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ABS Results in DWWA & IWSC 2020

ABS Wine Agencies, Mon 05 Oct 2020

ABS Results in DWWA & IWSC 2020

Congratulations to all our producers which won awards in the Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2020. Please find below the Platinum, Gold and Silver Medal winners

 

Decanter World Wine Awards 2020

 

Campbells Isabella Rare Topaque NV
Rating: Platinum 97 Points

Deep mahogany brown, with olive hues. Lifted toffee, honey and cold tea characters combine to produce the unique character of Rutherglen Topaque. There is a real lusciousness and weight on the palate with full, mellow honeyed flavours, lingering complex rancio characters and drying tannins on the finish to balance the sweetness and prevent it from cloying. The perfect partner with coffee and petit fours or the strongest cheeses. However, to fully appreciate the intensity and myriad of flavours that linger long on the palate, we recommend enjoying it on its own. - Tasting Note

 

Campbells Rare Merchant Prince Muscat NV
Rating: Gold 95 Points

Deep mahogany brown, with olive hues. Intense raisin fruit with nutty ‘aged oak’ complexity, which only comes from very lengthy maturation in oak casks. The ultimate in intensity. Raisined sweetness explodes on the front of the palate. Complex nutty flavours flow through the full length of the palate and the drying tannin finish lingers for many minutes. The perfect partner with coffee and petit fours or the richest chocolate. However to fully appreciate the intensity and myriad of flavours that linger long on the palate, we recommend enjoying it on its own. - Tasting Note

 

Campbells Rutherglen Topaque NV
Rating: Gold 95 Points

Deep, brilliant old gold. Lifted toffee, honey and cold tea characters combine to produce the unique character of Rutherglen Topaque. Toffee and tealeaf characters predominate on the front of the palate with a cleansing hint of spirit and old oak on the finish. A heavenly match with honeycomb ice cream, fruit based desserts, soft cheeses, chilled as an aperitif or as an after dinner drink with coffee. - Tasting Note

 

The Hedonist Shiraz 2018
Rating: Gold 95 Points

Deep red with purple hues with a aromas of mulberries, blueberries, liquorice and a touch of cinnamon and freshly cracked black pepper. Mulberry continues through onto the palate with bright acidity. Firm tannins add structure and length to the bright and juicy palate. Exceptional balance with a velvety mouthfeel. - Tasting Note

 

Stanton & Killeen Classic 12 Years Topaque NV
Rating: Gold 95 Points

Light amber glass in colour with a stunning bouquet of malt, caramel, butterscotch and almonds. The palate has layers of caramelized butter, honeysuckle and dried apricots with a long finish of cold tea and marmalade. Not only the domain of desserts, this Topaque matches superbly with duck rillettes on brioche toast or Catalan fig tapas. - Tasting Note

 

Bon Courage Jacques Bruere Reserve Brut 2012
Rating: Silver 94 Points

It expresses both intensity and delicacy. Toasted nutty characters infused with stone fruits complimented by rich creamy biscuit flavours. Lingering finish with a lively mousse. A wine for all occasions, not just the special ones - compliments fresh oysters, sushi, poached salmon or any seafood based canapés. - Tasting Note

 

Campbells Rutherglen Muscat NV
Rating: Silver 90 Points

Bright amber gold with copper tints. Fresh raisin fruit backed by subtle oak characters. Luscious mouthfilling raisined fruit combine with the oak flavours to produce a wine of great length. Excellent chilled as an aperitif or with strong cheeses, plum pudding or after dinner with freshly brewed coffee. - Tasting Note

 

Casas del Bosque Gran Reserva Syrah 2017
Rating: Silver 90 Points

Deep garnet in colour with a purple hue. On the nose, notes of blackberry jam, black cherry, pepper, vanilla and cloves dominate. In the mouth, the wine is big and ripe, with mouth-coating tannins and a long, pleasant finish. Recpmmended with smoked cheeses, lamb, pork and red meats in general. - Tasting Note

 

Casas del Bosque Noble Late Harvest 2018
Rating: Silver 94 Points

Golden in colour, this complex wine reveals a seductive nose of quince jelly, acacia honey and candied orange peel. In the mouth, honeyed notes of dried apricot, figs and orange marmalade combine with decent acidity and structure. An unusually high amount of 330 grams of residual sugar create enormous palate weight, structure and length. Pairs with ripe cheeses and desserts. - Tasting Note

