For the first time in our history, Decanter Fine Wine Encounter opened its doors in New York City and what an incredible day of wine tasting for everyone who visited.

50 prestigious wine producers from all over the world arrived to pour their top wines for Decanter’s diverse and enthusiastic attendees. Guests had access to more than 200 fine wines and the opportunity to attend four sensational masterclasses.

See photo highlights from the day below.

Thanks to all of the producers and guests for making it such a memorable day.

Thanks to photographer Mark Reinertson and video team Amoveo

Thanks also to our sponsors: Riedel

The post Photo highlights: Decanter Fine Wine Encounter NYC 2022 appeared first on Decanter.

Last chance: You can still buy tickets to watch this Bonneau du Martray virtual masterclass and taste the wines, via the Decanter at Home series – book here

The hill of Corton is one of the rare grand crus in Burgundy where both red and white wines are produced. The only other one is Musigny, but Musigny Blanc is essentially a curiosity, with only 0.65 hectares of Chardonnay planted.

The proportion of white to red on the hill of Corton is more equitable – 44% is white, and 56% is red. This split makes perfect sense given the unique situation of the terroir.

Scroll down to see Charles Curtis MW’s  Bonneau du Martray masterclass tasting notes and scores

The hill is separated from the rest of the côte, with vines that wrap nearly all the way around the hill, ascending to almost 400 metres. They are spread over three villages from east-facing Ladoix-Serrigny to northwest-facing Pernand-Vergelesses, the only grand cru in Burgundy with this exposition.

See Charles Curtis MW’s  Bonneau du Martray masterclass tasting notes and scores

Last chance: You can still buy tickets to watch this Bonneau du Martray virtual masterclass and taste the wines, via the Decanter at Home series – book here

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Last chance: You can still buy tickets to watch this Villa Maria virtual masterclass and taste the wines, via the Decanter at Home series – book here

On the inside cover of ‘The winemaker, George Fistonich and the Villa Maria story’ (K. Tyack), George Fistonich addressed me his dedication: “enjoy our history”. Very apt and timely words from the man who started one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most incredible and successful wine brands. The Villa Maria story is as fascinating as it is extensive. The company has been acknowledged as one of the world’s most admired wine brands on multiple occasions and for one main good reason: quality.

From that late winter day in September 1961 when George Fistonich launched Villa Maria he had quality, consistency and reliability driving his vision to make great wine. 60 years on, Villa Maria remains a household name in New Zealand and around the world. Wine exports began in 1988; in 2000 a second winery was built in Marlborough; in 2005 a winemaking facility and headquarters was opened in Mangere, Auckland followed, in 2018, by a new winemaking operation in Hawkes Bay. Today, Villa Maria sources its material from their Auckland, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay and Marlborough vineyards, as well as contract growers, with a focus on Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, the Cabernets, Merlot and Malbec. Vine age and exceptional vineyard work have allowed the business to develop single-vineyard, sub-regional and regional expressions.

Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores for the six Villa Maria masterclass wines

A snapshot of Villa Maria’s current vision through six fascinating bottles came about recently when I had the chance to taste and discuss wine with 19-year veteran winemaker at Villa, Dave Roper.

Dave Roper

What became abundantly clear with each wine we tasted was the effect that geography and soil have on each of them. Take the cool easterly winds on terraced vineyards at the Taylor’s Pass plot in Marlborough or the inland location of the Keltern vineyard in Hawkes Bay, established on an ancient riverbed coated in silty loams over red metals.

What I also noticed about the wines was how texture and structure were of equal importance to the power and style of each wine.

The tasting also offered the opportunity to examine longevity by contrasting a 2014 Marlborough Pinot Noir with the 2019 current release, as well as the Keltern 2014 Chardonnay with the 2020. For the Pinot Noirs I noticed the core of ripe fruit with a gently savoury line, polished tannins and stony mineral complexity. For the Chardonnays I was equally impressed by the texture and purity of fruit. A feature about the Keltern style is the mineral gun-flint spike in the bouquet and palate.

For a finish on the highest note the tasting closed with a highlight:  the Ngakirikiri, named as a reflection of the Gimblett Gravels soils the grapes are grown on – an exceptional wine. I decided to taste it multiple times over several weeks, using a Coravin, to help me discover how long it will last. Needless to say it was persistent, concentrated, complex and will reward those who cellar some bottles. The Ngakirikiri will develop easily for 25-30 years.

