2006 VINTAGE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Considered a warm year, though there was extreme rainfall as well.

• Grapes can be compared to 2002 and 1989, both generous years.

• Chardonnay displayed ample aromas and classic structure.

FIRST DROP WINES

COLD SWEAT SYRAH 2014 Syrah is typically known as Shiraz in Australia – unless it is made in a Rhone-like style, such as this. 100% Syrah from the Craneford vineyard in Eden Valley spent 12 days on skins and thereafter 16 months in new French oak. A cool vintage sees finer flavours, from the tomato leaf aromas to dark cherry, fine graphite and slight pepperiness in the finish. The eyecatching copper structure label will tarnish in unique ways, making every bottle a canvas for art. Drink now or cellar another 8 years.

$126 from maltwineasia.com

BODEGA GARZÓN

BALASTO 2017

Tannat originated from southwest France, but has famously found a new home as the ‘national grape’ of Uruguay. At Garzon, one of the newer and most ambitious wineries, their Balasto icon wine takes its name from the ideal granitic soils that imbue energy and complexity to its 50% Tannat, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 5% Marselan blend. Juicy red and black fruit, silky tannins and hints of wild flowers make this easy to drink now, with a Christmas roast beef. $119 from 1855thebottleshop.com

Singapore’s Best Sommelier in French Wines

2020 is Celine Jung from Park90. The 11th edition of the competition took place on 16 Nov at Origin Bar, where Jung beat out fellow finalists Lucas Liu (also Park90), Alvin Neo (Mott 32), and last year’s champion Daisuke Shibuya (Sun In Moon Japanese Dining). She proceeds in an online match to the Asia finals on 15 Dec alongside champions from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea and China for the regional title. Catch it at www.facebook.com/bestsommelierinfrenchwines.