The Definitive 2016 Wine Buying Guide (Singapore): G's Top 100 Wines

Stock up that cellar with only the best. Based off the blind-tasted and authoritative G Top 100 Wine Awards, with 11 of Singapore's foremost experts as panellists.

By The Peak Team / 18 Dec 2015

Edwin Soon, G Top 100, Gourmet, Gourmet & Travel, Lam Fook Ping, Tan Ying Hsien, Wine

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TO ALL READERS: The G Top 100 Wines (2016 Edition) has been unveiled. Head on over to thepeakmagazine.com.sg/gwines2016 for full results.

Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec

Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends

Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet

The Panellists | Head Panellist's Note

The Top Five Wines

WHITE WINE OF THE YEAR

NEWTON JOHNSON, FAMILY VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY 2013

ORIGIN

South Africa

PRICE

FROM

Stellez Vine

Gold and bright. Forward and intense with coconut, vanilla, citrus, peach, sweet oak, pineapple, mixed tropical fruit and some crisp apple notes. Flavoursome, balanced and complex. Hint of nuts on the finish. Rich yet elegant. The rising star in Hemel en Aarde Valley, along the scenic Hermanus wine route.

SWEET WINE OF THE YEAR

ASKERNE, HAWKE'S BAY NOBLE SEMILLON 2007

ORIGIN

New Zealand

PRICE

FROM

Hockhua Wines

Deep golden tea colour. Inviting aromatic scent of coconut, cocoa, honeyed apple and Chinese coconut candy. Mouth-filling flavours of pineapple and treacle. Rich but not cloying, with pleasant acidity. Made from clones sourced from two sides of the Tasman sea.

RED WINE OF THE YEAR

MARCHESI DE’ FRESCOBALDI, LUCE DELLA VITE, LUCE, IGT 2012

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

$198

FROM

Water and Wine

This racy, expressive wine has dark and red fruit flavours – from plum and cherry to blackberry and currants. With it comes cedar box, chocolate, vanilla and spices, woven with tannins. A befitting sangiovese-merlot blend, from the effort of the Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi families.

NON-VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE OF THE YEAR

LOUIS ROEDERER, BRUT PREMIER NV

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

$100

FROM

Grand Vin

Light yellow with medium bubbles. Pound cake and hazelnut, chalk and minerals with florals. Medium-bodied with high acids, yet round with good concentration and balance. Soft ripe fruit including kumquat and apricot, with a long finish.

VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE OF THE YEAR

TAITTINGER, COMTES DE CHAMPAGNE BLANC DE BLANCS VINTAGE 2005

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

$285

FROM

Culina

Very clear, medium yellow with fine bubbles. Nose of tropical fruit, blue ginger, nuts, bruised red apple and raspberry. Light yet frothy with deep autolysis biscuit character, toast and some caramelised fruit. Citrus fruit, pomelo and duku notes balance out the flavours. This wine finishes nutty toasty, and long.

Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec

Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends

Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet

CABERNET & BLENDS

CULLEN WINES, CABERNET SAUVIGNON MERLOT 2013

CULLEN WINES, CABERNET SAUVIGNON MERLOT 2013 [GOOD BUY]

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

$64.50

FROM

Hai Choo Wines & Spirits

Purple-red cabernet sauvignon-merlot blend. Attractive cassis, mint and eucalyptus notes. Ripe and intense with blackcurrant, blackberry, cocoa, coffee and some vanilla notes. Medium full-bodied, balanced and with a long finish.

ST HUGO, CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

Pernod Ricard Singapore

Deep red; medium intensity with cassis and cedar on the nose. Ripe and intense flavours of blackcurrant, liquorice and cinnamon, and with good structure. Medium full-bodied, balanced and with a long dry finish.

ATLANTE, PAOLO E NOEMIA D’ AMICO, CABERNET FRANC 2011

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

FROM

Angra Wine & Spirit Importers

Dense and deep purple-red wine from Umbria. Bold and intense with blackberry, black cherry, cloves, coffee and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, very fine tannins, lengthy and with depth.

XANADU, XANADU ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

Top Wines

This purple-red wine from Margaret River has notes of wood incense, dark plum, liquorice, leather, sandalwood and Chinese tea. Full structure, mediumbodied and with a long dry tannic finish.

LA RESERVE DE LEOVILLE BARTON, 2010

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

FROM

Wein & Vin

This is the second wine of both Chateaux Langoa and Leoville Barton. It is elegant with subtle fruit and oak nuances. It’s attractive, thanks to the soft tannins and longish, powerful finish.

SMITH HAUT LAFITTE, LE PETIT HAUT LAFITTE 2010

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

FROM

Wein & Vin

This bright garnet cabernet sauvignon-merlot blend offers notes of blackcurrant, spices and some mint. The attack is refreshing and pleasant. Soft tannins but still evident. Young but drinking well.

