.50 Boutinot

Many wines attempted to be the scallops partner in our Food Match round, but this was the one. Half the price of some of its rivals, but double the quality.

'Mandarin and a hint of minerality on the nose, there's a bit of spice and warmth to the palate, textured and weighty as it it,' said Viajante's Christophe Richelet.

'Pinot Blanc-esque, this has nice floral notes and a properly vinous character. Makes you come back for a second glass!' said Martin Lam of Ransome's Dock. And we did.

£5.29 Majestic Commercial

Incredible value and great performance from Michel Servin, following up its 2012 Gold for its Red with one for its white in 2013.

'White flowers, white peach, musk plus some fresh minerality and a grassy note lead to a well-textured, medium-bodied palate,' said Morgan Vanderkamer of Butlers Wharf Chop House.

'The palate is richer than the nose suggests – exotic with mango and papaya fruit,' added Olivier Marie of Coq d'Argent.

£3.79 Majestic Commercial

Perfume and the texture to partner light dishes won this wine Gold.

'Stone fruit and peach blossom, the palate is light and delicate, making it a harmonious match for scallops and green curry,' said Jenny Mackenzie of The Plough Inn.

'An extremely subtle taste is followed by a pleasant grip of spicyness,' added Marco Feraldi of St James' Hotel & Club.

'Aimed to surprise.'

£4.75 Berkmann Wine Cellars

Balance, concentration and length are what made this our final House White Gold. With peaches, melon and apples on the nose, the texture is good and the finish crisp and food-friendly.

'Structural and mineral, this has great acidity,' said The Ritz's Tobias Brauweiler.

'A well made wine.'
Try with chicken and shellfish.

£5.48 Enotria&Coe

Wonderful variety of flavours and sufficient structure to match food made this a stand-out. The nose alone ranges from stone fruit and star fruit to lemon sorbet, citrus peel and musky lilies.

'Perfumed and peachy, this has bright flavours of exotic fruit, good length and a mineral twang,' said York & Albany's Nigel Lister. Match with prawn or pork dishes.

£4.70 Boutinot

A white Bordeaux blend on holiday and flourishing in Antinori's 2013 Gold-winner.

'Expressive and fruity with a floral infusion of acacia and chamomile mixing with gold apple, the flowers providing a frame for an elegant woodiness marked by nice minerality. A creamy finish makes this good with lobsters and a creamy bisque,' said an enchanted Marco Adreani, The Pass at South Lodge.

£14.26 Berkmann Wine Cellars

More enchantment from the Marche with Moncaro's white, with itscomplex spice and mineral-infused palate.

'Burnt toast, tropical fruit and baked pineapple flavours sit alongside green herb notes and white pepper on the nose, while touches of fennel and aniseed join peach on the nose,' said Morgan Vanderkamer of Butlers Wharf Chop House.

£9.41 Eurowines

Big can be beautiful, as shown here.

'With its smoky dense nose, this is ripe and rich, with good black fruit concentration and length. Very good,' said Nigel Lister of York & Albany. ‘Just a really classic, classy Italian,' said Dabbous's Charles Pashby-Taylor, adding 'Very moreish, yet a serious wine and one to impress customers with. If you put this on at a cash margin, it would probably sell itself.'

£31.63 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

With lovely dark, supple black fruits, this is 'smooth with some bite, fresh acidity and firm but ripe tannins.

'Rich nose and palate. Very civilised,' said OXO Tower's Mark Graham, while team leader Peter McCombie MW said 'With a dry finish, this is a crowd pleaser, but best with food.'

£11.40

Savoury style and spicy elegance led this to Gold. While team leader Jamie Goode said 'With a spicy, tarry, balsamic nose, this has red fruits, leather and herbs on the nose,' Vinoteca's Charlie Young said 'the palate was deep, complex and spicy with some minerality'. Will evolve with time but partner with lamb and rich, fatty meats.

£9.90 Bulles Blanc Rouge

With its enchanting aromas, seductive texture and sweetly spiced finish, it's no wonder this well-priced Verdicchio stole our judges' hearts. From ripe pineapple and honeydew melon to orange blossom and hints of aniseed, the flavours intrigue. The well-balanced palate is pleasantly herbaceous, with medium acidity. From roast chicken to grilled sardines to going solo, this wine will never be without fans.

£6.60 Boutinot

With fascinating complexity, this stole our panel's hearts.

'Really interesting nose: perfumed with flower petals, thyme and rosemary alongside sweet plum,' said Viajante's Christophe Richelet, while Zuma's Laura Blanchett picked up shaved dark chocolate too.

'Fresh and elegant on the palate, with smoked berries, tobacco, hintse of nettle, this is well balanced, with warm stony notes. Great potential,' she said. Match with steak or lamb shank.

£27.38 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

One for the decanter, this is both powerful and elegant, with wonderful structure. Approachable now, it has much potential for the future.

'With ripe blackberries and exotic spices on the nose, this is subtle and sleek. The sweet, ripe mulberry and cherry fruit, shows good freshness alongside oak nuances,' said team leader Peter McCombie MW.

'Massive, black and brooding, like a powderkeg,' said Neil Bruce of Studio Alto. Drink with grouse, roast game stew, especially one made with venison.

£29.00 Eurowines

'I call this JAM,' said Cubitt House's Matthew Cocks.

'Juicy. Aromatic. Moreish. Youthful, with ripe pear William and white flowers on the nose, the palate follows suit, being both seductive and engaging.'
Michael Moore of Enigma 88 agreed: 'Grows with every sip. Scallops with ginger for me.'
Try also seafood or asparagus.

£8.07 Enotria&Coe

'Tar… Christmas Cake… hazelnuts and crushed pepper' – it's no wonder this good value wine snuck up to steal the first Gold of the north-east region.

'Layers of brambly black fruit vie with violets and spice on the nose,' said Erica Lalér of Benares of this food-friendly wine, adding 'The palate is peppery and smoky, with fresh-cut herbs, velvety tannins and an elegant finish.'

£6.95 Boutinot

Complex yet approachable, a Gold star for food friendliness alone.

'Elegant and well balanced, the leathery notes perfectly balance the sweet forest fruit notes and cranberry freshness,' said Galvin Restaurant's Andrea Briccarello.

'Savoury with a vibrant finish.'
With a whiff of tobacco, white pepper and mocha alongside fresh acidity, no wonder rich pork dishes were being suggested.

£8.50 Bulles Blanc Rouge

Texture, individuality and food-friendliness – think sushi for starters – won this Alto Adige star Gold.

'Almonds accompany white peach alongside a fresh acidity and minerality on a well-balanced palate, with a touch of white pepper on the finish,' said Laure Patry of Pollen Street Social.

£17.99 Eurowines

Smoke and tobacco meets gunflint and farmyards. With a ruby core, this offers a complex bouquet of 'dark spices, pepper and cedar wood', according to Hakkasan's Philippe Moranges.

'Full bodied with plums, damsons, a touch of brett, and a cigar box finish,' added The Harrow at Little Bedwyn's Roger Jones. Ideal partner for dark meats.

£10.55 Boutinot

Not afraid to be slightly rustic, Laura Ward of Vivat Bacchus noted 'juicy red berries, good well-integrated tannins', and said it was 'a beautiful expression', team leader Simon Woods called it 'a good honest, satisfying drink'. Soho Wine Supply's Kyri Sotiri said that the wine 'offered the approachability, typicity and complexity – at a pretty good price, which customers also expect – that shows the best of what southern Italian reds can do’.

£11.27

Great value and great flavours won the day.

'Dark purple in colour, with rich inky black, blue fruits, a touch of liquorice, spice, pencil, and firmish tannins,' said Garry Clark of The Chester Grosvenor. While team leader Simon Woods judged this a 'nice honest glugger', Hakkasan's Diana Rollan dialled up for pizza, to match its juicy, fruity, lightly savoury character.

£5.39 Vinum

While the palate is ripe and lush, the nose overflows with pretty floral aromas alongside citrus peel, nuts, quince, honey and orangey fruits.

