The 2020 LRIWWA winners are announced

London, Thursday 10th September 2020 – Last night the winners of the 16th and final Louis Roederer International Wine Writers’ Awards (LRIWWA) were announced during a virtual award ceremony hosted by Richard Billett, Managing Director of Maisons Marques et Domaines, and Charles Metcalfe, Chairman of the judges.

As a conclusion to 16 years of championing the world of wine communication, Louis Roederer wanted to recognise an individual who has consistently “encouraged, mentored and supported younger writers. Someone who has provided a platform for good writers to become even better and helped them along the difficult path of earning a living from writing about wine”. The Cristal Award for Lifetime Achievement was awarded to Neil Beckett. In the words of the judges, Neil has “revolutionised wine publishing” while “always maintaining impeccable standards” and “allowing complete freedom to his writers”. He is “knowledgeable, curious and humble”, and “relentless in his search for new talent and diverse voices”. He is “not only one of the most charming people in the magazine world, but he always seems to be helping others and putting them forward”. Fitting tributes for a man who has given, and continues to give, so much to the world of wine communication.

Maisons Marques et Domaines are grateful to their generous sponsors without whom these Awards would not have been possible: Champagne Louis Roederer, Domaine Faiveley, Domaines Ott*, Ramos Pinto, Pio Cesare, Marchesi Mazzei and Montblanc.

This year saw entries from 26 countries and as Metcalfe stated, “I cannot remember so many excellent entries in my 12 years of judging”. Those shortlisted were united in “well-crafted writing and an ability to communicate” whether their work was “technical, philosophical, critical or personal.” It is with admiration, delight and congratulations that we announce the 2020 winners of the Louis Roederer Wine Writer Awards.

CHAMPAGNE LOUIS ROEDERER ARTISTRY OF WINE AWARD 2020

Presented by: Alexis Deligny, Champagne Louis Roederer

Leif Carlsson
Patrick Desgraupes
Thierry Gaudillère
Tim Hall
Alexandre James Rocca-Serra
Jon Wyand (Four Seasons in Côte Chalonnaise)

RAMOS PINTO ONLINE COMMUNICATOR OF THE YEAR 2020

Presented by: Jorge Rosas, Ramos Pinto

Jane Anson (Decanter)
Tim Atkin MW
W. Blake Gray
Richard Hemming MW

PIO CESARE CONSUMER WINE WRITER OF THE YEAR 2020

Presented by: Federica Boffa, Pio Cesare

Jon Bonné (Fortune)
Jim Clarke
Shana Clarke
Baxter Holmes
Karen MacNeil

MAZZEI INTERNATIONAL WINE COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR AWARD 2020

Presented by: Giovanni Mazzei, Marchesi Mazzei

Tim Atkin MW (Harpers)
Hannah Fuellenkemper
Martin Moran MW
Simon Woolf
Alder Yarrow

MONTBLANC EMERGING WINE WRITER OF THE YEAR 2020

Presented by: Anita Borvankar, Montblanc

Samantha Cole-Johnson
Sydney Love
Peter Pharos (www.timatkin.com)
Jordan Michelman

DOMAINES OTT * INTERNATIONAL FEATURE WRITER OF THE YEAR 2020

Presented by: Jean-Francois Ott, Domaines Ott*

Jane Anson
Tim Atkin MW
Jon Bonné
Jim Clarke (World of Fine Wine)
Alice Lascelles

DOMAINE FAIVELEY INTERNATIONAL WINE BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020

Presented by: Erwan Faiveley, Domaine Faivelely

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
Lisa Granik MW, The Wines of Georgia
Victoria James, Wine Girl
Anne Krebiehl MW, The Wines of Germany (Infinite Ideas)
Jane Lopes, Vignette
Jancis Robinson MW/Hugh Johnson, World Atlas of Wine
Aldo Sohm/Christine Muhlke, Wine Simple: A Totally Approachable Guide from a World-Class Sommelier

CHAIRMAN’S AWARD 2020

Victoria James, for her book ‘Wine Girl’ (Ecco/Harper Collins)

THE CRISTAL AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Neil Beckett

Domaines Ott* Comes Out On Top in Rosé Masters!

We are delighted to announce that Domaines Ott* achieved outstanding results in this year’s Drinks Business Global Rosé Masters.