Though Sir George is no longer part of the Villa Maria business and the brand and assets are now owned by New Zealand wine company Indevin, his vision, mission and dedication to quality are firmly cemented in the wines we are enjoying today and will very likely enjoy tomorrow as well.

See Cameron Douglas’ tasting notes and scores for the six Villa Maria masterclass wines:

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The Barolo Masterclass in the first Decanter at Home event was quick to sell out. Delving into the diversity of the region through the lenses of producer, vintage and site, the tasting seminar featured three family-owned properties with deep roots in Barolo: GD Vajra, Aziende Vitivinicole Ceretto and Poderi e Cantina Oddero.

Scroll down to see the Barolo masterclass tasting notes and scores

For the masterclass, each estate selected three wines from vintages approachable now.

Flighted from oldest to youngest, the tasting spanned years ranging from the cool and unsettled 1995 to the hot and arid 2017, bridged by 1999, 2008, 2012 and 2015.

Decanter at Home: Barolo masterclass tasting notes and scores

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Last chance: You can still buy tickets to watch this Symington Family Vineyards virtual masterclass and taste the wines, via the Decanter at Home series – book here

When the Symington family launched its 2019 Ports earlier this year, it was the fifth generation who came to the fore. Sitting at the family’s three main quintas in the Douro – Vesúvio, Malvedos and Bomfim – Rob, Harry, Vicky, Charlotte and Anthony Symington confidently presented their fourth successful harvest in a row.

Scroll down to see the Symington Family Estates masterclass tasting notes and scores

A huge responsibility rests on the shoulders of the Symington millennials and generation Zs who are now joining the firm.

See the Symington Family Estates masterclass tasting notes and scores

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Last chance: You can still buy tickets to watch this Château Angélus virtual masterclass and taste the wines, via the Decanter at Home series – book here

Guiding us through this tasting was estate co-owner and CEO Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal, the eighth generation of the de Boüard family at Angélus.

After a first career in London in the financial industry, de Boüard came back to St-Emilion, and the estate where she grew up, in 2012, and told us, ‘it is now my turn to write a new chapter in our family history’.

Scroll down to see Jane Anson’s Château Angélus masterclass tasting notes and scores

That history dates back to 1782, and Jean de Boüard de Laforest, who was bodyguard to King Louis XVI and who bought the first plots of vines in Mazerat, the commune that at the time lay directly outside of the city walls of St-Emilion.

It puts Angélus among oldest family-run estates, still in the same family hands, in the whole of Bordeaux.

See Jane Anson’s Château Angélus masterclass tasting notes and scores

Last chance: You can still buy tickets to watch this Château Angélus virtual masterclass and taste the wines, via the Decanter at Home series – book here

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Last chance: You can still buy tickets to watch this Vérité virtual masterclass and taste the wines, via the Decanter at Home series – book here

Driving to Vérité on a sunny day in November is as I imagine arriving in The Shire in Tolkien’s fiction.

As you leave the constant stream of traffic on Highway 101, within moments you are winding down narrow country lanes, through rolling countryside, under arching trees that lattice frame the Pacific blue sky. You pass burnished vineyards bright with ruby and orange leaves, the new green grass already pushing through the rows after the longed-for rainfall.

Bucolic, verdant, there is more fresh air than you know what to do with as you roll down the window. There is so much beauty. Little wonder Pierre Seillan chose this corner of Sonoma County to animate the late Jess Jackson’s request to ‘Make me a great Merlot’.

Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores for the six Vérité masterclass wines

Of course, Pierre saw far beyond the surface of the region’s natural beauty – or, rather, far beneath. He recognised the power of the shifting tectonic plates, resulting in myriad volcanic, living soils.

See tasting notes and scores for the six Vérité masterclass wines

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At the Decanter World Wine Awards this year there was a lovely 2006 Rioja Reserva that won a deserved gold medal. Amid many younger reserva vintages it showed complexity and youthfulness. The wine was from Remírez de Ganuza.

The winery’s co-owner José Ramon Urtasun says: ‘We particularly wanted to submit it to highlight the ageability of fine Rioja.’ With 15 years of age already, the 2006 has another 15 years ahead of it. At this Decanter virtual masterclass Urtasun guided the audience through recent releases and classics from the winery, plus two entirely new wines, highlighting the winery’s continued commitment to innovation.

