The crème de la crème of the UK's on-trade wine talent gathered at Delfina to sample the winning wines from this year's Sommelier Wine Awards.

 

Over 170 sommeliers and wine buyers joined the Imbibe Magazine team for a comprehensive tasting of those wines which were lucky enough to make it onto the Gold and Shortlist.

 

The only on-trade focused competition in the World, this year's SWA saw over 40 of the country's finest sommeliers whittling down the 950 entrants to 200 shortlisted wines and a final 100-strong Gold List.

 

H&H Bancroft Wines is delighted to win the following awards for our wines at this year's competition:

 

 

France - Loire and Sancerre

"Clean, light and fresh - all nettles and pink grapefruit - with a good stony minerality, this Touraine Sauvignon delivered versatile food-friendliness at a good price."

 

France - Rhône

"Almost perfumed, violet and hedgerow fruit with a herby edge. This is a bright, lively wine, with some grip and balanced acidity. A great all-rounder at the price."

(Please note that this vintage has now sold out.)

 

 

Sparkling Wines & Champagne

"Fresh, light, crunchy fruit with zesty acidity. No autolysis character, but reasonably pretty."

 

 

 

Spain - Rioja

"Big plum and cherry nose with ebullient, open, juicy berryish fruit on the palate. Touch of liquorice spice and firm but balanced tannins. A food wine."

 

 

 

Rest of Spain

"Blackberries, mint and 'toasted coffee beans' give way to a more savoury character on the palate. Good weight and balance."