RUTINI, ENCUENTRO BARREL BLEND 2010

ORIGIN

Argentina

PRICE

FROM

Asia Wine Network

This deep red blend has dark cherry, prune and cassis aromas, along with leather, spices and oak. It is creamy and bursts with fruit and herbal notes. The cassis and berry flavours settle the medium tannins. It finishes medium long, with a dark-fruit aftertaste.

TORRES, MAS LA PLANA 2010

ORIGIN

Spain

PRICE

$114

FROM

Culina

Deep dense red. Dark fruit with some musky notes. Ripe and juicy flavours of black plum, black cherry and coffee. Fleshy, full-bodied, beautifully balanced, with fine tannins and a long finish.

RODNEY STRONG BROTHERS, CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011

ORIGIN

PRICE

$148

FROM

Certain Cellars

Deep red, moderate density. Sweet berry nose, ripe and intense flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, cocoa, coffee and liquorice. Full-bodied, structured, balanced and persistent. It can mature for a further five years.

PHILIP TOGNI, CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008

ORIGIN

PRICE

$164

FROM

Water and Wine

From Napa Valley, this is a deep dense dark red with a bright red rim. Cedar and black fruit on the nose. Nose of pencil shavings, earth and undergrowth. Medium full-bodied, dry fine tannins, with a dark fruit and smoky aftertaste. Medium acids, creamy ripe tight and long.

KENZO ESTATE, RINDO 2010

ORIGIN

PRICE

$192.60

FROM

Vinum Fine Wines

Medium density, dark red wine from Napa Valley. Cedar and black fruit aroma. Very complex and intense with notes of black plum, black cherry, blackberry, savoury wood spices, cedar, coffee, chocolate and more. Full-bodied, structured, balanced, fine dry tannins, persistent finish.

Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec

Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends

Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet

CHAMPAGNE

LARNAUDIE-HIRAULT, BRUT CUVEE PRESTIGE PREMIER CRU NV

LARNAUDIE-HIRAULT, BRUT CUVEE PRESTIGE PREMIER CRU NV [GOOD BUY]

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

FROM

Epiphany Wines

Light yellow and fine slow bead of bubbles. Lime, ginger, yeast, bread, pear, apple, high acids, and honey nougat notes. Balanced and long.

G.H.MUMM, BRUT LE ROSE

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

FROM

Pernod Ricard Singapore

Salmon pink with fine bubbles. Aromas of brioche, raspberry, strawberry and white berry. Clean, ripe, intense with pomelo and duku fruit notes. Medium body, balance and long finish.

BRUNO PAILLARD, BRUT PREMIERE CUVEE MV

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

$104.86

FROM

Caveau Wines

Very clear, medium bold, and medium fine bubbles. Chalky almond with lemon peel and pomelo. Medium body, florals and fresh persistent finish.

TAITTINGER, BRUT RESERVE NV

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

$110.50

FROM

Culina

Very clear, pale medium gold with fine bead. Nutty biscuits, brioche, red apple, strudel, walnuts and pear. Complex and light-bodied with good balance and length.

PHILIPPONNAT, ROYALE RESERVE BRUT NV

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

$114

FROM

Cellarmaster Wines (Singapore)

Light gold champagne with slow bead. Notes of honey and ripe apple, some chalk and minerals with lemongrass. Medium full-bodied and lengthy in the finish.

JOSEPH PERRIER, CUVEE ROYALE DEMI SEC NV

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

$115.50

FROM

Hai Choo Wines & Spirits

Light yellow and fine bubbles. Floral, nutty with honey, brioche and hint of shiitake. Intense palate with ripe fruit, yellow plum, mango, pomelo and mandarin orange. Medium-bodied, lively and light-footed. Wonderful balance.

PAUL DETHUNE, BLANC DE NOIRS, GRAND CRU NV

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

$116

FROM

Water and Wine

Crystal clear with medium- gold tones. Honey nougat nose and apple. Light body, good acids and with a dry, long finish. The wine offers minerals in the mouth and has a fine texture, along with grapefruit, lemon peel and ginger blossom flavours.

PIERRE PETERS, CUVEE DE RESERVE GRAND CRU NV

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

$127

FROM

Wein & Vin

Medium gold with fine bubbles. Spicy with flowers, acacia, pear, apple and a touch of honey and yeast. Clean and flush with white fruit. Good length, finishing austere but ever so complex.

CHAM-3.3Dac24442 — VIEILLE France, BLANC DE NOIRS BRUT NV

VIEILLE France, BLANC DE NOIRS BRUT NV

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

$222

FROM

Top Wines

Light gold champagne made of 100 per cent chardonnay. Nutty biscuits with gunflint, grass and walnut. Medium full-bodied with grapefruit, brioche, buttered toast and spices on the palate. Complex and medium length.

HENRI GIRAUD FUT DE CHENE BRUT MV

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

$257

FROM

Sarment

Very clear gold champagne made of chardonnay and pinot noir. Slow bubble rate and few bubbles. Apricot, yellow plum, mango and kumquat with some floral nuances. Light and dry with dried lemon, apple, and pear on the palate. Medium full, soft, round and long.

Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec

Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends

Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet

Chardonnay

RIVES BLANQUES, ODYSSEE CHARDONNAY 2013 [GOOD BUY]

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

FROM

Wein & Vin

From Limoux in southern France comes this incredibly fresh chardonnay with lemon, minerals, pineapple, frangipani flower and more. Citrus flavours, balanced, smooth and enjoyable.

ANVERS WINES, ANVERS CHARDONNAY 2010

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

Wein & Vin

This chardonnay from Adelaide Hills showcases peach, banana, toffee and candied pineapple nuances, a forward vanilla aroma and flavours with caramel on the finish. If you like your wines big and bold, this is it.

FOX CREEK CHARDONNAY 2012

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

World Wine Vault

This McClaren Vale chardonnay has a pale-gold appearance, with aromas of persimmon, mango, apricot and citrus, and with good minerality. Sarawak pineapple and gunflint aroma, plus a lightly sweet edge on the finish.

LENTON BRAE, SOUTHSIDE CHARDONNAY 2014

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

Wines Online

Pale gold with nuances of zesty lemon, minerals and grapefruit. Balanced with a hint of barley, this chardonnay from Margaret River is medium-bodied and elegant with a smooth texture.

RODNEY STRONG VINEYARDS, CHALK HILL CHARDONNAY 2012

ORIGIN

PRICE

FROM

Certain Cellars

Medium-gold chardonnay. Notes of tangerine, citrus fruit, apple, pear and parsley make for a smooth, balanced wine from Sonoma.

DUTTON-GOLDFIELD, CHARDONNAY 2013

ORIGIN

PRICE

FROM

Caliwines

This straw-coloured chardonnay from California has notes of banana and vanillin, creamy citrus-pineapple overtones and a hint of Thai basil. Lemon and pineapple with some smoke in the mouth and dryness. A layered wine that finishes round and ripe.

HARTFORD COURT, RUSSIAN VALLEY CHARDONNAY 2012

HARTFORD COURT, RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY CHARDONNAY 2012

ORIGIN

PRICE

FROM

Sarment

Pale-straw chardonnay from Sonoma County with a hint of tropical fruit, ripe apple, butterscotch and nutty toffee overtones. There’s wood and there’s vanilla, but it’s all integrated with fruit. The wine has good texture and a creamy flavoursome finish.

PLANETA, CHARDONNAY 2013

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

FROM

Giorgio Ferrari

One of the best wines in the flight, this Sicilian wine oozes a perfume of stone fruit and pineapple. Mouthfilling with crisp tropical fruit, young ginger and vanilla pod. Smooth, texture, balanced and has a long finish.

DOMAINE BLAIN-GAGNARD, CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET 2013

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

FROM

Sarment

Light gold, with peach, apricot, lemon, vanilla and oak. Complex in taste, with hints of butter and brioche. Nice aftertaste.

ZIND HUMBRECHT, CLOS WINDSBHUL CHARDONNAY 2010

ZIND HUMBRECHT, CLOS WINDSBUHL CHARDONNAY 2010

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

$100

FROM

Wein & Vin

Old-gold colour that’s not too clear. Complex nose of ripe peach, mushroom, chiku, grapefruit, pineapple, cooked green beans, pear and citrus. Well-rounded acids and a big finish. Biodynamic, unfiltered, unexpected and an utterly sexy Alsatian wine.

GERARD BERTRAND, AIGLE ROYAL CHARDONNAY 2013

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

$160

FROM

Asia Wine Network

Medium gold-coloured wine perfumed with a distinct combination of white florals, citrus peel, lemon, minerals and pineapple, with a hint of vanillin. Crisp, lovely acids, balanced and with quite a long finish. The surprise is that the wine is from the Languedoc.

Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec

Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends

Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet

Dry White Wine - Various

D’ARENBERG, D’ARENBERG THE LAST DITCH VIOGNIER 2010

D’ARENBERG, D’ARENBERG THE LAST DITCH VIOGNIER 2010 [GOOD BUY]

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

SUTL Wines and Spirits

Straw-coloured wine with aromas of chamomile, dried persimmon, clotted cream, oak, butter and banana liqueur. Medium finish and quite delightful.

BRANCOTT ESTATE, LETTER SERIES MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013

ORIGIN

New Zealand

PRICE

FROM

Pernod Ricard Singapore

The pioneer of sauvignon blanc in the Marlborough region offers a wine that is flavoursome and textured. This wine exhibits its signature style of passionfruit, guava, pomelo, gooseberry, lime, white pepper and more. It is also balanced and crisp with a long finish.

VOYAGER ESTATE,VOYAGER ESTATE CHENIN BLANC 2014

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

Hai Choo Wines & Spirits

A pale straw wine with notes of peach, apricot, orange and custard apple. Balanced with a nice soft entry and a medium finish. Excellent example of the varietal.