'Chewy and textured on the palate, this is fresh and bright, with hints of creamy salt caramel,' said consultant Jade Koch.

'This tastes of freshly squeezed grapes, a feminine wine,' said The Maze's Stefano d'Andrea.

£7.15 Cockburn & Campbell

Sexy, silky, supple and savoury - this wine enchanted with its complexity.

'Cherry, liquorice and balsamic nose,' said Winetec's Tim Wildman MW,' deaming it 'very drinkable', while The Tate Group's Gustavo Medina noted 'good acidity, silky tannins, red fruits, balance and great integration.

£18.40 Liberty Wines

A serious expression of Brunello, this is 'youthful although showing some development, according to team leader Peter McCombie MW, who noted: 'concentrated, rich, yet very firm backbone. Very, very good. Needs aeration.'
'Really interesting wine,' said Bo London's Cedric Beaumond.

'Could be even better with age'.

£27.34 Bibendum

The essence of Sangiovese won this Gold.

'Liquorice and floral notes wrap around a pure core of fruit. With its freshness and acidity, this is elegant, typical, lovely Sangiovese,' said York & Albany's Nigel Lister.

'The quality here is very high for the price, with some good complexity, and really expressive character. A great ‘entry’ wine capturing this DO’s character. Chargrilled steak,' said Bread Street Kitchen's Ram Chhetri.

£21.50 Maisons Marques et Domaines

The allure of well-used oak impressed our judges. Sour plums and herbs mix with lovely red and black fruit, vanilla and candied orange peel on the nose. Structured and characterful tannins from a stylish use of oak are balanced by good fruit and a tingling acidity, with hints of bitter chocolate and vanilla on a lengthy finish.

£14.48 Alivini

A multi-layered wine of stature and power. While some felt this was still youthful with much potential ahead, others enjoyed the here and now.

'Unctuous richness of fruit on a layered palate,' said team leader, Angela Reddin. Tobacco, chocolate, spicy nutmeg, leather, dried herbs, liquorice, smoked meat - they are all there, alongside soft red cherries and violets. Ready for most flavourful dishes, try with lamb shank.

£44.33 Berkmann Wine Cellars

'Serious, focused and long - bring a decanter,' was the verdict of York & Albany's Nigel Lister on this elegant, concentrated wine, with its notes of dark chocolate, liquorice and spice. ‘It was the balance and approachability of this wine, full-bodied and with good tannins, but so balanced. Fantastic for game and rich-flavoured meat dishes,' said Julien Sahut of China Tang.

£31.05 Bibendum

Massive and elegant, the complexity on show won Col d’Orcia not just a second Gold, but a Critics Choice gong.

'Big, bright, fragrant, long and earthy, with very powerful, grippy tannins,' said team leader Simon Woods, adding 'needs time'.

'Rich in body, with black fruits, oak, and hints of age from leathery and tobacco aromas,' added Ram Chhetri, Bread Street Kitchen.

£26.60 Alivini

Impressive and with plenty of time still ahead, a worthy Gold. Inky, very concentrated nose of wood, cherry, liquorice and balsamic leads to a well-structured, balanced palate packed with small mature berries, good acids, a firm tannic structure and savoury notes.

'I would love to buy it and let it age and wait until its best potential comes out,' said a wistful Marco Feraldi of St James's Hotel and Club. Meanwhile, match with lamb, steak and hearty meat dishes.

£20.60 Boutinot

Completing a hat-trick of CAM Golds for Argentina is the Pasionado. Light, delicate, juicy, supple, bright and elegant, this offers a fragrant mix of herbs and spices. ‘With good complexity and layers of flavour, this is drinking well now but has the ability to age, offering a lot of wine, a lot of flavour, and a great choice with grilled meats,' said a happy Gabor Foth of Hakkasan Hanway Place.

£24.44 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Warmth and spice on the nose continue onto a spiced chocolate palate with good length.

'Elegant nose of black and red fruits with minerals and oak,' said Guillaume Mahaut of The Jugged Hare.

'Soft, juicy Cabernet fruits, this has nice freshness, good typicity and not too much oak,' said a happy Laura Rhys MS of Hotel Terravina.

'And it's great value!' Match with slow cooked pork belly.

£7.95 Bancroft Wines

Restraint, elegance and good value took Decero to the top.

'Plums, currants and spice on the nose, leading to a very clean, fresh, spicy structure with finesse. Excellent length. Very well made,' said team leader, Angela Reddin, while Gabor Foth of Hakkasan Hanway Place added, ‘Amazing, a really great expression, with good varietal character, and fresh but intense cassis. It's a great wine for someone who likes Bordeaux or New World Cabernet blends.’ Go for char-grilled steak.

£8.42 Berkmann Wine Cellars

'Sumptuous now,' said team leader Richard Bampfield MW of this charming, violet-infused head-turner, appreciating the 'generous fruit balanced by classy oak'.

'Lifted red fruit with minty notes, this is juicy in the mid-palate, balanced by a supreme structure. Multilayered with excellent ageing potential,' said Kyri Sotiri of Soho Wine Supply.

£37.54 Matthew Clark

Wonderful fruit, well-integrated oak and superb food-matching potential gave Salentein Gold.

'Oak, vanilla and black fruit flavours, this has a long lovely finish,' said an impressed Ram Chhetri of Bread Street Kitchen, while team leader Angela Reddin noted 'Animal, bloody nose. Fantastic! Gorgeously fruity with nice grippy tannins. Perfect for steak.'
Michael Moore of Enigma 88 agreed, 'Immediately appealing in the glass, offering a wealth of layered red fruits, a juiciness at its heart, good structure, firm but balanced tannins, but above all fresh and calling out for red meats!’

£10.41 Matthew Clark

Complexity and concentration took this well-integrated wine to the top. Soft oak spicing runs alongside cassis, cardamom, dill, cloves, cinnamon and liquorice on the nose.

'Flavours of plum blackberry and coffee, evolve nicely on the palate. There's great complexity at this price,' said Viajante's Christophe Richelet. Olivier Marie of Coq d'Argent agreed, saying 'I would happily order a second bottle. The price is great.'

£12.00 Matthew Clark

Complexity, supreme poise and balance brought Kleine Zalze a Critics Choice as well as Gold.

'With green tobacco leaf on the nose alongside a light smokiness, the palate has flavours of dark chocolate, savoury notes, good acidity and a balanced finish,' said Cedric Beaumond of Bo London, adding that he felt there was significant ageing ability. Partner with chargrilled meats.

£8.55 Hatch Mansfield

Very intense, both on the nose, with its dark fruits, and on the palate, with its oak character and chewy tannins.

'The palate is warmed with cooked blackcurrants, with fruit and warmth coming back again and again,' said The French Table's Sarah Guignard.

'Shows some development and complexity,' said Olivier Marie of Coq d'Argent, noting the 'almost bretty factor, such as bacon fat', and applauding the 'richer style, with fleshier tannins and opulent, suave finish'.

£20.23 Justerini & Brooks

Sophistication and generosity marked out Carmen's Gran Reserva.

'Ripe black fruit, black cherry, mint and eucalyptus run alongside lovely touches of coffee beans and chocolate and an elegant finish,' said Agustin Trapero of Launceston Place.

'The fruit, acids and freshness are all in balance,' added Jacques Savary de Beauregard of Home House. Match with braised lamb.

£9.75 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

This impressed all with its value. Coffee and chocolate join intense aromas of green pepper, menthol and minty black and red fruit on the nose, with a touch of oak and floral notes.

'There's lovely fruit concentration on the palate. With its soft tannins, it's a lighter style,' said York & Albany's Nigel Lister, adding 'Ideal with barbecued salmon.'

£5.94 Hatch Mansfield

Excellent value alongside wonderful fruit and concentration won Caliterra its second Gold of the category – no mean feat.

'Perfumed floral character to the nose with cassis, prunes, ripe dark cherry and chocolate,' said Sara Bachiorri of The Glasshouse Restaurant.

