Strong contenders

Sopexa’s Singapore Best Sommelier Competition in French Wines 2018 saw a winner crowned, but two others will be going into the Asia Final in South Korea.

At the fourth edition of Sopexa’s highly anticipated Best Sommelier Competition in French Wines, Yeo Xi Yang (formerly with Straits Clan) calmly kept his composure amid strong competition to pick up the champion title. He was rewarded with a wine cellar from Vintec, among other prizes.

Held on 2 October at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, the competition saw four finalists compete in six workshops. They were Lei Dong from The American Club Singapore, who clinched first runner-up; Daisuke Shibuya from Sun with Moon Japanese Dining & Café Singapore; and Irwin Tan from RVLT wine bar.

The judges included president of the jury, the illustrious Jean-pascal Paubert, alongside Annette Scarfe MW, last year’s champion Daisuke Kawai, epicure wine editor June Lee, and other professionals. Master of ceremony Stephanie Rigourd kept the proceedings moving between the six taxing workshops, that included sparkling and red wine service, cheese identification and pairing, spirits and cocktail, and wine sensory analysis. Each participant displayed their strengths, with Yeo adept at service while Lei aced the sensory analysis.

At press time, Yeo has bowed out of the Asia Final due to personal reasons, leaving Lei and Shibuya to fly the Singapore flag at the Asia Best Sommelier in French Wines Competition which will take place 10 to 12 December in Seoul.