 

Dönnhoff Höllenpfad im Mühlenberg Riesling GG 2018
Rating: Silver 90 Points

A prized parcel sits at the heart of our renowned Höllenpfad Erste Lage (Premier Cru) vineyard. Stocked with our oldest vines, it is known as the „Höllenpfad im Mühlenberg.“ Based on the extraordinary quality of the wines grown here, this plot was officially recognized under that historical name and classified by the VDP as a Große Lage. A bountiful harvest of healthy, ripe Riesling grapes allowed us to debut a Großes Gewächs from this very special site. A delightfully dry Riesling with tremendous depth of flavor and marked with the elegant, distinctively spicy aromas for which the Höllenpfad vineyard is known.

 

Dönnhoff Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Riesling Auslese 2018
Rating: Silver 92 Points

A perfect, steep southern slope with soils consisting of blackish grey slate and volcanic elements, extremely rich in minerals. The stuff of legends, for over 100 years this has been the most lauded site in the entire Nahe winegrowing region. A magnificent, noble sweet Auslese, exotic fruit in harmony with a divine minerally Riesling acidity.

 

Mas de Cadenet Rose 2019
Rating: Silver 90 Points

This light pink wine with a beautiful mineral  reshness, reveals delicate aromas of citrus, red fruits and flowers. In the mouth, the limestone soil brings balance and elegance, with a crispy length. Aromas bouquet is persistent throughout, offering fruity and salty final. This fresh and elegant rosé can be enjoyed by itself. This is also a terrific wine to have along with food, easy pairing with Mediterranean dishes (tartare, ceviche, ratatouille…) as well as exotic foods. - Tasting Note

 

The Hedonist Ecology Shiraz 2018
Rating: Silver 92 Points

Deep cherry red, highly fragrant with red and blue fruits, cardamom spice and white pepper. The palate is textured and creamy, showing pomegranate, chocolate and baking spices. Fine, lengthening and savoury tannins with bright, nervy acid underpinning. - Tasting Note

 

Hope Family Troublemaker 12 NV
Rating: Silver 90 Points

The Troublemaker blend is an opaque deep purple color with powerful aromas of ripe cherry, dried plum and savory sage. The palate entry is somewhat of a surprise as the finesse of black current, hints of sweet oak and espresso lead to luxuriously soft yet firm tannins that linger through the mid-palate and beyond. Syrah is the backbone of the wine, setting the stage for a fruit-forward style and a full body. Petite Sirah contributes to the deep ruby color. Sweet and bright red fruit flavors of Grenache blend with the rustic and lively flavors of the Mourvèdre, while Zinfandel adds its signature zing to round out the blend. - Tasting Note

 

Hope Family Treana Red Blend 2017
Rating: Silver 91 Points

The Treana Red stands as one of our flagship that sets the stage with power and finesse. This beautifully deep burgundy colored wine displays aromas of cassis that lead into flavors of vanilla bean, dense black berry and baking spices. Layered tannins frame this full bodied wine with balanced acidity and a finish that lingers. Treana is the sum of elements that influence our wines; the land that our family farms, the warm California sun that nurtures, and the cooling ocean breeze that balances. These elements combine to create the perfect growing conditions for our grapes.

 

Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2019
Rating: Silver 91 Points

A variety of chardonnay clones planted on different slopes, harvested at different ripening levels and all of it fermented and matured in French oak barrels. These practices help to achieve natural balance and allows for different textural components which we then blend to achieve finesse and complexity. Bold and graceful with fragrances of lemon biscuit and overripe oranges. - Tasting Note

 

Jordan Black Magic Merlot 2017
Rating: Silver 91 Points

Harvested from mature east and west facing vineyards established on mother soils of decomposed granite. Part whole-berry fermentation and softer pump-overs extract aromas of red plums and dark bitter chocolate. French oak maturation seasons the wine to accentuate the seductive flavours and generous velvety tannins. - Tasting Note

 

Jordan Cobblers Hill 2016
Rating: Silver 93 Points

The Ultimate Expression of Jordan Terroir. A limited-release wine, honouring the Jordan family heritage as master cobblers. The palate is richly layered and intriguing with a variety of opulent flavours which includes Sichuan pepper and blackcurrants. The 24-month barrel ageing adds viscosity and a spicy finish. Perfect with beef fillet, sirloin steak or veal cutlets. - Tasting Note