'Lovely fleshy palate with plum and cherry to the fore plus a touch of spice. Good balance and a lingering finish,' said Tom Bailey of Lazy Lounge. Pair with chargrilled steak.

£7.69 Hatch Mansfield

The only wine to win both Critics Choice and By The Glass awards, this seriously overdelivered on the flavour-front.

'Stunning value for money and a great option for a house red,' said Athila Roos of The Arts Club, while Morgan Vanderkamer of Butlers Wharf Chop House noted 'dark red fruit, eucalypt, green bell pepper and black cherry on the nose'. Soft squashy fruits on the palate with medium acidity and smooth tannins complete the picture. Pork belly, lamb, steak… you name it, the Aliwen Reserva has the character to match with style.

£5.83 González Byass

'Classic', 'lively', joyful – just some of the adjectives that greeted this robust yet fragrant Gold-medal winner.

'Underneath smoke and garlic sausage you'll find hidden black fruit on a palate that's not overripe,' said The River Café's Courtney Stebbings.

'Rather, it's juicy with bitter dark chocolate and green herbs. Yummy for the price.'
And versatile on the food front too: everything from mushroom risotto through to steak, via lamb and pork belly were felt to be potential matches.

£5.18 CyT UK

A riper style of Carmenère, this is fruity and dark, with some oak and herbaceous hints on a structured, rich palate.

'Pleasant savoury notes plus well-defined yet energetic tannins,' said Marco Feraldi of St James's Hotel and Club.

'The perfect example to share with someone who enjoys Old World wines. Great quality.'

£9.99 Liberty Wines

An accomplished wine, with kernel and buttered popcorn alongside apple, lemon, subtle oak notes, minerality and nuttiness, plus crystalised ginger and orange.

'Subtle oak, with ripe fruit and fresh acidity, this is ripe with almost sweet notes,' said Hakkasan's Christine Parkinson. While Winetec's Tim Wildman MW complimented the 'beautifully handled oak: this is classic, cool climate wine, Olivier Marie of Coq d'Argent found it 'quite Meursault-esque'. Ideal with scallops.

£15.50 Ellis of Richmond

Great value and judicious oaking set this wine apart. Toast and buttery, spicy aromas on the nose mix with baked apple and stone fruits, while the classy palate has a creamy mouthfeel.

'The palate is bright with lovely minerality and a honeyed character. It tastes more expensive than it is.'
said team leader Jade Koch. Partner with roast chicken or pasta with creamy sauces.

£7.49 Hatch Mansfield

Balance and complexity helped Fraser Gallop scoop the second Chardonnay Gold.

'Bright, big and racy,' said team leader Natasha Hughes of this toasty wine, with its crisp green apple and citrus flavours, good concentration and hints of honey and vanilla. With its fleshy plum and rhubarb notes, look out for appealing vanilla-infused oak and a streak of fresh lime acidity.

£11.85 Berkmann Wine Cellars

Serious and rich, although highly enjoyable now, this is young and will evolve beautifully.

'Smoky and flinty on this nose with hints of bacon, the rich mid-palate bursts with juicy, tropical fruits, leading to a long and complex finish with nutty and toasted notes,' said Andrea Briccarello of Galvin Restaurants. Food partners range from scallops and salmon to pork belly.

£20.00 Matthew Clark

'Stunning' acidity, fine oak integration and balance took Saam's Chenin to the top, with its stone fruit character and hint of chamomile.

'A beautiful nose, soft and delicate, this is a delicate, lush wine with fine flowers and white berries,' said Roger Jones of The Harrow at Little Bedwyn. The lively, full texture on the palate makes it a match for fish and chips among other things.

£8.72 Bibendum

Boldness and richness marked out this luscious wine with its notes of tiny wild flowers, soft beeswax, lemon and custard slices.

'Concentrated with waxy, honeyed notes, and a lovely balance between the fruit and alcohol, this has great substance and length,' said Olivier Marie of Coq d'Argent. Think firm-fleshed fish or creamy risotto.

£13.63 Bibendum

Balance and flair gave Trapiche the sole Malbec Gold. Spicy, black fruits and violets sit alongside savoury notes of Worcestershire Sauce and Marmite on the nose. The palate is juicy, with clove spices and balanced oak.

'Liquorice and blackcurrant leaves frame the flavours, with ripe fruits and a good amount of tannins,' said Marco Feraldi of St James's Hotel and Club.

'A good meat wine.'

£14.39 John E Fells & Sons

This big, dense blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with its intense plum and herbal finish struck Gold for Sophenia.

'Bold fruit, with blackcurrant on the nose. There's an American oak emphasis, but it's very pleasant,' said Mark Thornhill of The Cricketers, Witney.

'Rather glossy,' concluded approving team leader, Simon Woods. Massive and dense, but with some finesse. Parker-style, but very well done,' said team leader Angela Reddin.

£21.90 Ellis of Richmond

Rustic panache and intense fruits took this to the top.

'It's rich, ripe and voluptuous, with big, juicy, black fruits and hints of baking spices,' said team leader, Angela Reddin, adding 'A really animal, gutsy red wine. In six months this will be ready to drink.'
'With intense red cherries and a touch of leather, the tannins are high but it's well balanced with great freshness,' said Stefano D'Andrea of Maze. Match with chargrilled foods.

£10.49 Hatch Mansfield

Complexity and depth gave New Zealand its second Pinot Gris Gold. Pear, pineapple, green apples and apricots – the nose evokes a stylish fruit salad tinged with spice. The palate shows ripe candied fruits, honey and nutty flavours, with good structure, minerality, fresh acidity, and just the right amount of residual sugar for a rounded finish.

£16.10 Liberty Wines

Versatility compounded by an attractive minerality running through the wine wins Ara its Gold.

'Honeyed pears and spice on the nose, lead to a palate with richer, still honeyed flavours, alongside a good balance between fruit and acidity,' said York & Albany's Nigel Lister. Think asparagus, mushroom risotto or even pork belly on the food-matching front.

£8.75 Negociants

Already excellent, this is likely to get even better with age.

'Savoury on the nose with a menthol-tinged herbaceousness, the palate balances tarry oak with fresh, crunchy red fruit, leading to a firm, dry finish,' said team leader Peter McCombie MW.

'Ambitious in style, with a savoury, evolved complexity,' said Jenny Mackenzie of The Plough Inn.

£13.46 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Not one, but two Food Match gongs for this exceptionally priced wine – Margherita pizza and mushroom risotto, since you ask – illustrates how versatile Chilean Pinot Noir can be in the right hands.

'Fresh with typical Chilean purity, yet restrained with fresh bright, red fruit, vibrancy and crunch. Delicious,' said a happy team leader, Peter McCombie MW. ‘A pretty wine and a very enjoyable by-the-glass introduction to the good value Pinot that cooler climate Chile can offer. Try this with a lamb shank or ossobuco,’ said Michael Moore of Enigma 88.

£5.38 CyT UK

Richness, some development, and a lingering finish, took the Riorret Emu to the top.

'It's brick red, with herbs, violets and creamy delicate fruit on the nose,' said Roger Jones of The Harrow at Little Bedwyn.

'Very pretty, characterful palate, with red berry fruits and a lick of oak,' said Martin Lam of Ransome's Dock. Match with chicken, lamb or warm mackerel salad.

£16.33 De Bortoli Wines UK

A delicate, feral complexity held in perfect balance took Paul Hobbs to the top.

'Lovely open PInot nose,' said York & Albany's Nigel Lister of the floral, redcurrant and cherry bouquet. The palate has good structure in a very New World style, with good morello cherry fruit, good balance and length.

'A ripe concentrated style which retains food freshness,' said Sara Bachiorri of The Glasshouse Restaurant.

£23.00 Alliance Wine

An enticingly moreish allure won Rockburn Gold for this complex, balanced wine.

'Deep cherry red in colour, this sports a rich, deep, concentrated nose, with liquorice, spices, black pepper, vanilla and coffee alongside floral aromas and dried red fruit notes,' said Tobias Brauweiler of The Ritz, adding that the palate is 'rich and dense, with ripe firm tannins and a fresh finish'.

