Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Bordeaux-Style Blends - Rest of the New World
This ‘others’ section is usually a shoot-out between New Zealand and Argentina, and after getting their butts kicked last year, the Kiwis came out on top in 2020. Argentina might be trying to get the message out there that there’s more to their red offering than Malbec, but they’ve a way to go on this evidence.
The big story, perhaps, was a Gold and a Silver for Chinese producer Chateau Changyu-Moser XV. Some have described Ningxia as ‘the Napa of China’ and on this evidence perhaps this isn’t just PR spin. Certainly it looks like being a region to keep an eye on.
From The Tasting Teams
‘In the mid-range [from Argentina] there’s very good wine – that’s their strong point.’ Angela Reddin, team leader
‘I was still wondering whether the Argentinian wines were worth the money. I’d probably look elsewhere in the New World.’ Sam Weatherill, Etch. by Steven Edwards
‘The New Zealand wines were fairly expensive, and maybe not worth the money. People look for Pinot from New Zealand.’ Andres Ituarte, team leader
‘I thought the Kiwi wines were okay, but all very pricey. They were very well made, but not for those prices.’ Juan Manuel Marcos Perez, The Gilbert Scott Restaurant
‘I was impressed by the less expensive Chinese wine. It was very elegant, very soft, gentle and feminine.’ Filippo Pastorini, consultant