RED WINE TROPHY
Marco Abella Mas Mallola PRIORAT, SPAIN 2018 David and Olivia Abella’s Priorat estate has been one of the most consistent performers at The Wine Merchant Top 100 over the years, and the 2021 competition was another triumph for the couple with this trophy-winner, one of three Top 100 successes this year. The couple began reviving David’s grandfather’s estate in the 2000s, working with a mix of 90-yearold and more recently planted vines. This typically complex red comes from a single plot situated at 650m above sea level on the rugged Catalan region’s famous slate soils, a blend of 70% Garnacha with 30% Carinyena which is aged for 15 months in French oak. The judges were unanimous in their praise. “Brooding dark mysterious nose of black fruits, lots of flavour. Ripe dark fruits, garrigue and spice, hints of cedar and a very long finish. Really complex and interesting wine, with silky tannins. A wine that every independent should stock,” said one judge. “Fabulous wine: multi-layered nose with vanilla and plum fruit,” added another judge. “It has a powerful mid palate and a long, lingering finish.” Vindependents RRP £27.50 ABV 14.5%
FORTIFIED WINE TROPHY
Sandeman 40 Year Old Tawny DOURO VALLEY, PORTUGAL NV Sandeman is one of the biggest names in fortified wine – both port and sherry— with the silhouette of “The Don” in his hat and cape one of the wine world’s most successful pieces of branding. When it comes to the quality of the wines themselves, however, the brand has arguably never been as well respected as it is today, after 20 years of investment by the Guedes family of Sogrape. Among other signs of the family’s commitment to reviving Sandeman was the construction of a magnificent modern winery in the Douro, at the spectacular Quinta do Seixo property. The house has earned high praise for its recent vintage releases, but in this year’s Top 100, it was the aged tawny ports that got the judges excited. “Fantastically balanced tawny, with wonderful fruit balance,” said the judges. “It lingers on the palate with spicy notes and muscovado sugar. Dark fruits, vanilla, nuts and chocolate notes all appear and contribute to the richness. “Very nutty, and gorgeously smooth, this is liquid heaven,” the judges concluded. Liberty Wines RRP £156 ABV 20%
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THE WINE MERCHANT TOP 100