New World: Shiraz/Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre & Rhône Blends, Rest of the New World including Argentina, Chile, New Zealand & US
2018 Gold 0 Silver 4 Bronze 5 Commended 9
2017 Gold 3 Silver 4 Bronze 6 Commended 10
This was a slightly strange category. On the one hand, you could look at the dearth of Gold medals and think it was a disaster; on the other, the overall medal count was pretty good and the feedback from our tasters generally positive. All in all, it suggests a series of wines that our tasters liked a lot – but as friends, rather than potential marriage material.
Chile can probably feel itself the hardest done by. Few of its categories were popular this year – but this one genuinely was, at least in the first round of judging, so the lack of Golds is perhaps a little harsh. They should persevere – good things are happening west of the Andes with this grape.
New Zealand was, perhaps, more of a disappointment. Not many entries for what is, admittedly, very much a niche grape – but our tasters generally like the Kiwi Syrah style a lot, so it would have been nice to get a few more of them.
On the plus side, it was good to see a few US Syrah medals – they’ve been rare beasts over the course of SWA. Maybe something to build on next year.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘Chile isn’t necessarily where you look for this blend, but the flight was quite consistent, with good typicity, good structure and good concentration. They’re more earthy and austere, in a good way.’ Olivier Gasselin, Hakkasan
‘The Chileans are clearly a New World style, more concentrated and dense, compared to the more mineral French counterparts. These had blackberry, black pepper, and a touch of earthiness.’ Masahito Suzuki, The Sosharu company
‘You wouldn’t put any [of the Chileans] away for five years and come back to them, but if you wanted an enjoyable bottle without too much oak, I’d give you this. Other New World examples can be very cooked and heavier, but these had a lightness and general freshness that makes them more appealing.’ Sarah Jane Evans MW, team leader
‘You expect quality from New Zealand and you get it. They’ve all got plenty of acidity and they’re dry – they have the cool climate stamp – but they’re not lacking in body and guts.’ Charlie Young, Vinoteca