LIVIO FELLUGA, PINOT GRIGIO 2013

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

FROM

Giorgio Ferrari

Italy’s pinot grigio specialist offers a complex, engaging wine with this oft-overlooked variety. Refined and flavoursome with lime, white florals, white stone fruit, herbs and apple. A soft but balanced long finish.

LIVIO FELLUGA, PINOT GRIGIO 2013

M.CHAPOUTIER, M.CHAPOUTIER CONDRIEU ‘INVITARE’ 2013

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

$106

FROM

Culina

Straw-medium gold wine with aromatic florals complemented by a hint of peas, yellow plum, apricot and nectarines. Fat, weighty, balanced, long and with a spicy finish. Opulent!

Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec

Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends

Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet

NEBBIOLO

BALBI SOPRANI NEBBIOLO D'ALBA 2012

BALBI SOPRANI NEBBIOLO D’ALBA 2012 [GOOD BUY]

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

FROM

Hockhua Wines

Elegant wine, underlined by crushed raspberry, sandalwood and small red fruit. Medium tannins with mouthwatering fruit. Ready for drinking.

CORDERO DI MONTEZMOLO, LANGHE NEBBIOLO DOC 2010

CORDERO DI MONTEZEMOLO, LANGHE NEBBIOLO DOC 2010

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

FROM

ENOPLUS

This nebbiolo has tawny hues and notes of wild cherry, violet and pepper. Chewy tannins, leather and meat flavours, balanced by fruit. Will continue developing for up to 10 years.

ALDO CLERICO, BAROLO 2010

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

$74.90

FROM

Caveau Wines

Brown rust-coloured wine with aromas of dried leaves and cherry, with a hint of wood, and forest floor. Still young, but opens up with swirling. Elegant, attractive, structured, with grippy tannins; but everything is well-balanced.

PELASSA, BAROLO 2009

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

FROM

Hockhua Wines

Brown colour with orange highlights. Developed nose with cherry, vanilla, violet and candy floss. Harmonious and with finesse; a little bit woody.

PAOLO SCAVINO, BAROLO CAROBRIC 2006

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

$118

FROM

Sarment

A blend of three crus, this wine oozes the classic aromas – cherry, raspberry, mushroom, red berry, nuts, herbs and flowers. There is depth and breadth with super tannins; lots of room to grow.

DOMENICO CLERICO, CIABOT MENTIN BAROLO DOCG 2009

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

$178

FROM

Cellarmaster Wines (Singapore)

Crafted in the modern style, this barolo is racy and rare. Fresh violet, cherry, vanilla, dried coconut, tobacco – all woven subtly together. Complex, long finish. Potential to evolve.

Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec

Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends

Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet

MALBEC

TRAPICHE, TERROIR SERIES FINCA DOMINGO SARMIENTO MALBEC 2009 [GOOD BUY]

ORIGIN

Argentina

PRICE

$67.50

FROM

Golden Hung Ho Marketing

Dense red purple with bright red rim. Notes of lightly oaked red berry and plum. Full-bodied dry wine with flavours of crushed red berry, spices, chocolate and blackberry. Balanced, elegant, structured, layered, finely textured, persistent, creamy and with a long finish. Utterly delicious.

Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec

Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends

Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet

MERLOT BLENDS

BARRIERE FRERES, GRAND BATEAU BORDEAUX ROUGE 2011

BARRIERE FRERES, GRAND BATEAU BORDEAUX ROUGE 2011 [GOOD BUY]

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

FROM

Top Wines

Layered with black fruit, tea leaves, meat and spices. This merlotcabernet franc blend is the fruit of a collaboration between Maison Barriere and sister company Chateau Beychevelle.

CHATEAU CORBIN, XX DE CORBIN 2010

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

FROM

O'Batignolles

Chateau Corbin is one of the oldest estates in Saint-Emilion. This merlot- cabernet franc has nuances of spearmint, currants and crushed berries, alongside toast and wet earth notes. Has depth. Nice acids, tight and firm all the way through. Enjoy with roast goose, sauteed beef and the like

CHATEAU HAUT SAINT-CLAIRE, PUISSEGUIN SAINT EMILION 2010

CHATEAU HAUT SAINT-CLAIR, PUISSEGUIN SAINT EMILION 2010

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

FROM

Hockhua Wines

Beautiful fruit; juicy and lovely presentation. Multifaceted with currants, pastilles and a touch of sweetness. Warm and balanced. This merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon blend has finesse.

Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec

Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends

Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet

PINOT NOIR

BRANCOTT ESTATE, TERRACES MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2010

BRANCOTT ESTATE, TERRACES MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2010 [GOOD BUY]

ORIGIN

New Zealand

PRICE

FROM

Pernod Ricard Singapore

Smoky with sour cherry, leather and spices. Fine tannins, a light creaminess and mid-palate persistence. Good intensity and long finish.