'A great wine for introducing people to Otago Pinot and saying “this is what it’s all about”,' said Frédéric Jean-Yves Billet of Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa. Serve with game.

£18.86 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

'Young and bold but tasty,' said team leader Simon Woods, summing up how Invivo picked up a red Gold to match its well-deserved Sauvignon Blanc one. Intense yet poised, this well-priced wine with a silky texture showed raspberries and nutmeg on the nose alongside incense, toasty notes, cherries, tomato and cranberry.

'A delicate, appealing nose leads to an elegant, balanced palate with soft tannins and mouthwatering acidity,' said Tobias Brauweiler of The Ritz.

'This would really win customers over to New Zealand Pinot Noir,' said consultant Robert Giorgione, suggesting duck and venison stew to match.

£11.75 Grupo Codorníu

Intense of flavour, elegant in structure, and moreish in appeal, Spy Valley captured the judges' hearts.

'Black fruit compote mixes with smoky, glowing embers on the nose, while the palate is nicely layered with bright fruit and a nicely extended finish,' said team leader Angela Reddin.

'Quite firm oak, lots of dark cherry, grip and juicy fruit. A polished wine,' said team leader Simon Woods.

£13.69 Bibendum

Delicate and intricate, Woollaston scored not only Gold but a Critics Choice award. The nose sports a complex bouquet of jasmine, elderflower and honeysuckle mixed with peardrops, green apple and lemon zest. The palate is well-balanced, 'with flavours of sweet crushed apple splashed with lemon juice – a very pretty wine,' according to team leader Angela Reddin, who suggested scallops and Thai green curry as possible food matches.

£10.98 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Minerality and complexity led this to Gold.

'Good Kabinett style of Riesling, with good integration of sugar and fruit. Floral elderflower and apple fruit, alongside lively acids,' said The Marylebone Hotel's Mark Deamer. Quite broad tropical and citrus fruit along with a grassy finish offers sufficient depth to match taste-filled foods such as salmon and belly pork.

£15.93 Bibendum

Sheer depth of zesty flavours won this the Thai Prawn Curry Food Match gong as well as Gold. Exotic floral notes of jasmine and elderflower mix with ripe stone fruits, Bramley apple, grated lime and petrolly, rubberband aromas on the nose. The medium-bodied palate shows a slightly waxiness, with honeyed flesh and limey notes.

'Very poised and confident, this has lovely length and balance,' said team leader Angela Reddin, while Stefano D'Andrea of Maze felt this had 'good ageing potential'.

£8.07 Babich Wines UK

Value for money and a zesty zing led Esk Valley to the top. Honey blossom, lemon and ginger mix with lime peel and kaffir leaves on the nose, while the palate is well balanced and round, combining white peach and fresh green fruit flavours with just the right amount of acidity.

'Juicy, fresh and lively, with a bright youthful finish and good minerality, this would be excellent by the glass,' said consultant Jade Koch.

£7.00 Hatch Mansfield

Piercing fruit and fresh acidity make this a stand-out, whether for by the glass or with food. The nose is quite exotic, with passion fruit alongside peach and sweet lemon.

'With its touch of oil and lime acidity, this is nice and refreshing and a touch salty on the finish,' said Louise Gordon of The Rib Room, adding 'It would go so well with a scallop dish I’ve got in the restaurant at the moment.'

£13.04 Bibendum

Saint Clair scores Gold again with this vibrant wine. A lovely nose of gentle fruits – think grapefruit and lychee – alongside capsicum, grass and flowers leads to a well balanced palate with a long fruit finish.

'Mouthwatering acidity and a hint of spice make this wine beautifully textured and ultra-quaffable,' said Athila Roos of The Arts Club. Match with everything from asparagus and cod to crab cakes or barbecued prawns with lime and chilli.

£13.92 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

'Really well-framed, this is a serious wine, with long length and complexity,' said Athila Roos of The Arts Club, noting that this 'fuller' wine was 'mineral-led with some chalky texture alongside the spice'. Morgan Vanderkamer of Butlers Wharf Chop House noted 'Canteloupe melon, citrus, Asian pear, mango and hay, leading to a textured finish.'
Partner with scallops, sashimi or grilled sea bass.

£7.23 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Versatility and sheer character gave Errázuriz Gold for its Casablanca Sauvignon. Opening with notes of blackcurrant leaf the palate shows 'many layers of flavours, from vegetal to herbaceous, reaching a perfumed, fresh, fruity finish,' according to Marco Feraldi of St James's Hotel and Club. The lively fruit is balanced with good acids, notes of grapefruit and a grassy tinge. Wonderful value.

£5.61 Hatch Mansfield

Great varietal typicity and Summer drinking potential gave Undurraga not just Gold but made it one of the 2013 By the Glass picks for the pub.

'Fresh apple and white melon mix with grassy notes and hints of white flowers,' said Sara Bachiorri of The Glasshouse Restaurant, adding 'The dry fruity, palate has good minerality and a long finish.'

£5.83 González Byass

'Well-balanced, vibrant and refreshing.'
said Irina Atanasova of Jamie Oliver's Fifteen of one of 2013's most garlanded wines. The complex nose shows floral notes alongside quince, apple, citrus peel, gooseberry, capsicum and grass, flavours which follow through to a beautifully textured palate. Whether served by the glass, or with food – think shellfish, crab, lightly spiced Asian dishes – this is 'delicious and classy', said Athila Roos of The Arts Club.

£8.41 New Generation Wines

Personality and minerality won Fraser Gallop its second Gold of 2013 for this wine. Slightly smoky on the nose, with herbaceous notes of green asparagus and grass, the chalkiness on the palate complements subtle flavours of gooseberry, custard apple and green pepper, and the balanced citrus taste. Partner with roasted or pan-fried cod.

£11.85 Berkmann Wine Cellars

The marriage of rich McLaren Vale fruit with lightly spiced Clare Valley fruit wins Gold for Jaraman. Deep, intense and fragrant, this marries mint and spice with big fruit and subtle oak spice on the nose.

'The powerful oaky hint adds complexity on to a clean fruity impact,' said Marco Feraldi of St James's Hotel and Club. Versatile on the food-front, from Asian spare ribs and chargrilled steak to aubergine parmigiana.

£11.48 Louis Latour Agencies

Beauty in depth gave the Lionheart Gold in this impressively plush wine.

'Smoky bacon, brambles and chocolate spice on the nose, lead to a voluptuous palate with a really meaty streak,' said Natasha Hughes, team leader.

'Big and powerful, with enough tannins and acids to balance, plus a long peppery finish,' she said. Good for by the glass lists, this would match taste-fuelled dishes, from macaroni cheese to sirloin steaks.

£9.20 Liberty Wines

Focused and concentrated, this Gold winner is still relatively young. With red cherries and plums alongside earthy and herbal notes, violets and menthol on the nose, both acidity and tannins are high yet well balanced.

'Rich and smooth, with firm backbone, this has ageing potential but is approachable now,' said team leader Peter McCombie MW, suggesting lamb as the perfect match.

£17.07 Bibendum

An elegant nose with cool minty aromas leads through to an 'Excellent middle palate, with ripe fruit backed up by quality oak,' said team leader Richard Bampfield MW. Louise Gordon of the Rib Room continued: 'Hints of mint and white chocolate open out after a few minutes,' while Marco Feraldi of St James's Hotel and Club noted 'dark cocoa beans and coffee creme with velvety yet firm tannins. Incredible length. Good value for money.'

£16.83 Enotria&Coe

A wine with as bright a future as its present, this is deep in colour, flavour and structure.

'Good oak and juicy fruit with hints of spice and herbs.'
said Louise Gordon of The Rib Room.

'Rich on the palate with big tarry notes to support the fruit. Lasts well,' was the verdict of team leader Richard Bampfield MW.

'Plenty of power fruit but good balance. One with the "Wow" factor,' said Neil Bruce of Studio Alto.

