A huge congratulation to Chapeldown Vineyards, Hush Heath Estate and Squerryes, who came away with two Golds, three Silvers and a Bronze at the Sommelier Wine Awards.
The Sommelier Wine Awards is a wine competition with a difference. Britain’s only on-trade wine competition, it focuses entirely on wines aimed at the on-trade. Since it started in 2007 it has grown to become the first point of reference for the UK’s on-trade wine buyers as well as the key competition for wines trying to increase their presence in hotels, pubs, bars and restaurants. The judges serve or buy wine in the on-trade, and wines with general high street distribution are not permitted, except for sparkling and fortified wines, and online-exclusive wines.
Here’s what they won:
Chapel Down, Kit’s Coty Estate, Chardonnay, 2012, Kent, England – Gold
Deft oak treatment delivers Gold to Chapel Down for this, its flagship Chardonnay. ‘Good oak treatment on the palate with smoky notes and refreshing, buttery fruit style. Well-made wine,’ said Enikő Heidenwolf of Bread Street Kitchen, with Roger Jones of The Harrow at Little Bedwyn adding: ‘Savoury and well balanced, with lovely sweet orchard fruit, peas and apple on the palate. Pair with roast chicken and asparagus.’
£11.95 Chapel Down
Sparkling: England
Chapel Down, Three Graces, 2009, Kent, England – Silver
‘Interesting on the nose, with complex flavours of peach and flowers, this is fresh, zesty, clean and lightly spicy, with a persistent finish,’ said Andrea Fasan of La Petite Maison, concluding: ‘A gourmet style.’ ‘Good all rounder,’ said team leader Angela Reddin. ‘Scallops and monkfish.’
£14.95 Matthew Clark, Chapel Down
Squerryes, Brut, 2010, Kent, England – Gold
A mix of peach, tart apricot, delicate pear and light tangerine flavours illustrates the inviting complexity of this wine. ‘With good acidity, this has notes of fresh herbs, pineapple, lime and lemons,’ said Gustavo Medina of Rex Whistler Restaurant. ‘Pleasant aperitif style – fantastic value,’ concluded team leader Angela Reddin.
£18.87 Squerryes
Hush Heath Estate, Balfour, 1503, Classic Cuvée, NV, Kent, England – Silver
Well integrated, with good breadth on the palate, and strudel, lemons, apricots and flowers on the nose. ‘This has excellent underlying structure and a lovely balance,’ said team leader Angela Reddin, ‘Try with fish in pastry.’
£19.59 Bibendum Wine
Sparkling: Rosé, excluding Champagne
Hush Heath Estate, Balfour, Brut Rosé, 2010, Kent, England – Silver
‘Attractive initial aromas, pleasant and balanced, this is versatile enough for a variety of foods,’ said Richard Brooks of Caroline Catering. ‘There’s a lovely creamy complexity, with fine toasty notes,’ said team leader Annette Scarfe MW. ‘Excellent!’
£28.58 Bibendum Wine
Hush Heath Estate, Balfour 1503, Dry Rosé, NV, Kent, England – Bronze
‘Good depth of pink salmon colour, with nice mousse,’ began team leader Olivier Marie: ‘Palate is clean, high dosage, but ripe and fleshy. Opulent.’ ‘Proper pink fizz,’ added Gus Gluck of Vinoteca King’s Cross.
£19.59 Bibendum Wine
