As the Decanter World Wine Awards enters its final phase of entries, the Royal Opera House has once again been confirmed as the venue for the awards ceremony.
Just three days remain before all entries close on Friday, 12 March.
And decanter.com can announce that for the second year running the Decanter World Wine Awards dinner and awards ceremony will take place in the superb Paul Hamlyn Hall at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
Last year over 350 guests partied late into the night after a dinner at which winners of International and Regional awards were served.
The selection included Champagne Jacquart Brut Mosaique 2002, Riesling from Domaines Schlumberger, Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Charles Heidseick Rose Reserve NV.
This year, for the first time, guests will be able to taste Regional and International trophies before the dinner.
Last year’s diners included Schalk Burger and his son Tiaan of South Africa’s Welbedacht in the Cape, Severine Schlumberger of Domaine Schlumberger in Alsace, guests from Vina Undurraga and Valdivieso in Chile, Burgundy’s Maison Albert Bichot, Portugal’s Sogrape, Champagne Piper Heidsieck, Emilio Lustau in Jerez, Simcic Wines in Slovenia, and hundreds of other renowned producers from every corner of the winemaking world.
All of the producers present were winners of major awards: New World successes included Best Red Blend Over £10 for the £75 Jacob’s Creek Johann Shiraz Cabernet 2001, which the judges described as ‘huge…with a twist of peppermill on the palate.’
Bordeaux Varietal Over £10 also went to the New World – the Fraser Gallop Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 from Margaret River: ‘smoky oak, liquorice and lots of concentration.’
And for the fourth time in the past five years the Red Single Varietal trophy Under £10 went to an Argentinian Malbec: the Malbec aka Rodolfo Sadler from Opi Sadler in Mendoza.
This year’s Decanter World Wine Awards promises to be equally riveting, with new categories such as Regional France fielding record numbers of entries.
‘I’m absolutely delighted we’re returning to Covent Garden,’ Decanter’s senior marketing manager Kerry MacDonald said. ‘It’s such a fabulous venue – in the heart of London, with a wonderful history.
‘To be awarding the best wines in the world in a place where the finest music has been made for hundreds of years is breathtaking: a true marriage of art and wine.’
Judging for the Decanter World Wine Awards 2010 takes place from 26 to 30 April. Results are announced to the trade at the London International Wine and Spirits Fair on 18 May.
Written by Decanter staff