£32.07 Bibendum

‘With its fruit, balance and elegance – it's a good example for the Gold List in terms of showing what South Africa is doing well while offering a very drinkable, moreish wine,' said Gabor Foth of Hakkasan Hanway Place. Team leader Simon Woods commented 'Big, solid, juicy and earthy, with a lovely herbal, open style.'

£12.75 Bibendum

With real intensity, dark blackberries mix with wild strawberries and plums throughout.

'This is ripe and opulent with fleshy fruit, and sweet spices, such as sweet Asian cinnamon and liquorice,' said Olivier Marie of Coq d'Argent, adding 'the palate is well-balanced, supported by finely grained tannins.'
Match with roast chicken, was Vinopolis' Tom Forrest's view.

£9.37 Hatch Mansfield

The Terroir Hunter was one of two polished Syrahs to bag the coveted steak Food Match, and with its smoky, tarry persona, that was perhaps not that surprising. A complex bouquet of violets, roses, red berries and hints of mint, lead through to a spicy palate with good minerality, medium tannins and juicy red fruit.

'Very Limarí,' said Martin Lam of Ransome's Dock.

£9.48 González Byass

A complex showstopper that spells drama.

'Terrific style, this has violet and violence aromas!' said team leader Angela Reddin of the bloody, meaty savoury notes running alongside the spices.

'Polished and balanced, the peppered spice notes are in perfect balance.'
said James Hocking of The Vineyard Group. Perfect with lamb shank.

£13.55 Boutinot

'Slightly funky with aromatic lift, this is honeysuckle-infused and quite fresh with some texture and grip,' said team leader Peter McCombie MW ‘'This offers a leaner, floral, very drinkable wine, with good acidity, yet still plenty of aromatic varietal character,' said Jenny Mackenzie of The Plough Inn, adding 'The leaner style will pair much better with food.'
Try with all dishes, from Thai green curry through to white meat such as pork.

£7.74 Bibendum

Serious, complex, aromatic and food friendly, this won hearts and minds with its greengage and peach fruit flavours alongside subtle floral notes, hints of spice and good peachy finish. A touch of residual sugar sits alongside this textured palate.

'Too good to spit,' said an impressed Michael Moore of Enigma 88, adding that the wine 'opens your tastebuds for all good things to come'.

£9.22 Bibendum

'Incredibly complex and wonderfully satisfying' – team leader Angela Reddin's summary of the judges' view.

'A marvellous spiciness, a well balanced interpretation of fruit and barrel. Enthusiastic and bright, this is explosive and easy to go for another glass,' said an impressed Marco Feraldi of St James's Hotel and Club.

'A toasted nut feel to the palate with a long and succulent finish,' said Louise Gordon of The Rib Room. £23.42/37.5cl

£23.42 Size: 37.5cl Cockburn & Campbell

An inspirational port at a frankly ludicrous price, a worthy winner of the inaugural Auchterlonie Award. Pale tawny in colour, with chocolate, hazelnut and walnuts on the nose alongside dried fruits, it opens up to offer tobacco leaves, spices, pepper, walnuts, choclate, coffee, hazelnuts, fig, prune... – I could go on! 'It’s going to clean your palate. Again it’s the freshness and acidity that is astonishing. Candy, raisin and Christmas cake – and it's very easy to drink,' said a happy Simon Cassina of Mondial Wines.

£31.15 Boutinot

Opulence allied with complexity lifted this LBV. Subtle spice and liquorice notes add interest to the rich, vibrant aromas of dried fruits, sour cherry and raisins.

'There's an amazing balance; it's a fresh elegant modern style with a long-lasting finish,' said Irina Atanasova of Jamie Oliver's Fifteen.

£14.64 Size: 75cl Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Much more dried flowers than its younger tawny sibling, nevertheless this is similarly fresh on the finish, with a well balanced bitter sweetness. There's more caramel and toffee cake flavours, with hazelnuts, candied orange and fig thrown in.

'The heavy fig sweetness lends itself to a light citrus tartness,' said STK's Michael Harrison.'
This time Mondial Wine's Simon Cassina is heading for mature cheese and Christmas cake. Available in 75cl or 50cl bottles.

£39.90 Size: 75cl Maisons Marques et Domaines

Inspiration at a frankly incredible price.

'Just delicious,' said Coq d'Argent's Olivier Marie, as he stared into his glass, adding 'Balanced and harmonious, it shows nice aromatics and complexity.'
'Distant, come hither figs and honey, this is nutty, ripe and round, with good length and an elegant follow through,' said Nigel Lister of York & Albany.

£16.00 Size: 75cl Mentzendorff & Co

A nutty, mellow tawny that had our judges reaching for the adjectives – 'Lapsong tea, nutty raisins and lovely balance' from The Vineyard Group's James Hocking; 'oranges, fig jam, macerated cherries' from Pollen Street Social's Laure Patry, and 'lemony citrus, raisins, sweetness balanced by good tartness', from STK's Michael Harrison – no wonder Mondial Wine's Simon Cassina was already reaching for his cigar... Available in 75cl and 50cl

£16.95 Size: 75cl Maisons Marques et Domaines

'Hugely representative of the charming wines coming out of Portugal, this will either engage people with the country or serve as a great example of the value that those in the know expect from the region,’ said Martin Lam of Ransome’s Dock. Supple and approachable, the intense palate has ripe cherry and berry fruit and soft tannins.

'Nice fruit purity here – sweet and fresh,' said team leader Jamie Goode. Match with lamb or venison.

£10.15 Sociedade Agrícola D. Diniz, S.A.

Fantastic complexity and warmth for the money brought Rocha Rosa Gold. Earthy spices underpin floral notes, dark cherry and forest fruit flavours. The balanced palate is youthful and dense, while the acidity is fresh and long. ‘This is a wine to suit all, with real pleasure offered in its supple fruit, a happy tasting wine that really over-delivers – an all round, easy-going, enjoyable option on the list, and maybe by the glass,' said Enigma 88's Michael Moore, suggesting steak, pork belly or pizza to match the big tannins. For Sales Call 020 8874 8160 / 07785 310169

£6.40

Generosity and complexity of fruit flavours scored Herdade de Esperão its first Gold of 2013. A gentle spritz is followed by guava and passion fruit, with a sprinkling of white pepper and a long finish.

'Fruity and open, with lovely sweet apples and pear,' said team leader Jamie Goode. ‘An easy drinking style, with citrus and a hint of peach, this would be very popular by the glass,' said The Plough Inn's Jenny Mackenzie.

£8.40 Barwell & Jones

Value and versatility characterised this red, with its crunchy red fruit and sweet, almost toffee-like elements on the finish.

'A very elegant, poised red, with juicy notes and dusty spice, this is round and polished with soft tannins and a spicy, complex finish,' said Galvin Restaurants' Andrea Briccarello. Great as a house wine, pork belly would be an ideal food match.

£5.68

For the second year in a row, despite the price, El Nido's flagship red takes Gold.

'A blockbuster, this is rich and opulent, with lots of juicy, jammy fruits. Still young with plenty of dark spices, sweet vanilla and plum character,' said Andrea Briccarello of Galvin Restaurants.

'It would go well with wood pigeon with blackcurrant sauce,' said The Glasshouse Restaurant's Sara Bacchiorri, explaining 'The wine is very velvety – it won’t get lost or overwhelmed. Venison as well would be good.'

£75.10 Boutinot

Complexity and value brings Goriška Brda its first Gold. Very pale lemon in the glass, a fragrant, floral nose mixes spicy lemon peel with tropical notes of pineapple and passionfruit. While Viajante's Christophe Richelet noted 'pear compote and fresh green grapes and a bit of grass on the palate', Zuma's Laura Blanchett said the palate was 'well balanced with a pleasantly interesting spiciness, finishing on a note of tamarillo'.