Fernando Remírez de Ganuza founded the eponymous winery in 1989. As a broker he already knew where he wanted to source grapes for his project and establish his base. He gathered together fine vineyards across the Sierra Cantabria foothills covering the villages of Samaniego, Leza, Elciego, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Laguardia and Ábalos. The average age of the vines is 50 years, and the key varieties are Tempranillo, Graciano, Viura and Malvasía.

Remírez de Ganuza’s vineyards in Samaniego

The winery itself is charming, tucked neatly into the heart of the traditional village of Samaniego. But while the physical building may be traditional, the philosophy is altogether more modern and shows a continued commitment to innovation. From introducing sorting tables, and using a much gentler balloon press, to selecting only the ‘shoulders’ of the bunches for the top wines and cutting off the tips. Not to mention introducing French oak barrels rather than the traditional American oak of Rioja.

Click to watch the full Decanter Virtual Masterclass: Remírez de Ganuza or view below:

At the masterclass, Urtasun, who joined the bodega as co-owner in 2010, introduced two reservas: the Gold-medal winning 2006 and the 2010. For contrast he also presented the 2005 and 2010 Gran Reservas. Selection is at the heart of the winery’s work. Remirez de Ganuza works with 240 different plots, which are well placed given their altitude for the influences of climate change.

‘In making these wines, we treat them all as if they are gran reservas. Only later we taste them and then select which will be the gran reservas and take longer ageing,’ explains Urtasun. He is not in a hurry to release the wines. ‘We like to give them time in bottle and release the Gran Reservas after 10 years. They have amazing potential to age,’ he adds. Hence the Gran Reserva 2012 is the current vintage on sale.

There are disadvantages with the traditional Rioja classification system of reserva and gran reserva; notably that it doesn’t indicate quality, only age. The other main problem is that it suggests that these wines, pre-aged in the winery, are ready to drink and have little future. This classification obscures the fact that the very best wines have plenty of years ahead. The 2005 Gran Reserva, like the 2006 Reserva, is a case in point: a wine which will continue to develop as it matures. Hence the success with collectors.

New additions to the range

While Remírez de Ganuza built its reputation on the selection of reservas and gran reservas from top vineyards, they have also begun to make white wines. Historically Viura was not the most exciting variety. However with careful attention from longstanding winemaker Jesús Mendoza, the results are impressive. At the masterclass Urtasun introduced the winery’s first ever Blanco Gran Reserva, a follow-on from the original Remírez de Ganuza Blanco. The vintage is 2013. Just released, with eight years of age, it is showing impressive freshness and finesse. The oak handling is particularly subtle and well-judged.

In 2019 the Urtasun family became owners of the winery. Fernando Remírez de Ganuza remains engaged, particularly with the vineyards. Importantly the mission remains the same: the best expression of the vineyard, while exploring innovation. Urtasun concluded with the latest innovation, the winery’s first Garnacha: Iraila, named after the month of September and its autumnal sensation.

Rioja has caught the interest in single variety Garnacha which started in the Gredos mountains, Aragón and neighbouring Navarra. Much of the Garnacha in Rioja comes from the eastern end, from the warmer Rioja Oriental. This was historically – and remains – the source of Garnacha for the traditional Tempranillo blends of Rioja Alta. Iraila, however, comes from Rioja Alavesa, from the cooler slopes of the Sierra Cantabria. Iraila was aged in three different containers: 228-litre French oak, a cigar-shaped 275-litre barrel; and an amphora of 400 litres. Tasting the wines individually after ageing the team felt that none of the containers worked by themselves, and that the blend was much more successful.

Iraila is a new style for the winery. It reflects a different flavour of Rioja and a different trend, and the audience at the masterclass were the first to taste it. The wine is so new it doesn’t yet have a label. It’s clearly one to look out for, a style that will continue to develop with each vintage. Just like the winery, as it moves into its fourth decade.

Tasting notes and scores for the Remírez de Ganuza wines

Looking for your next wine tasting? Decanter at Home tickets are on sale now.

Join us this December for a collection of exclusive, one off and unique wine tasting experiences, delivered directly to your door. Featuring outstanding vintages from leading producers in Bordeaux, Piedmont, California and more.

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There was something magical about driving up to Château Margaux on a sunny Friday evening for the most recent Decanter virtual masterclass tasting.

It was held in the Foster Room, a high-ceilinged gallery room full of pale oak and huge glass windows overlooking the graceful park at the back of the estate.