PICARDY PINOT NOIR 2012

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

Hockhua Wines

This Western Australian wine is herbal with cherry, bacon, almond and strawberry. Precise, defined fruit, balanced, dry, fresh with a long finish. Enjoy within three years.

ROBERT FOLEY, PINOT NOIR 2011

ORIGIN

PRICE

$100

FROM

Certain Cellars

Deep ruby with cranberry, cherry, leather, spices and hints of truffle earth and raspberry. Has potential to evolve. Only in its third vintage, this could be an up and coming wine to watch.

BERNHARD HUBER, BIENENBERG SPATBURGUNDER GG 2011

ORIGIN

Germany

PRICE

$155

FROM

Wein & Vin

Medium ruby. Smoky and grassy with sour cherry and strawberry. Medium-bodied, dry with graphite and fruit nuances. Elegant.

DOMAINE PIERRE DAMOY, GEVREY CHAMBERTIN CLOS TAMISOT 2011

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

$186

FROM

Water and Wine

Medium ruby. Smoke and spices underlining wild strawberry, dark cherry and rose. Medium- bodied with fine tannins and soft creamy fruit. The wine is enjoyable now, yet should mature splendidly.

MEYER-NAKEL, SPATBURGUNDER "S" TROCKEN 2012

MEYER-NAKEL, SPATBURGUNDER S TROCKEN 2012

ORIGIN

Germany

PRICE

$199

FROM

Schmidt Vinothek (Singapore)

Deep garnet. Smoky with spices, cherry and florals. There are notes of fresh flowers, red berry and even some braised meat. It has elegance, finesse and a long finish.

Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec

Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends

Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet

RIESLING

SHAW VINEYARD ESTATE, WINEMAKERS SELECTION RIESLING 2014

SHAW VINEYARD ESTATE, WINEMAKERS SELECTION RIESLING 2014 [GOOD BUY]

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

World Wine Vault

From Canberra District, this coolclimate wine is an unexpected but impressive wine with aromas of green plum, green apple, camomile and golden kiwi.

VINA CHOCALAN, MALVILLA RIESLING 2009

VINA CHOCALAN, MALVILLA RIESLING 2009 [GOOD BUY]

ORIGIN

Chile

PRICE

FROM

Hockhua Wines

Pale gold with nuances of banana liqueur, kerosene, chrysanthemum and dried lemon peel. Forward and minerally; a touch of salinity elevates this wine of medium maturity.

ZIND HUMBRECHT, RIESLING 2012

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

FROM

Wein & Vin

Buttery and honeyed with lime, limestone, sour green mango and a long full finish. From Alsace’s keenest proponent of biodynamic farming.

KUNSTLER, HOCHHEIM HOLLE, 2008

KUNSTLER, HOCHHEIM HOLLE 2008

ORIGIN

Germany

PRICE

FROM

Schmidt Vinothek (Singapore)

Reminiscent of wet pebbles on a sunny day, this medium-gold wine is creamy, lemony and honeyed all at the same time. Long finish.

REICHSGRAF VON KESSELSTATT, GRAACH JOSEPHSHOFER RIESLING GG 2012

ORIGIN

Germany

PRICE

$100

FROM

Wein & Vin

Pale-gold riesling with white florals, lanolin, citrus and ripe lemon peel. Honeyed with minerals, concentrated but lean.

Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec

Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends

Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet

SANGIOVESE & TUSCAN WINE

PIANCORNELLO, ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2011

PIANCORNELLO, ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2011 [GOOD BUY]

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

FROM

Certain Cellars

Garnet with brown highlights. Plenty of red fruit with mushroom and chocolate. Medium-bodied, long velvety finish with spicy notes, and ripe plum. Excellent example of a traditional style aged in older tonneaux.

TENUTA IL POGGIONE, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2009

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

FROM

World Wine Vault

Brick red, cherry and plum with some candied fruit. Minerally, steely, balanced and smooth. Lightly warm in the finish.

CAPARZO, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2010

CAPARZO, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO DOCG 2010

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

FROM

Giorgio Ferrari

Garnet with some amber tones. Meaty, with sweet strawberry, cherry and purple flowers. Heavy tannins, bittersweet finish and harmonious from beginning to end.

FELSINA, CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2010

FELSINA, CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2010

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

FROM

Giorgio Ferrari

Wild berries with some minty and stalky nuances on the nose. Savoury flavours that include herbs, spices and sweet ripe fruit. Tight and longish finish.

CASANOVA DI NERI, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010

CASANOVA DI NERI, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

$108

FROM

Giorgio Ferrari

A very fruit-driven wine with aromas of mint and sea salt. There are cherry, plum, small fruit and even some herbs. Tannins balanced by lots of fruit. The finish is vibrant.

PIANCORNELLO, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

$110

FROM

Certain Cellars

Ripe strawberry, dried cherry and very ripe sweet fruit on the palate. Medium tannins and lovely finish.

