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Winner Details

Cabernet/Shiraz Blends

Certain countries are just associated with certain wine styles: Argentina with Malbec, New Zealand with Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa with Chenin. And Australia with Cab/Shiraz blends.

So what on earth happened here? The Aussies dominated the entries, but their medal count was feeble. In fact, they got utterly hammered by Chile. Yes, Chile. Who knew?

On this evidence, the South Americans have found an interesting little sideline in well-priced, easy-drinking reds. It’s a style that they seem, ironically, to have forgotten how to do with straight Cab, but are smashing out the park once they add in a dash of Syrah. They got as many Golds here as they did with their (much larger) Cabernet category.

It’s not a fluke either. The Survalles Patagon Gran Reserva (Silver here) picked up a Gold last year too.

From The Tasting Teams

‘We had some surprises here. A greener, more refreshing note gives an edge in these wines. The Australian wines were way richer and very similar to one another. I was surprised by the Chilean, and I don’t know if that’s good or bad but gives it a distinctive edge at least.’ Alonso Abed, Trivet

‘These wines were all quite similar, even though they were from all around the world. Lots of fruit, vibrant acidity, really jammy. They weren’t the most exciting, but they were easy-drinking.’ Andres Ituarte, team leader

‘I think this is not a blend people will necessarily look for, but the one I liked was a little more what you expect, more safe.’ Tanguy Martin, Blandford Comptoir

‘These wines have their place in pubs and restaurants and they offer good value for what they are. People like that style.’ Andres Ituarte, team leader

Award winners

Found 10 wines

New World: Cabernet/Shiraz Blends

Survalles , Santa Alba, Gran Reserva, Syrah/ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Gold medal winner

'A well-balanced, bold and exuberant wine, with cassis, menthol, graphite and a hint of liquorice, leading to an intense, fruit-forward palate with mouth-coating ripe tannins and good acidity.' Charlie Carter, L' Atelier Du Vin. 'Fresh, silky and rich in fruity flavours, with notes of fresh tobacco and intense forest fruits, and touches of vanilla and cream.' Emanuel Pesqueira, Edwardian Hotels London.

£10.57 Survalles

Vistamar, Gran Reserva, Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah 2017, Maipo Valley, Chile

Gold medal winner

'This offers an expressive nose with aromas of red fruit, plums, cherries and flowers, and a touch of tobacco too. The palate is fresh and well-rounded, with a pleasingly long finish.' Emanuel Pesqueira, Edwardian Hotels London. 'A minty wine with sweet black fruits and a herbaceous backbone - good value for a pub or brasserie, with a ripe character that would suit a lot of palates.' Andres Ituarte, team leader.

£7.75 RD Wines

Survalles , Patagón, Gran Reserva 2017, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Silver medal winner

'A fine mix of cassis and dark and redcurrant fruit with the leafy and bell pepper character typical of Chilean Cabernet blends. Quite a supple and complex wine with the right price tag.' Olivier Gasselin, OenoTrade. 'Some refreshing pepperiness provides complexity for cured meats or duck dishes.' Alonso Abed, Trivet.

£10.57 Survalles

Viña Requingua, Toro de Piedra, Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Curicó Valley, Chile

Bronze medal winner

'Opening with notes of ripe red fruit, black pepper, vanilla and nuts, as well as some classic flavours of tarragon and laurel, and with a palate that's oily and concentrated, with round tannins.' Emanuel Pesqueira, Edwardian Hotels London. 'Very leafy, with a bell pepper edge, some ripe tannins and bitter chocolate on the supple finish.' Olivier Gasselin, OenoTrade.

£9.52 Condor Wines

Some Young Punks, Passion has Red Lips 2017, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia

Bronze medal winner

'This is soft on the palate, with great texture and some herbaceous freshness, and some nice pepper notes too. This well-seasoned wine will develop nicely, and can be paired with anything peppered, and cold meats.' Alonso Abed, Trivet. 'Packed with luscious, velvety blackberry fruit and full mocha spice.' Emanuel Pesqueira, Edwardian Hotels London.

£12.21 Bibendum

Via Wines, Chilensis, Lazuli, Red Blend 2016, Maule Valley, Chile

Commended medal winner

Willunga 100, Cabernet/Shiraz 2016, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia

Commended medal winner

£9.60 Liberty Wines

Lake Breeze, Bernoota, Shiraz/Cabernet 2016, Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Australia

Commended medal winner

Jim Barry Wines, The Barry Bros, Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Clare Valley, South Australia, Australia

Commended medal winner

Berton Vineyard, Bonsai, Shiraz/Cabernet 2017, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia

Commended medal winner