 

Jordan Nine Yards Chardonnay 2018
Rating: Silver 92 Points

A barrel selection from our finest east-facing Chardonnay vineyard and the ultimate expression of maximum effort and Jordan terroir. A rich, modern yet classically defined style with full flavours of clove flower, butterscotch and lime oil. A statement wine with which we went “The Whole Nine Yards”. Poached veal with béarnaise sauce or butternut ravioli with mushroom sauce and truffle oil. - Tasting Note

 

Jordan The Long Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Rating: Silver 94 Points

Progressive techniques such as overhead fermenters, pump-overs and gravity flow allow for the extraction of fully developed flavours and soft ripe tannins without compensating the tension and elegance captured from the various cabernet slopes. Here especially, the climate plays a significant role to allow great fruit expression and classic essences of cedar, brambles and toasted tobacco. - Tasting Note

 

Jordan The Real McCoy Riesling 2019
Rating: Silver 92 Points

The German clone grapes were vinified and once the perfect balance between sugar and acidity was reached, the fermentation was stopped to retain a hint of natural fruit sugars. Intense flavours of lime through to white peach and Granny Smith apple. A superb accompaniment to the lighter spectrum of Asian cuisine. - Tasting Note

 

Quinta do Portal Quinta dos Muros 2017
Rating: Silver 93 Points

The wine is dark purple with fresh and attractive aroma of violets, plum and raspberry. It’s a velvety wine, well balanced but with serious and powerful tannins and fine acidity. A serious Port, fresh and well balanced that could only be from the Pinhão valley! It’s easy to pair this young vintage, but we think it’s great after dinner with just some dry fruits and a group of friends. 

 

Stanton & Killeen Classic 12 Years Muscat NV
Rating: Silver 94 Points

The colour is like dark, caramelised butter with aromas of Turkish delight, tobacco and espresso. The palate is balanced and complex with flavours iof rich raisin fruit, rose petal, dried fig and cumquat. The finish is long but not too sweet. Pairs well with a rich chocolate tart with raspberry coulis. - Tasting Note

 

Stanton & Killeen Grand Muscat NV
Rating: Silver 94 Points

Rich and viscous, caramelised butter in colour. Molasses, toffee and dark chocolate. This wine is dark, dense and luscious. A superb balance of wood aged ‘rancio’ characters with rich flavours of Christmas cake, dried fig, espresso and almond. Enjoy with a rich chocolate tart, or a cheese platter with chocolate coated strawberries, fruit cake and roasted nuts. - Tasting Note

 

Stanton & Killeen Grand Topaque NV
Rating: Silver 93 Points

Deep amber brown in colour with lifted aromas of caramel and concentrated marmalade with subtle butterscotch. The palate is rich and complex with notes of fruitcake, malt and butterscotch with a wonderful freshness. Recommended with a rich crème brûlée or simply a few muscatels and some cheese - Tasting Note

 

Stanton & Killeen Muscat NV
Rating: Silver 91 Points

The colour is deep orange amber with floral aromas of crushed rose petal, lavender and orange blossom. The palate has rich raisins with subtle oak and great length. Enjoy with rose infused baklava or a Turkish delight tart with chocolate pastry - Tasting Note 

 

Tokara Director’s Reserve Red 2017
Rating: Silver 93 Points

The wine has stunning depth of colour with an intense garnet centre and a ruby rim. The nose showcases complex aromas of ripe red and black fruits with hints of dried cranberry, baking spice and graphite. The wine enters the palate with incredible purity and focus. Flavours are those of dark cherries, blackberries and ripe plum skin. Sumptuous and full there is an hint of spice on the mid-palate which leads to fine, firm tannins on the finish. Pair with grilled ribeye steak served with Béarnaise sauce and potato Dauphinoise - Tasting Note

 

Tokara Director’s Reserve White 2017
Rating: Silver 94 Points

This wine displays a pale straw colour with striking brilliance that catches the light. The nose is complex exhibiting attractive notes of ripe passion fruit and pink grapefruit all intermingled with hints of lemon grass and freshly baked brioche. On the palate the wine enters full and rich reminiscent of the aromas on the nose. The wine has amazing clarity and depth with a zesty persistence. - Tasting Note

 