IL MOLINO DI GRACE, IL MARGONE SELEZIONE 2010, CHIANTI CLASSICO

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

$115

FROM

Top Wines

Ruby red with garnet reflections. Preserved cherry on the nose and developing cured plum in the mouth. Some development is detected and there is good structure in this wine with high tannins. Good for maturation.

AVIGNONESI, VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2010

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

FROM

Certain Cellars

Sweet fruit including strawberry and raspberry. The fruit continues on the palate, with some earth, cocoa and spices coming through. Balanced and

long finish.

LA VELONA, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2008

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

FROM

Sarment

Sweet plum giving way to ripe berries. Some cherry and meat flavours, nice chewy tannins and a finish that’s warm and long.

MASTROJANNI, BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

$130

FROM

Angra Wine & Spirit Importers

Ruby red with a hint of mint on the nose. Lovely sweet red berry and currants on the palate. Fresh acids, tannins, juicy, leading up to a savoury finish.

Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec

Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends

Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet

SHIRAZ, SYRAH & BLENDS

SHAW VINEYARD ESTATE, WINEMAKERS SELECTION SHIRAZ 2009

SHAW VINEYARD ESTATE, WINEMAKERS SELECTION SHIRAZ 2009 [GOOD BUY]

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

World Wine Vault

Ripe dark cherry, spices, plum, mixed red and black fruit, smoke and spice in the nose and mouth. Good sticky tannins, creamy texture and fairly long finish.

TERRAS D’ALTER, OUTEIRO RED 2012

TERRAS D’ALTER, OUTEIRO RED 2012 [GOOD BUY]

ORIGIN

Portugal

PRICE

FROM

Singapore Straits Wine Company

With a healthy dose of petit verdot, this syrah blend from Alentejo seduces with its smoky cocoa-chocolate-raspberry fruit notes and savoury-spicy dry finish.

CAVE DE CLAIRMONT, CROZES-HERMITAGE 2010

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

FROM

O'Batignolles

Complex with a vibrant nose of spices, flowers, pink peppercorn, dried orange peel, red fruit, earth, strawberry and red berry. Ripe and structured with a long finish.

ARAMIS, ARAMIS BLACK LABEL SHIRAZ 2008

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

Hockhua Wines

This wine is intense with dark spicy notes, incorporating black pepper, blackberry, eucalyptus, mocha, liquorice and currants. Medium acids, balanced, dry and with a very long finish.

ANVERS WINES, ANVERS SHIRAZ 2007

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

Hockhua Wines

A McLaren Vale wine that is brimming with ripe red fruit. Full structure with high acidity, fine grained tannins, oaky with blackberry and blackcurrant and a long finish.

PICARDY, SHIRAZ 2011

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

Hockhua Wines

This cool-climate shiraz with sweet red fruit tastes European. Some viognier and malbec were added to the blend to bring out the complexity and fresh fruit flavours.

MOUNT LANGI GHIRAN, CLIFF EDGE SHIRAZ 2013

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

Top Wines

From Victoria, this wine is ruby in colour with orange highlights. Citrus peel, kirsch, with hint of pepper and leather. Medium full-bodied, good concentration, notable acids upon entry, balanced and eminently drinkable.

SCHILD ESTATE, BAROSSA VALLEY SHIRAZ 2013

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

Wines Online

This deep ruby wine exhibits red currant, with nuances of mint and blue flowers. Dryness on the back palate and a longish finish.

CHATEAU MARIS, LA TOUGE SYRAH 2011

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

FROM

Wein & Vin

From the Minervois-La Liviniere commune comes this syrahgrenache that is vinified in concrete and oak foudre. Bottled and unfiltered, this organic wine is succulent and redolent of smoke, bacon, farmyard, blackberry, wild herbs, olive and pepper.

DOMAINE DE L’ECHEVIN GUILLAUME DE ROUVILLE 2012

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

FROM

Hockhua Wines

Deep dense wine with a restrained nose. The syrah and grenache blend offers aromas of dried red and black fruit, leather and a hint of farmyard. Medium full-bodied, structured and with an elegant, long finish.

GROVER ZAMPA, GROVER LA RESERVE 2012

ORIGIN

INDIA

PRICE

$77.30

FROM

Buyan

Fashioned by Michel Rolland, this deep ruby wine made from shiraz and cabernet brings with it beguiling aromas of rosewater, red berry and flowers. Long finish and reminiscent of a Crozes.

JACOB’S CREEK, ST HUGO SHIRAZ 2010

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

Pernod Ricard Singapore

St Hugo, named after the grandson of Johann Gramp (founder of Orlando wines which owns Jacob’s Creek), is better known for its iconic cabernet. This shiraz stands out too, with flavours of pomegranate, maraschino cherry and dark fruit, alongside a long finish.

BROTHERS IN ARMS VINEYARD, BROTHERS IN ARMS SHIRAZ 2007

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

Hai Choo Wines & Spirits

A Langhorne Creek wine with a deep opaque centre, black fruit with a hint of florals, leather and spice. Layered with flavours of stewed fruit and candied peel. Grippy tannins and quite a big wine.