Scroll down to see Jane Anson’s Château Margaux tasting notes and scores from this masterclass

See Jane Anson’s Château Margaux tasting notes and scores for wines in this masterclass

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The post A Château Margaux wine tasting masterclass appeared first on Decanter.

While Billecart-Salmon makes a wide range of excellent Champagnes, for many people it’s most strongly associated with its rosé.

In fact, Billecart-Salmon has been making rosé Champagne for a notably long time, almost since the house was founded in 1818. ‘We don’t have an exact date, but we’ve been making rosé since at least 1840,’ says Mathieu Roland-Billecart, the house’s CEO. ‘We know that, because we have labels from that time saying oeil de perdrix, which was the old name, and also letters from customers asking for our ‘tinted’ Champagne.’

Scroll down for Peter Liem’s tasting notes and scores for Elisabeth Salmon Rosé 2008 and the NV Rosé

Rosé takes off

However, rosé was not historically a very common or popular style of Champagne, and as it was largely made by macerating red grapes, it often had a reputation for being heavy and tannic.

‘It wasn’t until the 1960s that my great-uncle Jean decided to make a rosé with the finesse and elegance that is a signature of our house today, and as part of this he moved away from the maceration technique to the blended technique,’ explains Roland-Billecart.

‘Still, rosé was not really a focus for people, and it took some time for the house’s rosé to get noticed. It was only really in the 1990s, when the chefs in Paris, plus some of the top names in the US, started saying, “Look, even if you don’t like rosé, you have to try this one”.’

Tasting Billecart-Salmon rosés including Elisabeth Salmon Rosé 2008:

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Tickets now on sale for Decanter’s next Virtual Masterclass:

Tickets are now on sale for Decanter’s next Virtual Masterclass, Château Margaux: Five Centuries of Passion – CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

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This special tasting was hosted by Decanter‘s Bordeaux correspondent Jane Anson and Rhône correspondent Matt Walls, who have each written an overview of the masterclass. We asked both to score the four wines from their respective regions as well as the three wines which comprise a blend of Bordeaux and Rhône grapes.

In total the wines tasted were:

Château La Lagune: 2016, 2010, 2009, and 2000
Hermitage La Chapelle rouge: 2016, 2010, and 1991 
Hermitage La Chapelle blanc: 2014 (magnum)
Evidence par Caroline Frey: 2011
Duo par Caroline: 2016 and 2010

Scroll down for tasting notes and scores on each of the La Lagune and Jaboulet wines

Introduction by Jane Anson

Can the signature of an owner, and the imprint of organic farming, translate across regions? That was one of the questions asked at Decanter’s masterclass this week, that saw owner Caroline Frey share wines from both her Haut-Médoc third-growth estate Château La Lagune as well as Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aîné’s iconic Hermitage La Chapelle in the northern Rhône.

See tasting notes and scores on each of the La Lagune and Jaboulet wines:

Tickets now on sale for Decanter’s next Virtual Masterclass:

We are very excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for Decanter’s next Virtual Masterclass First Taste: Champagne Billecart-Salmon Elisabeth Salmon Brut Rosé 2008 – CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

Coming up…

• Château Margaux – 25 June 2021 – priority tickets on sale Friday 22 May

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To avoid missing out and enjoy priority booking become a Decanter Premium member today and enjoy 20% off with the code: VIRTUAL20

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The post Anson & Walls: La Lagune and Jaboulet La Chapelle masterclass appeared first on Decanter.

As a grizzled sceptic I am wary whenever themes are shoehorned into a range of different wines and vintages. Ornellaia’s estate director, Axel Heinz chose the theme of ‘harmony, symmetry and elegance’ for this impressive Decanter Virtual Masterclass, but I need not have worried.

Scroll down for Monty Waldin’s tasting notes and scores for the seven Ornellaia wines

Poggio alle Gazze

The first wine, and the only white in the lineup, was Poggio alle Gazze (‘Magpie Hill’). It set the tone with its creamy, saline and transparent fruit and effortless texture.

This Sauvignon-dominated blend is an ageable, food-friendly wine. Heinz explained to the virtual audience how over time he had reduced the percentage of Viognier in the blend as it can be overpowering.

He also introduced concrete eggs to ferment the Vermentino. ‘Vermentino doesn’t like oak, and the egg’s oval shape allows better lees movement, more harmonious ferments and better-integrated creaminess,’ he explained.

