A preeminent line-up of masters of wine, sommeliers, critics and buyers will fly into London this week as the 10th anniversary Decanter World Wine Awards judging week gets underway.
World’s Best Sommeliers and DWWA judges: Andreas Larsson (2007), Paolo Basso (2013) and Gerard Basset (2010)
In total, the competition will feature some 225 judges throughout the week-long judging process, representing a total of 27 different countries around the world.
The judging line-up, which includes 75 Masters of Wine and 14 Master Sommeliers, is made up of regional experts from across the international wine trade, and will taste more than 14,000 wines over the next week.
The comprehensive list of judges also includes three World’s Best Sommeliers, including the most recent winner, Paolo Basso.
Basso (pictured, centre), who won the prestigious title of Best Sommelier of the World earlier this year, was honored on the opening day of judging and presented with a commemorative cake by former winners Gerard Basset MW MS and Andreas Larsson.
Also present to taste the first flights of the week were James Lawther MW, Rosemary George MW, Stephen Brook, Ian D’Agata, Andrew Jefford and Ch’ng Poh Tiong.
The 2013 awards sees the appointment of a number of new regional chairs, including The San Francisco Chronicle’s wine editor Jon Bonné chairing the USA panels, Bob Campbell MW for New Zealand, Patricio Tapia for Argentina, Essi Avellan MW for Champagne and Monty Waldin for Tuscany.
Sarah Kemp, Decanter publishing director said: ‘In our 10th anniversary year we are thrilled to have judging with us the who’s who of the wine world.
‘We’re extremely proud to be able to attract the world’s most respected and greatest palates and the fact they fly in from all corners of the world gives the Decanter World Wine Awards a totally unique and international perspective.
‘The depth and experience these judges have in wine is unparalleled.’
The 2013 Decanter World Wine Awards takes place from 29th April – 3rd May. The full list of results will be announced at the London International Wine Fair on Monday 20th May.
Written by Decanter.com staff
