“It’s a fact isn’t it; we all like to win something. Savouring that ‘punch the air’ moment –the sense of achievement.”

Eric Monnin, 2010 Critic’s Choice Winemaker

So what do you need to know about the Sommelier Wine Awards? Well, as the competition director Chris Losh put it, they are awards ‘judged by the on-trade for the on-trade’. All submitted wines were tasted by panels made up of top sommeliers and restaurateurs, each chaired by an MW (Master of Wine) or consultant with particular restaurant trade understanding and focus.

Judging took place January to March 2010 – the key being that wines were tasted blind by category. Following the first round of tasting approximately two thirds of the wines were eliminated. Those remaining were placed on the silver list. After re-tasting, the highlights were then chosen as gold award winners.

As in previous years, a number of wines from the Curious Wines list have excelled. Five wines made the Gold List and another five (one arriving in the coming weeks) landed silver. One of our top winemakers, Eric Monnin (the man behind Dignité – 2007 vintage on the way), picked up the 2010 Critic’s Choice Winemaker; like we needed anyone to tell us how good he was.

2010 Gold List

Paarl Heights Chenin Blanc 2009

Domaine du Pré Baron Touraine Sauvignon 2008

Domaine Chante Cigale Châteauneuf Blanc 2008

Fernando de Castilla Classic Fino Sherry

Lallier Champagne Grand Cru Grande Réserve NV

2010 Silver List

El Tesoro Monastrell Shiraz 2008

Domaine de Vedilhan Syrah 2007

Tabalí Reserva Viognier 2009

Dexter Pinot Noir 2008 (currently 2007 vintage)

Cuvée L’ancienne Mâcon Charnay 2008 (coming soon)

2010 By the glass (food wines)

Domaine du Pré Baron Touraine Sauvignon 2008 paired with mushroom risotto.

Lallier Champagne Grand Cru Grande Réserve NV paired with poached white fish.