Le Serre Nuove

The first red we tasted, Le Serre Nuove, is often considered to be Ornellaia’s ‘second wine’, but Heinz explained that it is in fact ‘terroir-specific, coming from lighter, sandier terroirs, hence it is afforded its own identity.’

Wines from sandy soils are among the hardest to get right, often seeming somewhat loose and vacant, but both the Le Serre Nuove vintages tasted here – the more structured 2013 and the silky and more obviously fluid 2018 – showed kinetic, forward-flowing fruit with palpable juiciness and focus.

Watch the full Decanter Virtual Masterclass Ornellaia tasting

Four vintages of Ornellaia

Tasting Ornellaia wines:

Tickets now on sale for Decanter’s next Virtual Masterclass:

We are very excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for Decanter’s next Virtual Masterclass Château La Lagune and Paul Jaboulet Aîné: going beyond biodynamics – CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

Coming up…

• Champagne Billecart-Salmon – 14 May 2021 – priority tickets on sale Friday 16 April
• Château Margaux – 25 June 2021 – priority tickets on sale Friday 22 May

Not a Decanter Premium subscriber yet?

To avoid missing out and enjoy priority booking become a Decanter Premium member today and enjoy 20% off with the code: VIRTUAL20

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Decanter’s second virtual masterclass, held with Château Cos d’Estournel, was as international as the first, with attendees joining from Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the USA.

The tasting was led by the second growth estate’s technical director, Dominique Arangoïts, and held from the château itself in St-Estèphe.

Scroll down to see Jane Anson’s tasting notes and scores from this Château Cos d’Estournel masterclass

Jane Anson’s tasting notes on Château Cos d’Estournel wines in this masterclass

Coming up next…

We are very excited to announce that the next Decanter Virtual Masterclass will be exploring the legendary Super Tuscan estate Ornellaia. Decanter Premium subscribers will be able to take advantage of priority booking from Friday 5th March at 12noon GMT. We recommend keeping an eye on your inbox as we expect high-demand once again for this exclusive virtual masterclass.

Not a Decanter Premium subscriber yet?

To avoid missing out and enjoy priority booking become a Decanter Premium member today and enjoy 20% off with the code: VIRTUAL20

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Comparing Cos d’Estournel wines from 2000 to 2016 (published 2018)

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The post Anson: A Château Cos d’Estournel tasting masterclass appeared first on Decanter.

This tasting of Château Palmer wines had originally been scheduled for the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter in London.

Instead, Decanter’s first virtual masterclass saw guests tuning in from Hong Kong, Romania, Estonia, USA, Canada, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, the UK and beyond; a wonderful way to underline that, even if we are missing the in-person tastings, we can still find ways to connect around a glass of wine.

We covered three vintages of both Palmer and Alter Ego: 2015, 2009, 1999.

The two wines reveal different facets and personalities of Margaux terroir, but the tasting also showed the evolution of this Margaux 1855 third growth that easily sits among the very best estates of Bordeaux.

Scroll down for Jane Anson’s Château Palmer and Alter Ego tasting notes and scores

See Jane Anson’s Château Palmer and Alter Ego tasting notes and scores

More articles by Jane Anson: 

Comparing six Pomerol châteaux in every vintage from 2012 to 2017

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The post Anson: Tasting Château Palmer wines across three decades appeared first on Decanter.

The post Photo highlights: Decanter Spain and Portugal Fine Wine Encounter 2020 appeared first on Decanter.

The next Decanter Shanghai Fine Wine Encounter will take place on 21 November 2020.

Many thanks to our loyal sponsors Acqua Panna and S. Pellegrino mineral water for keeping guests hydrated on the day and to Riedel for supplying the glassware and to all Ritz-Carlton staff.

The post Photo highlights: Decanter Shanghai Fine Wine Encounter 2019 appeared first on Decanter.

Inspired by the ‘Wine Legends’ series of the Decanter Magazine, the inaugural Wine Legends Room saw 20-strong featured producers showcasing their top wines and vintages to a limited number of wine enthusiasts in Shanghai.

Over 350 wine enthusiasts visited the Wine Legends Room to taste some of the finest offerings from around the world.