£6.17 Berkmann Wine Cellars

Vibrant and expressive, Turkey's first Gold had our judges fascinated, beginning with its complex bouquet of rich red berries, currants, loganberries and blackcurrants, alongside dried fruits, violets, vanilla and cigar box spices. The palate has 'excellent tannins, smooth but with good structure and acidity, and a finish that is pronouned and elegant,' said Morgan Vanderkamer of Butlers Wharf Chop House.

£8.88

The exotic complexity intrigued our panel, scoring Kavaklıdere its second Gold Granitic notes underly a ripe tropical nose of papaya, candied lemon and beeswax. Well structured with pineapple, mandarin and vanilla, creamy oak, spice and smoke on the palate, leading to a zesty lemon finish. ‘This has the savoury complexity, acidity, texture – everything in fact – to make for a great food wine,’ said Martin Lam of Ransome’s Dock, adding, ‘I’d love to sit down with simple roast chicken now and tuck in.’

£11.18 Tees

‘A really exciting wine – such verve and such intriguing flavours,' said team leader Angela Reddin, noting that the wine was 'complex, with beautiful acidity, and an element of minerality through to the finish'. Wonderful perfume, with freesia and acacia alongside blackcurrant buds and a slight whiff of stem ginger. Pear and apple mix with lemon and lime on a dry palate with a lemony zesty finish.

'Fresh, vivacious and floral, there's lots happening,' said Roger Jones of The Harrow at Little Bedwyn, pairing it with fish and chips.

£6.17 Berkmann Wine Cellars

A delicate individuality scooped Simčič Gold.

'Lovely and heady, this is open and juicy,' said team leader Simon Woods, continuing: 'Excellent, balanced, ripe and herby.'
'Dried rosehips, Bakewell tart, framboise and graphite on the nose. This is very feminine, with a delicate, lacy but powerful palate,' said team leader Angela Reddin.

'Well suited to food with acidity,' said Matthew Cocks of Cubitt House.

£18.95 Bancroft Wines

With good richness, this has an intense freshness, opulent stone fruit and floral hints on the nose and palate.

'An ethereal nose, with some seaweed and oyster shell minerality,' said Olivier Marie of Coq d'Argent. ‘Wonderful drinking, this is delicate, but very enjoyable and certainly a wine you could offer with most fish, or simply serve on its own as an aperitif,' said consultant Robert Giorgione.

£6.13 Tees

Almost Amarone in style, this ambitious wine shows savoury aromas of liquorice and dried figs alongside sweet, slightly dried grape flavours on the nose. Earthy notes run alongside jammy cherry and red berry flavours on a long, delicate, palate. Team leader Angela Reddin noted 'Big full-on wine – gobs of fruit and great drive.'

£16.60 Bulles Blanc Rouge

Lebanon's first Gold for four years goes to Karam's 1300m-high vineyards. While Nicolas Vierne of The Orange said 'Lovely notes of vanilla, cassis, redcurrant and oak on the nose, with a great, long finish,' others noted aromas of tulips, roses, cloves, tar and dry red berries, while Coq d'Argent's Olivier Marie loved 'the use of oak. Tannins are well managed, though grippy.'

£14.59 Kingswood wines

Attractive, balanced and elegant, this led the pack.

'It's well made, with delicate colour, a good length and a nice lift on the finish,' said Vinoteca's Charles Young, adding 'An all-rounder.'
'A garden's worth of summer strawberries in a glass,' said Matthew Cocks of Cubitt House of this juicy, mineral-infused wine.

£7.95 Charles Hawkins & Partners

Lovely and pale in the glass, this appealed for its elegance, texture and sheer drinkability. Relatively quiet on the nose, floral notes sit alongside hints of spice and soft fleshy fruit.

'Soft, supple and fruity on the palate, with some smoky, mineral notes and hints of sweet cherries,' said team leader Jamie Goode.

£7.75

Stylish and expressive, complex and textured, this has a lovely smoky, flinty minerality.

'Pale pink with mineral notes on the nose. With its strawberry and peach flavours, this is very fresh and well made,' said Sara Bachiorri of The Glasshouse Restaurant. ‘This has enough substance and character to enjoy throughout the year, and to carry you through to a first course,' said Charles Young of Vinoteca.

£10.67 Bibendum

Concentration and richness won the day. Medium yellow in colour with an intense nose of chamomile, almonds and vanilla, its 'tremendously long finish' makes this fino excellent for strong-flavoured foods,' said Matthew Cocks of Cubitt House.

'Smooth, tangy and very stylish, a great match for scallops,' added Jenny Mackenzie of The Plough Inn. £11.85/50cl

£11.85 Size: 50cl Boutinot

'An excellent example and a good match for seafood,' said Jenny Mackenzie of The Plough Inn, noting the sherry's 'elegant style, with its hints of polish, nutty complexity and tangy edge'.

'Taut, grippy and balanced, this is lovely, fragrant and supple,' said team leader Simon Woods. £19.10/50cl

£19.10 Size: 50cl Boutinot

Character and texture took this to the top. While team leader Jade Koch noted flavours of deep sweet plum, blackcurrant, raspberry, vanilla, cloves, tobacco and blueberries, Hakkasan's Christine Parkinson said 'Bay laurel, damson, blueberry and clove on the nose, this has a fresh, supple texture and packs real depth and length.'

£15.41 González Byass

'Great depth, balance and spice,' was how the Ubiquitous Chip's Richard Masterson summarised how Finca Museum brought home Gold.

'With a vanilla, plum and raspberry profile, this is a rich, spicy number,' said team leader Sarah Jane Evans MW.

'Red to black fruits run alongside black pepper, thyme and pepper,' said The Marylebone Hotel's Mark Deamer, adding that, with its 'good structure and mature tannins, this is still young but could get even better.'

£12.16 Cockburn & Campbell

Savoury and dark in the glass, this shows minerals and cinnamon as well as textured, black brambly fruit, a dry tannic lick and an overlay of spicy oak.

'Ripe, warm, focused nose of berry fruit, the vibrant palate is similarly ripe but fresh. Match with steak, lamb or game,' was team leader Jamie Goode's advice.

£7.00 EWGA

'A perfect all-rounder, but one that leaves a memorable impression,' said Morgan Vanderkamer of Butlers Wharf Chop House of this elegant, charming wine. Aromas of almonds, peaches, melon and pineapples mix with spice and flowers, leading to a refreshing, mineral-infused palate with plenty of ripe peaches and apricots, good concentration, balance and citrus peel length. Highly food friendly, matches range from scallops and roast chicken to Thai curry and belly pork.

£6.85 Boutinot

'Ballsy and grippy, but with the fruit to back it up,' said the Ubiquitous Chip's Richard Masterson.

'Cedar and strawberry mixes with a hint of menthol on the nose. Plummy on the palate with gorgeous minerality and the most seductive acidity. So much bang for your buck,' said an entranced Mark Deamer of The Marylebone Hotel.

£14.48 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Character and value from Acústic won it Gold. Ruby red with crimson hues and purplish glints, aromas of red and black fruits mix with liquorice, meaty notes, light vanilla aromas and a delicate, yet persistent spicing.

'Balsamic, pepper and juicy vanilla flavours make this profound and complex,' said Galvin Restaurants' Andrea Briccarello, suggesting lamb stew, cassoulet, goulash or chorizo as perfect partners.

£12.67 Bibendum

Wonderful flavour and much food matching potential gave Chivite not just its second Gold, but a Critics Choice award too. The structured, yet elegant palate has velvety-ripe tannins and a good balance.

'Redcurrant and wild strawberries over dark cocoa on the nose leads to a palate with the same savouriness and a hint of game, that's crying out for lashings of jamon iberico,' said The Arts Club's Athila Roos. Pair with everything from salmon to veal or Chinese spice chicken.

£8.23 Matthew Clark

Intensity, elegance and a long finish wins the day for Franck Massard. Deep purple in the glass, oak adds a dash of spice throughout this medium-bodied wine with a dry finish.

'Earthy with black fruit, smoke and sweet spice, the fresh palate has nice, ripe, velvet tannins and good concentration,' said Hakkasan's Diana Rollan.

