GOLDWINNING WINES

The first week of judging produced a very impressive 891 Gold medal winners. Of these, 213 were elevated to Platinum, 50 of which then became Best in Show winners. That left us with a more than respectable 678 Golds – and here they are

Alsace GOLD

Sparkling white 96 Cleebourg, Auxerrois Brut, Crémant d’Alsace NV (12.5%)

Magnificent floral, yeasty and yellow apple aromatics, fresh and juicy with a fine mousse, long and concentrated, energetic and lingering.

The words ‘delectable’ and ‘riveting’ come to mind.

GOLD White 95 Cave de Beblenheim, Riesling Grand Cru Schoenenbourg 2020 (13.2%)

A remarkable wine with an intense nose of pink grapefruit, white peach and apricot. Deep, intense and full-bodied with a salty edge and a long, off-dry finish. One for the cellar, a class act all round.

95 Cave de Ribeauvillé, Riesling Grand Cru Osterberg 2019 (13.5%)

£30.25 Friarwood Fine Wines

A petrol- and aniseed-filled bouquet leads into an intensely flavoured palate, beautifully poised, with delicate fruit sweetness buttressed by minerally, juicy, filigree acidity. It has the grapefruit-filled length and line of Riesling that only the utmost echelon achieves. Exceptional.

95 Domaine BarmèsBuecher, Riesling Grand Cru Hengst 2020 (14.5%)

Intense ripe pineapple, grapefruit and petrol aromatics. Deep and profound with notes of candied fruit and a long, dry, spicy finish. Closed now, but it has ripe acidity and outstanding length. Just when you think it’s over, it loiters some more.

GOLD

Sweet white 95 Domaine AllimantLaugner, Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Praelatenberg 2018 (13.7%)

£35 Humble Grape

The aromatic bouquet and exuberant palate centre on honeysuckle, rose petal, ripe peach, yellow apple, spices, quince and lychee. Delicacy is the watchword; perfect aromatic length and balance. In exceptional shape from every angle.

95 Fernand Engel,

Pinot Gris Grand Cru Gloeckelberg 2018 (13.5%)

£32 Marta Vine

Pure aromas of honey, cinnamon, white pepper and candied fruits. Vibrant citrus and dried apricot mix with spices, remarkably intense and enriched by very light volatile acidity. Long, clean finish with hints of vanilla. A wonderfully appetising and complex wine.