The 20 wines selected for this special room include:

Recaredo, Turó d’en Mota 2001 & 2004 presented by Alex Bautista, export director of Recaredo (middle)

Kanonkop, Pinotage 1995 presented by Braedon Links, senior sales manager of Kanonkop Wine Estate (left)

Te Mata, Coleraine 2016 presented by Sally Duncan, sales and marketing director of Te Mata

Château Montrose 2009

Château Pichon Baron 2005 (Magnum) presented by YUAN Jing, Asia sales director of Château Pichon Baron

Torres, Mas la Plana 1989 presented by Alberto Fernández, general manager Asia-Pacific, Middle-East & Africa of Familia Torres

Viñedo Chadwick 2017 & 2000 presented by Sabrina Tumino, China market manager of Viñedo Chadwick

Santa Rita, Casa Real 1995 presented by Matías Esteso, export comercial director for Asia of Santa Rita

Heitz Cellars, Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 presented by Carlton McCoy, chief executive officer of Heitz Cellar (right)

Beaulieu Vineyards, Georges de Latour 1988 & 1990 presented by Emilie Steckenborn, brand ambassador of Treasury Wine Estates (right)

Ridge, Monte Bello 1991 (Magnum) presented by Dan Buckler, international sales director of Ridge Vineyards

Catena Zapata, Nicolás Catena Zapata 2000 presented by Laura Catena, managing director of Bodega Catena Zapata (left)

Mastroberardino, Radici Taurasi Riserva 1998 presented by Piero Mastroberardino, 10th generation of Mastroberardino family & CEO of Mastroberardino

Gaja, Barbaresco 2016 presented by Giovanni Gaja, 5th generation of Gaja family

Nino Negri, 5 Stelle Sfursat 2013 & 2001 presented by Marco Pizzoli, general manager of Gruppo Italiano Vini Shanghai (left)

Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Hermitage La Chapelle 1998 & 2015

Château de Beaucastel 2001 & 1981 presented by Charles Perrin, co-owner of Château de Beaucastel (right)

Mas de Daumas Gassac 1982 presented by Basile Guibert, co-owner and Asia director of Mas de Daumas Gassac

Klein Constantia, Vin de Constance 2015 & 1995 presented by Hans Astrom, managing director of Klein Constantia

Taylor’s, Vintage Port 1994 presented by Nick Heath, group marketing director of Taylor’s Port (second to right)

The post Wine Legends Room at the Decanter Shanghai Fine Wine Encounter 2019 appeared first on Decanter.

Last Saturday 16 November, more than 1200 wine lovers gathered at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong to meet over 160 star producers from 17 countries at the sixth edition of Decanter Shanghai Fine Wine Encounter. Over 600 fine wines were poured and shared during the one-day event, with the oldest vintage tasted dating back over half a century.

This year saw the first ever Wine Legends Room, which welcomed over 350 keen wine enthusiasts, who all had the unique opportunity to taste some of the finest offerings from around the world.

Wine Legends Room

Inspired by the ‘Wine Legends’ series of the Decanter Magazine, the inaugural Wine Legends Room saw 20-strong featured producers showcasing their top wines and vintages to a limited number of wine enthusiasts in Shanghai.

These legendary wines include Mas de Daumas Gassac 1982, Georges de Latour 1988 from Beaulieu Vineyards, Torres Mas la Plana 1989 amongst others.

To see the full list of wines poured in the Wine Legends room, click here.

Wine lovers received a ‘wine passport’ to collect stamps from all 20 producers

‘All the years I’ve been coming to the Shanghai Encounter, the visitors have been amazing. It’s refreshing to see a lot of well-educated younger and female tasters’ commented Hans Astrom, managing director of Klein Constantia. Astrom brought both the 2015 and 1995 vintages of the classic Vin de Constance to the event.

Over 350 wine enthusiasts visited the Wine Legends Room to taste some of the finest offerings from around the world.

As one of the first-time participants to the Shanghai Encounter, Campanian producer Mastroberardino presented the 1998 vintage of Radici Taurasi Riserva.

‘There’s a huge potential of development,’ commented Piero Mastroberardino when speaking about the knowledge level of the audience at the show, ‘people coming to the table understand and appreciate the high-level presentation of the Wine Legends Room.’

‘I’m surrounded by some of the greatest producers in the world, I couldn’t ask for a better day,’ concluded Laura Catena of Bodega Catena Zapata, who showcased Nicolás Catena Zapata 2000.

Wine Australia Featured Region

Due to the increased popularity and presence of Australian wines in the Chinese market, the 2019 Shanghai Encounter partnered with Wine Australia to showcase some of the country’s most iconic wines in the Featured Australian Wine Room.

