The suspense is finally over as the results of the prestigious wine event, nominated by wine professionals from around the world, were announced in a gala dinner and ceremony at Resorts World Sentosa
Resorts World Sentosa caused a buzz in the drinks scene when it announced its inaugural Wine Pinnacle Awards presented by Genting Singapore, as part of The Great Wine & Dine Festival 2019 taking place from October 10 to 12.
It’s the first-of-its-kind wine event where a jury of over 50 wine professionals from around the world was asked to nominate their favoured sips, regardless of wine origin, style or grape variety. Voting was done through an online balloting system, and an expert wine committee carefully assembled by Resorts World Sentosa served as the guardians of the award nominations.
These are revered pundit Doug Frost, who holds the prestigious Master of Wine and Master Sommelier titles; Master of Wine Kenichi Ohashi; Swedish sommelier and Best Sommelier in the World 2007 Andreas Larsson; British wine and spirits expert and wine writer Robert Owen “Oz” Clarke; and Asia’s first Master of Wine, Jeannie Cho Lee.
(Related: Why Renowned Wine Pundit Jeannie Cho-Lee Loves Her Wines With Food)
THE BIG REVEAL
After months of hard work and deliberation, the results of the prestigious awards with 27 categories have been revealed this evening, in a lavish gala and awards ceremony attended by wine pundits and veterans in the F&B industry.
The Grand Jury Award, the most coveted recognition chosen by the committee from amongst all winners, went to Domaine Coche-Dury. Jeannie Cho Lee says: "The wines of Coche-Dury are the epitome of great, age-worthy white Burgundy. Their global influence as a beacon of quality and dedication is widely recognised but what many may not be aware of, is that the estate remains small; still family-run, dedicated to quality and modest in price when the wines leave the cellar. We applaud the family’s ongoing dedication to crafting incredible, intense wines and influencing generations of white wine growers around the world.”
Specific vintages from the Old World were also honoured that night with the Best 1996 Vintage Bordeaux going to the 1996 Château Latour, Pauillac, France and Best 2005 Vintage Burgundy (Red) being awarded to the 2005 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Romanee-Conti Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits, France. Other notable categories include Best 1999 Vintage Barolo, which went to the 1999 Giacomo Conterno, Monfortino, Barolo Riserva DOCG, Italy; and Best 2005 Vintage Rioja/Ribera Del Duero awarded to the 2005 Vega Sicilia, Unico Gran Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain.
New World sips were given the accolade they deserved, too. The 2009 Screaming Eagle, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA took home the Best 2009 Vintage Cabernet Based California Wine, while the 2008 Henschke, Hill of Grace Shiraz, Eden Valley, Australia was declared the Best 2008 Vintage Australian Shiraz/Syrah.
With the rise of Chinese wines, there was even the Best Chinese Red category, which went to Ao Yun, Yunnan, China.
(Related: Here's How You Can Master The Art Of Food And Wine Pairing, According To Experts)