FIVE GEESE, JON’S BLOCK RESERVE SHIRAZ 2012

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

$100

FROM

Hockhua Wines

Moderate temperatures and sandy soils at a high-elevation vineyard in McClaren Vale contribute to the rich aromas of red fruit, red berry, rose and a leafy freshly crushed peppery taste. Chocolate and violet nuances make this a memorable wine.

E. GUIGAL, COTEROTIE BRUNE ET BLONDE DE GUIGAL 2007

ORIGIN

RHONE, France

PRICE

$110

FROM

Grand Vin

Fragrant wine with florals, spices, herbs, pepper and blackberry. An elegant, full, dry and balanced wine with a long finish.

TORBRECK, BAROSSA VALLEY RUNRIG 2009

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

$419

FROM

Culina

An Australian cult wine with aromas of dried berries, citrus and raisin. Reminiscent of amarone, this Barossa Valley wine is quite unique in style, with a dry, ripe and slightly warm finish.

Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec

Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends

Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet

SOUTHERN ITALIAN

CALCAGNO ANTONINO FRANCESCO, ETNA ROSSO ARCURIA DOC 2013

CALCAGNO ANTONINO FRANCESCO, ETNA ROSSO ARCURIA DOC 2013 [HIDDEN GEM]

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

FROM

Water and Wine

Unique nose of sour plum, white pepper, spices and leather. Firm and lightly stemmy with a lean structure and medium body. Dry tannins and intense finish; great with roast or grilled meats and cheeses. Nerello Mascalese grape of Sicily’s Etna.

FARNESE, EDIZIONE CINQUE AUTOCTONI 2013

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

FROM

Giorgio Ferrari

Notes of caramelised cherry with earth and sun-ripened flavours of black cherry with a hint of hay, peppers, cocoa and liquorice. Intriguing blend of primitivo, sangiovese, negroamaro, malvasia rosso and montepulciano.

MARABINO, ARCHIMEDE 2012

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

FROM

Top Wines

Ruby red wine from Sicily. Mixed fruit aromas, with flavours of cherry and plum. Full-bodied, strong tannins but velvety texture. It comes across quite masculine and long.

Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec

Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends

Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet

SOUTHERN RHONE

ROGER SABON, CHATEAUNEUFDU- PAPE RESERVE 2012

ORIGIN

France

PRICE

FROM

Wein & Vin

Straightforward but blooms into a mouthful of spices and blue fruit flavours. Balanced and full-bodied, with a velvety sweetish finish. Unmistakable Chateauneuf with 80 per cent grenache and 10 per cent each of syrah and mourvedre.

Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec

Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends

Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet

SPANISH WINE

VALDUERO, VALDUERO RESERVA 2009

ORIGIN

Spain

PRICE

$113

FROM

Top Wines

Deep ruby wine that’s gushing with strawberry, raspberry, mint, chocolate and vanilla. Medium acids, dry and ripe finish. Drinkable, but, if you allow this modern-styled wine to mature for several years, you will be rewarded.

MARQUES DE MURRIETA, CASTILLO YGAY RESERVA 2005

ORIGIN

Spain

PRICE

$160

FROM

Singapore Straits Wine Company

This traditional-styled wine is drinking well but is an excellent candidate for mid-term maturation. Deep ruby with a pungent bouquet of red berry and oak. Rich fine tannins. Very enjoyable. Quite delicious.

Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec

Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends

Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet

SPARKLING WINE

FERRARI, PERLE TRENTO DOC 2007

ORIGIN

Italy

PRICE

FROM

Cellarmaster Wines (Singapore)

This blanc de blanc 100 per cent chardonnay from Trentino, North Italy, stands out with its white floral notes, green apple, bread crust and crispiness, along with a long dry finish.

Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec

Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends

Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet

SWEET WINE

SHAW VINEYARD ESTATE, PREMIUM BOTRYTIS SEMILLON 2008 [GOOD BUY]

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

World Wine Vault

The 2014 Sweet Wine of the Year continues to impress with mature notes of rose and ripe chiku. Textured palate with good structure.

OLSEN WINES, THE OLD BAILEY 10 YEAR OLD

ORIGIN

Australia

PRICE

FROM

Hockhua Wines

Luscious, intense and plush, this wine made of muscat is liquid dessert with flavours of brown sugar, treacle, caramel and roasted walnut. The finish is dry, long and warm.

OREMUS, TOKAJI ASZU 6 PUTTONYOS 2003

ORIGIN

HUNGARY

PRICE

$117.70

FROM

Vinum Fine Wines

Vega Sicilia’s sweet Hungarian wine is medium-bodied with a clean, lively tart finish. Aromas and flavours straddle that of roasted barley, ripe pineapple, sour cream and custard apple.