Tokara Reserve Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Rating: Silver 93 Points

The wine has a vibrant light straw colour with flecks of green on the rim. There is an abundance of green melon, green apples, subtle lemongrass and granadilla on the nose. The wine enters the palate with concentrated flavours reminiscent of the nose. This finish is refreshing and crisp with a slight oyster shell salinity that makes it quite moreish. This wine is best drunk cold on a hot summer’s day on its own or it can be served with grilled chicken and fish, fresh oysters or even a light prawn curry. - Tasting Note

 

Tokara Reserve Collection Syrah 2016
Rating: Silver 94 Points

The wine displays a stunning deep purple colour with a ruby red rim. The nose leads with notes of ripe blueberries and blackberries inter meshed with subtle clove spice. There are aromas of cedar and vanilla giving a beautiful perfume which supports the hint of blue violets emanating from the glass. The palate is classy and refined with rich dark fruit and a silky mid-palate. The wine leaves one with an appealing chalky finish and a hint of pepper spice. - Tasting Note

 

Schnaitmann Simonroth Lemberger 2016
Rating: Silver 90 Points

Simonroth Lemberger appears in a deep cherry red. It smells of violets, thyme, laurel, pepper and juniper wood, accompanied by cassis, blackberry, red currant and sour cherry. Racy, lively Lemberger with tension due to the elegant acidity, fine-grained, grippy tannin structure and lots of freshness. Impressive length! Pair with fine Swabian cuisine, duck, game, beef, lamb, goulash, stew - Tasting Note

 

Schnaitmann Lämmler Spätburgunder 2017
Rating: Silver 92 Points

In the glass with a ruby-red core and cherry-red rim. Fresh autumn leaves, mint, violets, bourbon vanilla, porcini mushrooms, roasted hazel nuts, sea buckthorn and undergrowth. Delicate fruit notes of red and black forest berries and sour cherry. Initially powerful and concentrated on the palate, then picked up elegantly and animating by juicy acidity, which leads through the silky, dense-meshed tannins with a great length. A long-distance runner! Fits to expressive and complex dishes with game, wildfowl, roasts, rabbit, mushrooms, earthy, roasted fish dishes - Tasting Note

 

 

 International Wine & Spirit Competition 2020

 

Stanton & Killeen Grand Muscat NV
Rating: Gold 95 Points

“Viscous and treacly with layers of densely concentrated flavours and a marked burnt caramel note on the palate which is balanced by an ample acidity that brings freshness. Luxuriously indulgent.” 

Rich and viscous, caramelised butter in colour. Molasses, toffee and dark chocolate. This wine is dark, dense and luscious. A superb balance of wood aged ‘rancio’ characters with rich flavours of Christmas cake, dried fig, espresso and almond. Pair with a rich chocolate tart, or a cheese platter with chocolate coated strawberries, fruit cake and roasted nuts. - Tasting Note

 

Bon Courage Jacques Bruere Brut Reserve 2012
Rating: Silver 94 Points

It expresses both intensity and delicacy. Toasted nutty characters infused with stone fruits complimented by rich creamy biscuit flavours. Lingering finish with a lively mousse. A wine for all occasions, not just the special ones - compliments fresh oysters, sushi, poached salmon or any seafood based canapés. - Tasting Note

 

Campbells Rutherglen Muscat NV
Rating: Silver 90 Points

“A concentrated honey and floral nose opens to a rich and spicy palate displaying notes of satsuma, fig and toffee with roasted coffee notes on the finish. Mouth wateringly luscious.”

Bright amber gold with copper tints. Fresh raisin fruit backed by subtle oak characters. Luscious mouthfilling raisined fruit combine with the oak flavours to produce a wine of great length. Excellent chilled as an aperitif or with strong cheeses, plum pudding or after dinner with freshly brewed coffee. - Tasting Note

 

Casas del Bosque Noble Late Harvest 2018
Rating: Silver 91 Points

“An aromatic and alluringly fresh style of Riesling, revealing plush peach and apricot. With notes of nut and orange marmalade, this shows depth, freshness, and life.”