The wines in the Featured Room followed the Langton’s Classification, an independent rating system which sets a benchmark for Australia’s finest wines. The wines on show were presented in three tiers: Excellent, Outstanding and Exceptional. These wines were complemented by some of the country’s rising stars; wines to watch and those set to be the classics of the future.

‘It was a privilege to be showcasing some of our finest Australian wines amongst a huge line-up at this year’s Shanghai Fine Wine Encounter. Our Australia Feature Room attracted an enthusiastic group of wine lovers, not only keen to explore the classics, but also the rising stars of Australian wine,’ said Chloe Zheng, Senior Marketing Project Manager of Wine Australia, China.

The wines in the Australian Wine Room featured wines from the Langton’s Classification, an independent rating system which sets a benchmark for Australia’s finest wines.

Masterclasses

The 2019 event also presented five all-star masterclasses, hosted by some of the most renowned producers and experts in the wine world.

Bordeaux meets California without compromise: Nothing but La Vérité

Vérité Winery of the Sonoma County kicked off the morning with a tasting of its iconic La Muse, La Joie, and Le Désir showcasing three decades of vintages from 1998 to 2016.

Conducted by assistant winemaker Hélène Seillan and Pierre Marie Pattieu, Prestige Account Manager, Asia of Jackson Family Wines, the masterclass shared boutique Californian producer’s story, along with its unique interpretation of Bordeaux varieties.

‘I’m extremely impressed by the people here and how much they know about wine,’ commented Seillan after the masterclass, ‘They know about the subject and they are not afraid to ask questions. I think they do have a very similar, old-world palate.’

Vérité Winery of the Sonoma County kicked off the morning with a tasting of its iconic La Muse, La Joie, and Le Désir showcasing three decades of vintages from 1998 to 2016.

Château Figeac: A tale of remarkable terroir and elegance

At the Château Figeac masterclass, wine enthusiasts were given a rare opportunity to taste the estate’s grand vin with vintages spanning 30 years from 1985 to 2015. The 2004 vintage was presented in a magnum.

Romain Jean-Pierre, Technical Director of Château Figeac, shared his insight about the heritage and unique terroir of this St-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé. ‘We had great feedback from a number of incredibly knowledgeable consumers who showed a real interest in the winery and our history. A real highlight was being able to compare and contrast both the 2009 and 2010 with 2015 and 2016 vintages.’ commented Jean-Pierre.

Château Figeac brought the estate’s grand vin with vintages spanning 30 years from 1985 to 2015. The 2004 vintage was presented in a magnum.

Heritage, Place & Grace – Evolving Australian Classics

Regional Chair for Australia at the Decanter World Wine Awards, Huon Hooke, hosted a highly popular masterclass on some of Australia’s most premium wines determined by the Langton’s Classification as Outstanding and Exceptional, which echoed the Featured Australian Wine Room. Commenting on the masterclass, Hooke said that ‘It was an honour to present these iconic wines to this room of attentive consumers. They showed off Australia’s sheer diversity and I hope there can be further broadening out of tastes to recognise more of the country’s white wine and alternative varieties.’

Regional Chair for Australia at the Decanter World Wine Awards, Huon Hooke, hosted a highly popular masterclass on some of Australia’s most premium wines.

From Tenuta Tignanello to Tenuta Guado al Tasso: A journey through Marchesi Antinori’s Super Tuscans

Allegra Antinori, vice-president of Marchesi Antinori, led a spectacular masterclass which focused on two contrasting Tuscan terroirs, Chianti Classico and Bolgheri.

The masterclass showcased Tignanello, Solaia and Guado al Tasso, each from three vintages, to convey the distinguishing characters, individual style and approach of the Super Tuscan producer which dated back to 1385.

‘We tasted our wines with 45 incredibly interested and curious wine lovers,’ said Allegra Antinori, who participated in the Shanghai Encounter for the first time, ‘they listened carefully and attentively throughout the duration of the masterclass and asked a lot of insightful questions. Many had previously visited us in Tuscany which was a positive surprise and impressed me a great deal.’

The Antinori masterclass showcased Tignanello, Solaia and Guado al Tasso, each from three vintages.

