PRODUCERS OF THE YEAR 2012

We have occasionally given out awards to producers who we think have done exceptionally well. This year, as the competition has grown, we found three – all worthy winners in their field.

European Producer of the Year

Château de Saint Cosme, Rhône, France

2 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze

This southern Rhône producer might be best known for its estate wines, but it was its negociant wines that performed brilliantly here. It dominated the white Rhône category with two excellent Golds, but had two well-priced Rhône reds – a Côte de Rhône and a Gigondas – securing Silvers, and a decent southern French Viognier/Muscat/Sauvignon Bronze, to go alongside its other Côtes du Rhône, Les Deux Albions. saintcosme.com, UK Supplier: Bibendum

New World Producer of the Year

Saint Clair Family Estate, Marlborough, New Zealand

2 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze

Saint Clair has always done well in the Sommelier Wine Awards, but this was a good year even by its exalted standards. Beyond the sheer number of awards, the judges were impressed with the way in which it picked up medals in a variety of styles: Golds for a botrytis Riesling and a Sauvignon, Silvers for a Sauvignon and a Chardonnay, Bronze for a Pinot Noir that attracted a lot of positive comment but was just felt to be too young. saintclair.co.uk, UK Supplier: Hallgarten

House Wine Producer of the Year

Viña Emiliana, Chile

2 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze

We probably won’t be handing this award out every year, because it’s exceptionally rare for one producer to strike Gold with wines in both red and white, but Viña Emiliana managed it this year for its Colchaguan Carmenère and its Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc. At £5.00 each, they were comfortably under the House Wine price limit and represent exceptional (and organic!) value for money. emiliana.cl, UK Supplier: Boutinot