£12.44 Enotria&Coe

Rich and highly complex, 'this has toasty, bready, buttery notes alongside minerals, quince and honey on the nose,' according to Hakkasan's Diana Rollan.

'The fruit shines through. A great waxy texture - very well done,' said Nigel Lister of York & Albany. From poulet de Bresse with morels and garlic to Bouillabaise and rouille, this is the ideal dining partner.

£25.00 Matthew Clark

Elegance and honey took this to the top.

'Fresh and round on the nose with citrus, mandarin, tangerine and minerals,' said Hakkasan's Diana Rollan. The honeyed character continues onto a zesty, balanced palate.

'A textured, rounded style, fresh at its core, with good fruit, showing the complexity for food pairing, but also an accomplished wine to enjoy on its own,' said the OXO Tower's Mark Graham.

£8.50 Grupo Codorníu

Value and food-friendliness marked this out from the start.

'Juicy, full-bodied and full of flavour, gutsy yet not crude – cracking value,' said team leader, Richard Bampfield MW.

'Tangy red berry aromas, the palate is well balanced and appealling, with spicy fruity and a zingy finish,' said Richard Brooks of Caroline Catering. Gutsy wine needs gutsy food: think lamb, pizza or steak.

£5.85 Boutinot

Dark spices and texture bag Gold for Ondarre in this still young reserva.

'A savoury nose with a good depth of oaked bramble fruit leads to a silky, earthy palate with ripe, firm tannins, sound complexity and depth,' said team leader Natasha Hughes.

'Well-integrated oak fits into a well-structured palate with balanced tannins and acidity. Perfect with food, this will continue to evolve.

£9.27 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Dense and complex in style, this mixes coconut oak, smoke, spice and tobacco with red fruit and rose petals on the nose, while the palate is multi-layered with velvet tannins and brisk acidity. ‘An expressive wine, this is elegant, rounded, but refined, with the freshness to cut through quite fat-rich dishes like pork belly or duck,' said Jenny Mackenzie of The Plough Inn. Best to open ahead of time.

£29.39 Hatch Mansfield

Dark and broody, with black cherry and spice on a herbal-tinged nose.

'Excellent balance of fruit and tannins, this has great length and a warming spicy finish,' said Mark Deamer of The Marylebone Hotel. ‘Superb and easy-drinking, with a delightful floral profile, this is the sort of memorable wine that you want to be able to offer to engage people with modern Spanish wines,' said Enigma 88's Michael Moore. Match with grilled red meats.

£9.99 González Byass

Structure and balance led Conde de Valdemar to Gold. Sporting a complex bouquet of red berries, vanilla, and spices with steeped tea, herbal and balsamic notes, the palate is fresh and vibrant with ripe, silky tannins.

'More traditional in style, this is good value,' said Hakkasan's Diana Rollan.

£7.96 Berkmann Wine Cellars

A savoury, suave character that charmed our judges. Cherries, plums and juicy redcurrants are overlaid with well-integrated, toasty vanilla oak and balsamic notes. Along with leathery notes on the palate, the tannins were softening but still tangible, alongside excellent fruit, weight and length. While many felt it ready now, some felt it would improve further with time.

£15.04 Hatch Mansfield

'This is a serious wine which offers a great, and a good value alternative to white Burgundy, having the texture and length to pair with a wide variety of foods,' said Hakkasan Hanway Street's Gabor Foth.

'With aromas of pear, apple and oak, 'The palate is held together well by a tight acid/mineral line, with toasty notes in the background,' said Soho Wine Supply's Kyri Sotiri. Could work with salmon, prawns, trout, crispy roast chicken or creamy mushroom risotto.

£16.09 Hatch Mansfield

Creamy, rich and toasty, the intensity and length of this wine entranced our judges.'
Confit lemon, fresh pineapple and hints of brioche, with a lovely fresh lemon acidity and a delicate mousse,' said The Rib Room's Louise Gordon.

'A very lovely, complete style,' said happy team leader Simon Woods.

£27.25 Liberty Wines

Complexity, class and balance carried this wine to the top. With its smoky savoury nose with Whetstone, morels, stone fruits and oyster shell, this shows 'excellent definition, power and grace,' according to team leader Angela Reddin.

'Juicy, vibrant with excellent minerality that carries through to a very pretty finish,' said consultant Jade Koch.

£61.59 Pernod Ricard UK

Kicking off the category with a budget-beater, our judges all recognised the commercial appeal. Fresh with stone fruit and citrus influences, this is light in body, but with balance and some length. Consultant Jade Koch noted 'honey, butterscotch and ginger on the nose,' while team leader Richard Bampfield MW liked the bright, lemon curd aromas and off-dry, easy-drinking style.'

£13.33 Majestic Commercial

Mature, round and relatively soft, with a lovely creamy texture, this is deeply coloured with aromas of apple cake and honeyed biscuits.

'Stone fruits and citrus flavours, with a touch of roasted almond, and layered acidity to the fore. Good length and ready for drinking now,' advised Soho Wine Supply's Kyri Sotiri.

'Would suit charcuterie,' said team leader Angela Reddin.

£27.40 Hatch Mansfield

Lively and expressive on the palate with a toasty nose and vivid citrus fruit and high acidity. 'It has austerity to it, but it has a really rich centre, with terrific mouthfeel, presence and balance,' said team leader Angela Reddin.

£25.50

Versatility and complexity won the day.

'With a creamy, citrus edge to the nose, this has a powerful, herb-tinged, citrusy palate,' said panel leader Jamie Goode. Tangerine, kumquats and a touch of white pepper are balanced by good acidity, a lovely weight and texture, and a long finish. ‘A fantastic wine. Great as an aperitif, or with salads and light summer dishes’ said Vinoteca's Charles Young.

£35.53 Hatch Mansfield

Powerful and bold, this vintage impressed with its vivid flavours and intensity.

'Golden, complex and delicious,' was Michael Sharpe of Sycamore House Restaurant's succinct summary.

'Very fine mousse with toasted caramel notes, stone fruit flavours and great acidity, this finishes long and lively,' said The Tate Group's Gustavo Medina.

£85.00 Liberty Wines

With enchanting white flowers alongside apple skins, citrus hints and pleasant notes of autolysis, team leader Simon Woods felt this was 'ripe and balanced,' with 'a good tension between fruit and sweetness.'
'It has a superb finish,' said Coq d'Argent's Olivier Marie, suggesting matching it 'with scallops in butter or a similar rich seafood where the acidity and weight would cut through the dish.'

£19.74 Enotria&Coe

Good as an aperitif but also with sufficient tang and body to match food, as shown by its Fish & Chips Food Match gong.

'Good mousse and an elegant nose of apples, pears and citrus fruit with creamy brioche, there's a hint of sweetness on the palate, with ripe apples and well balanced acidity,' said Laura Ward of Vivat Bacchus.

'Slightly peppery with delicate minerality,' added Coq d'Argent's Olivier Marie.

£15.00 Jenkyn Place Vineyard

Subtle and delicate, the grassy, nettley notes on the nose continue onto the palate. This shows finesse with its green apple and plum fruit flavours sitting happily alongside almonds, citrus notes and dried fruits.

'Well-balanced with a wonderful finish,' said Olivier Marie of Coq d'Argent.

'Do try with salmon dishes.'

£18.50 Boutinot

Perfect aperitif material at a cracking price, and so say all of us.

'Flower with pear, peach and green almond flavours on a lightly petillant, satsuma-infused palate. Light fruit on the palate with lively acidity. Easy drinking, likeable bubbles.

£9.60 González Byass

Versatility and food friendliness took the lead here.

'Rich yellow colour with some development and a fine bead. Good autolytic character, with pronounced ripe golden apple and honey flavours,' said Matthew Cocks of Cubitt House. Try with rabbit terrine, or even slow cooked pork belly.

£8.38 Berkmann Wine Cellars

With its frizzante character, bright strawberry- and cranberry-infused nose, and summer pudding palate, it's the balancing acidity and long length plus delicate aniseed hints that sets this well-priced sparkler ahead of the pack.

