Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Bordeaux Blends, Rest of the New World
2016 Gold: 3 Silver: 8 Bronze: 5 Commended: 7
2015 Gold: 4 Silver: 9 Bronze: 8 Commended: 13
Essentially, this section came down to two countries: the US and Argentina – and they fared very differently.
The US, led by California, was something of a disappointment. Gaining five good Silvers probably won’t ease the pain of a single place on the Gold List – particularly since three wines made top spot last year. Interestingly, where last year’s Golds were all expensive (over £20), this year’s sole winner was a rare sub-£10 offering. And for sure, there was (as usual) a lot of muttering about the prices of these wines.
That said, if you have a clientele that doesn’t look too carefully at the right-hand column, there is some good kit in these medal winners.
Argentina was much more positive. Surprisingly so, in fact, since the country has rarely made much of an impact at the Sommelier Wine Awards with Cabernet beyond the odd Gold here and there. So to pick up six medals, a third of them Golds was a fine performance – especially with nothing over the £14 mark.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘The Californian Cabernets were big, rich, bold, very polished and well made at the top end. But I didn’t find much value for money here.’ Olivier Marie, team leader
‘There’s lots of fruit and tannin in the Argentinian Cabernets, but there’s also this nice pencil shaving medicinal, spice flavour that comes through as well. There’s a lot more going on, and it’s in balance.’ Jade Koch, team leader
‘The Argentinian wines really started to deliver at £10-£12. There was good complexity and depth of flavour.’ Georgi Mihov, Bohemia Bar and Restaurant
‘For £50, you can buy some great Bordeaux…’ Stefan Kobald, Social Wine & Tapas
“Argentinian Cabernet is a fantastic alternative to Malbec, more fruit-driven than Bordeaux and better value than you get out of Australia and New Zealand.” Mya Brown, The Ledbury
“Before, Argentinian Cabernet was all about fruit. Now everything is better integrated.” Frédéric Jean-Yves Billet, Luton Hoo Hotel Golf & Spa