A 50-year journey through the historic Haro Station District, Rioja

Completing the day was a special joint masterclass by six leading figures from Rioja’s historical Haro Station District; CVNE, Bodegas RODA, Bodegas Bilbaínas, La Rioja Alta, S.A., Muga and Gómez Cruzado.

Decanter contributor Jane Anson presided over the masterclass, while each winery presented two vintages, at least 10 years apart, and spoke about their distinct history and winemaking philosophy. The 1964 Gómez Cruzado ‘Honorable’ was the oldest wine poured at this year’s event.

‘It was a great opportunity for us to explain what Rioja is, as well as the evolution of the region over the last 20 years,’ said Mayte Calvo, technical director and winemaker of Bodegas Bilbaínas, who brought 1978 and 2000 vintages of Viña Pomal Gran Reserva to share with the audience.

‘We have been participating since the beginning of Decanter Shanghai Fine Wine Encounter six years ago,’ said Eduardo Muga, co-owner of Bodegas Muga, who presented Prado Enea Gran Reserva 2010 and 1970.

‘I think it’s a great opportunity for the consumer to meet directly with the producers to taste top quality wines from all over the world in one day. For us it’s also the perfect opportunity to find out what they think, especially in China, where the culture of wine is fast-growing.’

Six leading figures from Rioja’s historical Haro Station District held a masterclass with wines dated back over half a century

Grand Tasting

In the iconic grand ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton, wine lovers were again met by over 100 top producers from 17 countries in the world. Many of the attendees purchased an all-day ticket, taking full advantage of this rare opportunity to encounter the people behind the labels, and taste over 600 quality wines during the morning and afternoon sessions.

Decanter Asia Wine Awards (DAWA) proved a popular stand showing ten of its top award – ‘Best in Show’ winners, providing the ideal platform for producers who are interested in showing their award-winners to the Chinese market.

An array of boutique Chinese wineries also took part in this year’s event. These Decanter medal-winning producers include Chateau Nine Peaks from Shandong, Helan Qingxue Vineyard, Jade Vineyard, Kanaan Winery and Legacy Peak Estate from Ningxia, as well as Puchang Vineyard and Tiansai Vineyards from Xinjiang.

‘What we noticed this year is that domestic wine lovers are paying more attention to Chinese fine wine producers,’ said Chen Lizhong, owner of Tiansai Vineyards, ‘many of them specifically asked to try our Chardonnay and Marselan, proving they are familiar with our winery. The feedback we receive here is invaluable.’

‘We met a number of consumers, as well as representatives from the trade,’ said Vremea Natalia, Export Sales and Business Development Manager of Château La Grace Dieu des Prieurs. The Saint-Emilion producer also took part in Decanter’s London Fine Wine Encounter, but it was the first time for them to join the Shanghai edition.

‘We are amazing by the audience here and how open the feedback is said Natalia, ‘they were amazed by our special shape of the bottle and art labels.’

‘Attendees were really intrigued by our Ripasso-style wines, which are generally higher in alcohol than other still wines, but the feedback was positive,’ said Stefano La Torre, Brand Manager Asia of Tinazzi at the end of the show, ‘time flew by – I really enjoyed the event and for sure we will be coming back the next year.’

More than 1,200 fine wine lovers attended the Grand Tasting at the sixth Decanter Shanghai Fine Wine Encounter

The next Decanter Shanghai Fine Wine Encounter will take place on 21 November 2020.

Many thanks to our loyal sponsors Acqua Panna and S. Pellegrino mineral water for keeping guests hydrated on the day and to Riedel for supplying the glassware and to all Ritz-Carlton staff.

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147 winemakers from all over the world arrived to pour their top wines for Decanter’s passionate attendees. Guests had access to more than 600 fine wines. With five Masterclasses and four Discovery Theatre sessions taking place too, it was an incredible day of wine tasting for everyone who visited. See photo highlights of the day below.

Thanks to all of the producers and visitors for making it such a memorable day.

Thanks also to our sponsors: Riedel and Tŷ Nant

The post Photo highlights: Decanter Fine Wine Encounter 2019 appeared first on Decanter.

Thanks to all of the producers for making it such a memorable day: Antinori; Argiolas; Ca’ del Bosco; Carpené Malvolti; Col d’Orcia; Donnafugata; Jermann; Masi; Mastroberardino; Michele Chiarlo, Pio Cesare; Rivera; Tasca D’Almerita; Umani Ronchi.

Thanks also to our sponsors: Riedel and Tŷ Nant

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