GROOT CONSTANTIA, GRAND CONSTANCE 2012

ORIGIN

SOUTH AFRICA

PRICE

$160

FROM

Stellez Vine

South Africa’s oldest wine estate offers an iconic wine made of red and white muscat de frontignan. It has a complex nose of honeysuckle, rose, eucalyptus and apricot. The entry is smooth, the finish a little short but what a lovely bittersweet ending it gives!

Cabernet & Blends | Champagne | Chardonnay | Dry White | Nebbiolo | Malbec

Merlot | Pinot Noir | Riesling | Sangiovese & Tuscan | Shiraz, Syrah & Blends

Southern Italian | Southern Rhone | Spanish | Sparkling | Sweet

PANELLISTS

EDWIN SOON Trained as an economist and an oenologist, Soon is an international wine consultant who moderated the wine tastings. Author of several books on wine, tea and food, he now also nurtures sommeliers.

DANIEL CHIA The lecturer at Temasek Polytechnic’s Culinary & Catering Management Diploma programme also co-developed the Asian Wine Lexicon and is the President/ Convivium Leader of Slow Food (Singapore).

SANDY CHNG A chef by training since 1996, Chng is a sommelier with Singapore Airlines and a wine educator with Wines and Spirits Education Trust of London. He is certified by the Society of Wine Educators and the Court of Master Sommeliers.

TAN KAH HIN The founder and grand seneschal of the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin was past president of the International Wine & Food Society of Singapore and co-founder of the Commanderie de Bordeaux and Ordre des Coteaux.

JANICE KOH The first Singaporean female to achieve a Certified Sommelier certification by the Court of Master Sommeliers, Koh fell in love with wine while studying at Le Cordon Bleu in Australia.

NICOLA LEE A second-generation member of the Commanderie de Bordeaux Singapore, Lee is the Consul General of the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne in Singapore.

LAM FOOK PING The recipient of the wine scholarship by Asian Gastronomic Awards of Excellence in 2011, Lam is on a never-ending journey to expand his knowledge on oenology.

STEPHANIE RIGOURD Rigourd graduated from Tain L’Hermitage Sommelier School, formerly serving as commis sommelier for Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte and head sommelier of Le Charlemagne. She is the wine director at Raffles Hotel Singapore.

TAN YING HSIEN He recently qualified as the first Singaporean Master of Wine, the most prestigious global wine qualification. Tan owns Taberna Wine Academy where he hosts tastings and classes. He also speaks and judges at wine events extensively.

MAGDELENE TANG Owner of the quaint Mag’s Wine Kitchen off Boat Quay, Tang is a banker-turned-chef who lives to cook, eat, drink and travel. She prefers to be called Mag.

CHRISTINE YAP Yap has been a keen wine enthusiast since 1991. A member of the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, she particularly loves Old World reds.

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Head Panellist's Note

In its sixth year and ninth iteration, the Gourmet and Travel Top 100 Wines is a compilation of the most exciting wines of the year.

Eleven panellists were tasked with blind-tasting, judging and rating wines using a 20-point scoring system. About 200 wines were submitted, and 100 of them earned their places among the Top 100 Wines of 2015. This selection reflects the judges’ idea of what makes a great wine, and is a representation of bottles they would personally buy.

The rigourous blind-tasting ensured fairness and impartiality.

The designation of “Hidden Gem” was given to a wine style/variety that is lesser known, but shows a lot of promise. The judges also highlighted certain wines as “Good Buys” – these are wines offering everyday drinking pleasure.

The Top 100 list also recognises outstanding producers and importers that have made the effort, in terms of proper wine storage and handling. This year, compared with previous years, only one wine was rejected (for being corked), reflecting the current excellent carriage and storage condition of wines in Singapore.

After two days of tasting at One Farrer Hotel and Spa, along with support from wine glass partner Sia Huat and wine cabinet partner Vintec, five labels were chosen as Wines of the Year. Each of these scored at least 18 points – they were blind-tasted then retasted – and pronounced by the judging panel to be exceptionally remarkable. They consist of Red Wine of the Year, White Wine of the Year, Sweet Wine of the Year, NV Champagne of the Year and Vintage Champagne of the Year. Together with the other 95 wines, these wines reflect the best tipples in Singapore today.

The tasting process took thousands of glasses and two days.

Of particular note, this year saw the entry of numerous chardonnays of exceptional quality. The same can be said of champagnes: 80 per cent of champagnes submitted made the grade. That aside, due to the high quality and large number of both vintage and non-vintage champagnes, the panellists felt that they should be tasted and graded separately — as vintage champagnes are not only more costly, they are also better for long-term ageing, while non-vintage are more ideal for immediate enjoyment.

The Wine List was unveiled in late November to an anticipating crowd of wine-lovers and industry figures.

This year, 32 importer-distributors participated and wines came from 16 countries, including a good number from Italy and Germany, and a sprinkling from Spain and Argentina. We hope you will enjoy our 2015 list!