Golden in colour, this complex wine reveals a seductive nose of quince jelly, acacia honey and candied orange peel. In the mouth, honeyed notes of dried apricot, figs and orange marmalade combine with decent acidity and structure. An unusually high amount of 330 grams of residual sugar create enormous palate weight, structure and length. Pairs with ripe cheeses and desserts. - Tasting Note

 

Jordan Wine Estate The Real McCoy Riesling 2019
Rating: Silver 91 Points

The German clone grapes were vinified and once the perfect balance between sugar and acidity was reached, the fermentation was stopped to retain a hint of natural fruit sugars. Intense flavours of lime through to white peach and Granny Smith apple. A superb accompaniment to the lighter spectrum of Asian cuisine. - Tasting Notes

 

Jordan Wine Estate Black Magic Merlot 2017
Rating: Silver 93 Points

Harvested from mature east and west facing vineyards established on mother soils of decomposed granite. Part whole-berry fermentation and softer pump-overs extract aromas of red plums and dark bitter chocolate. French oak maturation seasons the wine to accentuate the seductive flavours and generous velvety tannins. - Tasting Note

 

Jordan Wine Estate Cobblers Hill 2016
Rating: Silver 91 Points

The Ultimate Expression of Jordan Terroir. A limited-release wine, honouring the Jordan family heritage as master cobblers. The palate is richly layered and intriguing with a variety of opulent flavours which includes Sichuan pepper and blackcurrants. The 24-month barrel ageing adds viscosity and a spicy finish. Perfect with beef fillet, sirloin steak or veal cutlets. - Tasting Note

 

Jordan Wine Estate Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2019
Rating: Silver 91 Points

A variety of chardonnay clones planted on different slopes, harvested at different ripening levels and all of it fermented and matured in French oak barrels. These practices help to achieve natural balance and allows for different textural components which we then blend to achieve finesse and complexity. Bold and graceful with fragrances of lemon biscuit and overripe oranges. - Tasting Note

 

Stanton & Killeen Classic Muscat NV
Rating: Silver 90 Points

“Sumptuously sweet but balanced by racy acidity. This is a full, rich and thickly textured example that displays a great composition of fruit flavours and alcohol that is carried well.”

The colour is like dark, caramelised butter with aromas of Turkish delight, tobacco and espresso. The palate is balanced and complex with flavours iof rich raisin fruit, rose petal, dried fig and cumquat. The finish is long but not too sweet. Pairs well with a rich chocolate tart with raspberry coulis. - Tasting Note

 

Stanton & Killeen Grand Topaque NV
Rating: Silver 92 Points

“Sun-dried tomato and caramelised walnut, a sun-kissed god. Orange zest, rich and utterly unctuous, it’s a mouthful of walnut, resin, and deep, dark chocolate. Silky and sensational.”

Deep amber brown in colour with lifted aromas of caramel and concentrated marmalade with subtle butterscotch. The palate is rich and complex with notes of fruitcake, malt and butterscotch with a wonderful freshness. Recommended with a rich crème brûlée or simply a few muscatels and some cheese - Tasting Note

 

Stanton & Killeen Classic Topaque NV
Rating: Silver 91 Points

“Walnuts roasting on an open fire. Fig jam and date nipping at your nose. Heather honey and caramel hung by the fire. Tawny yet fresh, and everybody knows.”

Light amber glass in colour with a stunning bouquet of malt, caramel, butterscotch and almonds. The palate has layers of caramelized butter, honeysuckle and dried apricots with a long finish of cold tea and marmalade. Not only the domain of desserts, this Topaque matches superbly with duck rillettes on brioche toast or Catalan fig tapas. - Tasting Note

 

Tokara Reserve Collection Syrah 2016
Rating: Silver 92 Points

The wine displays a stunning deep purple colour with a ruby red rim. The nose leads with notes of ripe blueberries and blackberries inter meshed with subtle clove spice. There are aromas of cedar and vanilla giving a beautiful perfume which supports the hint of blue violets emanating from the glass. The palate is classy and refined with rich dark fruit and a silky mid-palate. The wine leaves one with an appealing chalky finish and a hint of pepper spice. - Tasting Note

 

Tokara Reserve Collection Chardonnay 2019
Rating: Silver 91 Points

This wine displays a vibrant golden colour. Aromas of lemon curd, honeysuckle, oatmeal and toasted brioche emanate from the glass. The wine enters the palate with bold, ripe yellow citrus flavours leading to a creamy mid-palate with subtle vanilla, star anise and toasted almond. There is a continuous saline focus and feeling of freshness throughout. A wine of restrained power and finesse. - Tasting Note