'Lovely and sweet, with vivid, grapey, cherry fruit and a nice freshness. Delicious,' said panel leader Jamie Goode.

£6.55 González Byass

Lemon custard and mineral flavours to the fore, on a complex, well-integrated and refreshing palate with hints of vanilla alongside pear, apple and citrus.

'Good length,' said Etrusca Restaurants' Luigi Buonanno, suggesting oysters as the perfect match.

£12.24 Enotria&Coe

Freshness, good length and some inherent sweetness gave this wine the edge, winning it a coveted spot on the By the Glass list. Lively and taut with some floral notes alongside peardrop, grapefrult, white melon and stone fruit, plus hints of candied fruit.

'A sweeter style, but attractive and well made,' said York & Albany's Nigel Lister.

£8.99 Eurowines

Despite – or perhaps because of – its delicacy in colour and on the palate, this rosé turned heads. Subtle, understated and delicately perfumed, this is youthful, fresh and lively,' said team leader Peter McCombie MW, adding that although not unapproachable now, it 'would improve'.

'Elegant and lingering', added Neil Bruce of Studio Alto. Match with fish dishes, plainly cooked or in batter, or even a sweet dessert.

£32.79 Pernod Ricard UK

Toasty, rich and weighty on the nose, with plenty of autolysis, mocha and coffee notes. Coq d'Argent's Olivier Marie loved its aristocratic, racy lines, saying 'Suave and opulent, this has a lovely balanced palate with notes of tobacco and pencil shavings.'
Meanwhile Frédéric Jean-Yves Billet of Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa appreciated its food potential. ‘With its fruit, complexity and depth of flavour, this is one to pair with salmon or scallops, or even dishes with moderate Asian spices, such as Thai green curries.'

£51.95 Liberty Wines

Light blush in colour, the joy and value here appealed to all.

'Pleasant and savoury with good depth,' said The Harrow at Little Bedwyn's Roger Jones, adding 'Fresh, clean and lively, with a seam of raspberry ripple.'
'There's a lovely balance between the red berries and peony flowers on the nose,' said Coq d'Argent's Olivier Marie.

£9.60 González Byass

Elegant, subtle and well balanced with bready flavours, racy acidity and lemon zing on the finish.

'Quite serious, with crab apple and flowers, plus some biscuity notes. The palate is fine and fruity with lively acidity, good depth and length.'
said team leader Peter McCombie MW, adding 'Classy.'
Coq d'Argent's Olivier Marie agreed: 'Showing breed!'

£20.00 Boutinot

Multi-layered and with endless length, this has superb balance.

'Sauternes-like with lovely liqueur. Rich intensity with apricot and marmalade and a smoky character,' said Coq d'Argent's Olivier Marie.

'Beautiful acidity on the finish. Well-made with some complexity.'
£14.56/37.5cl

£14.56 Size: 37.5cl Enotria&Coe

Basil mixes with tangy citrus fruits and exotic perfume on the nose, leading to a grapefruit and honey palate.

'Infused with tropical lychees, Turkish delight, oranges and rosehip,' said a happy Olivier Marie from Coq d'Argent.

'Almost herbacious on the finish, with floral hints and rosewater,' added STK's Michael Harrison. £12.85/50cl

£12.85 Size: 50cl Boutinot

Indulgent and exciting, this has a lovely, heady, toasty, nutty style, finishing long and crisp. With some savoury maturity and good depth, it has an almost sherry-like nose, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, baked apples, and dense toffee and fudgey fruits on the palate. £26.73/50cl

£26.73 Size: 50cl Hallgarten & Novum Wines

The sheer class here won friends and influenced people – despite the price. Beeswax, car leather, oolong tea and mango – all were mentioned, along with fantastic intensity, and amazing length and tension.

'Lemon curd, papaya and a beautiful silky finish, this has incredibly well-integrated oak,' said Louise Gordon of The Rib Room. Would suit a By the Glass or Dégustation menu. £39.50/37.5cl Available to UK on-trade via Liberty Wines

£39.50 Size: 37.5cl Liberty Wines

Complexity at an incredible price. A fine mix of aromas: melons, zesty oranges, apricots, lemon rind, pineapple and passionfruit, mingling with a hint of herbs. Powerful and luscious on the palate, Tim Wildman MW of Winetec felt this was 'fresh and appealing in a lovely midweight style'. £4.11/37.5

£4.11 Size: 37.5cl CyT UK

Deep in colour with honey notes, orange peel, pineapple, and tropical fruit.

'This is luscious rich and indulgent. Great balance with delicious fruit,' said Laura Ward of Vivat Bacchus.

'Big bright, juicy, fleshy and balanced, said team leader, Simon Woods, suggesting tarte tatin as the pud of choice. £10.75/50cl

£10.75 Size: 50cl Liberty Wines

Ruby red in colour, with a dark cherry, almost liqueur-like nose with hints of Mexican chocolate alongside ripe cherries, raisins, plums and figs. ‘Exactly what you’d look for in this style of wine,' said Gabor Foth of Hakkasan Hanway Place, adding 'It has an interesting beautifully balanced flavour profile, and would add a nice point of difference on a list.’ £11.25/50cl

£11.25 Size: 50cl Liberty Wines

Majoring on a beguiling bouquet and a generous palate, this first Varietal Malbec Gold is 'good, honest stuff', according to team leader Peter McCombie MW. With an enchanting nose of violets, plums and a hint of black pepper, it shows a juicy ripeness and soft tannins.

'Elegant, fruit-driven palate with restraint,' said Viajante's Christophe Richelet, adding 'Soft textured, with notes of warm spice on the finish'.

£6.00 Chalié Richards

An almost-ripasso-style richness set this Malbec apart, with its tannins and concentrated texture making it a real food friend. Inky in colour, cherry confit, raspberry and ripe black fruits ally themselves with mulberry and dark chocolate flavours.

'Savoury toasty nose with violet notes leads to a juicy, big wine with a lovely tannin structure, balance and richness,' said The Harrow at Little Bedwyn's Roger Jones. Think steak, venison, lamb or vintage cheddar macaroni cheese.

£7.75 Boutinot

'A big wine that develops wonderfully in the mouth,' said Caroline Catering's Richard Brooks of this voluptuous Malbec. Deep dark cherries couple with intense raspberry and framboise notes on the nose, while the palate shows a clear core of raspberry ripple ice cream, great freshness, soft tannic structure and a creamy, lingering finish. On the food front, think steak or lamb tagine.

£9.26 Hallgarten & Novum Wines

Hugely versatile wine, with a breadth that appealed widely and a worthy winner of not one but two Food Match gongs.

'Aromas of prune, kirsch and jammy blueberry leaves space for a touch of liquorice and dried lavender that gives elegance,' said an inspired Marco Adreani of The Pass at South Lodge. With its youthful, chunky fruit and firm ripe tannins, this has some life ahead of it.

£11.99 Matthew Clark

'Ripe plum pudding and spices on the nose, with confit plum and liquorice on a weighty palate, with quite sturdy but ripe tannins. Long finish, said consultant Peter McCombie MW. With that minty, spicy tinge alongside vanilla and coconut notes, this is 'Australia in a glass,' said Tom Forrest of Vinopolis. Ideal By the Glass material or with lamb.

£8.05 Boutinot

Classic Marlborough nose with gooseberry and cut grass, leads to a fresh palate with bursts of lime and a medium length.

'A fresh expression of an exotic Sauvignon Blanc, where the characteristic leafiness is well accompanied by a lovely, delicate peach,' said Seven Park Place's Marco Feraldi.

£6.40 Grupo Codorníu

Pale and clear, this shows restrained yet ripe pear, stone fruit and cooked apple aromas. The lemon-fresh palate is medium-bodied and pear-tinged with a lengthy finish.

'Mineral and textured, with delicate flavours of green apple,' said a happy Christophe Richelet of Viajante.

£6.60 Berkmann Wine Cellars