The Clos Mireille and By.Ott Côtes de Provence Rosés both performed best in their respective categories and won Masters Medals, with the Chateau Romassan picking up Gold.

The Clos Mireille was also awarded the accolade of ‘World’s Best Dry, Unoaked Rosé’. Patrick Schmitt described his experience of tasting the wine during the competition:

“It’s always pleasing to find out at the end of a blind tasting that some of the wines that really wowed you were ones that already have an established reputation because it confirms that such wines are genuinely great. And Domaines Ott’s Clos Mireille Rosé is a brilliant example. A pioneer in top-end, beautifully packaged, expertly crafted Provençal pale pink wine, Domaines Ott is still at the top of the game with this classic and delicious expression. Loaded with peach and pink grapefruit flavours, and a wonderful texture that starts with fresh fruit, moves into a riper, oilier feeling, and finishes with a soft but dry chalky sensation, this is a very fine glass of wine. And, my highest-scoring unoaked pink wine of 2020’s Global Rosé Masters.”

Contact Kate Lofthouse to find out more about Domaines Ott*.

Pio Cesare 2016s receive top Decanter Scores!

We were delighted to read Stephen Brook’s thoughts on the Pio Cesare Barolo and Barbaresco2016 range in Decanter’s recent article on their website!

“Although one would expect the town of Alba to be the centre of the Barolo and Barbaresco wine industry, in fact just one single winery is located there. This is Pio Cesare, which was founded in 1881 and is today run by the genial Pio Boffa, his nephew Cesare Benvenuto, and, since 2016, Boffa’s daughter Federica, who represents the fifth generation. Thus the winery has been in the hands of the same family since its foundation. The cellars themselves are of historical importance, having been constructed four storeys deep around the ancient Roman walls of the town.”

To access the full article and read Stephen Brooks’s tasting notes, click HERE

Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato 2016, 95 points
Pio Cesare Barolo Mosconi 2016, 94 points
Pio Cesare Barbaresco il Bricco 2016, 93 points
Pio Cesare Barolo 2016, 92 points
Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2016, 91 points

Should you wish to receive furhter information on the range, please contact your Sales Manager or Effi Tsournava

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 – An unforgettable Vintage!

Cecilia Leoneschi, winemaker at Castiglion del Bosco, comments on the vintage:
“2015 was characterized by impeccable weather conditions. A cool and rainy spring gave the vines the right vegetative push and secured a good water reserve which was ideal for the summer months characterised by high temperatures and limited rainfall. Optimal range of temperatures in September contributed to a slow and complete polyphenolic ripening. The cool breezes in the weeks leading up to harvest resulted in perfect aromatic concentration and ideal tannic maturation. Our trusted team handpicked the fruit that was exceptionally healthy, boasting small bunches and sparse berries, while the sugar content and acidity were exceptional.

Harvest started on 19th September; earlier than previous years. The variety of the soils and the various altitudes of the vineyards provided an excellent blend of grapes boasting different characteristics.

All these features make vintage 2015 a vintage to be remembered for its superb quality!”

“Wonderful aromas of flowers, plums, terracotta and white pepper. Intense, yet ever so subtle. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a long and intense finish. Shows excellent length.”, 97 points James Suckling

A fine Brunello produced from grapes grown at 350-460 metres above sea level, in the spectacular ‘Capanna’ vineyard, which covers 42 hectares facing south/south west towards the Tyrrhenian coast. The proximity to the sea, the hot, dry summers and the sea breeze ensure an outstanding grape quality. The ‘Galestro’ soil formed of layers of sandstone and clay is rich in limestone, and is found in many of the best vineyard sites in Tuscany. Galestro gives finesse, aromatics and complexity to the wines with a great potential to age.

Click HERE fo the technical sheet.

Contact Effi Tsournava or your Sales Manager to find out more

The Pio Cesare 2016 range – an exceptional and classic year!

“2016 was characterized by one of the longest vegetative cycles in recent memory, with a slow and gradual ripening season. Spring started with delayed yet consistent rainfall, allowing vines to accumulate an abundant water supply for the summer ahead. This explains a late phenological ripening compared to previous vintages, amplified by the hot temperatures of August and September. Thanks to the spring water supply, our grapes were not affected by the heat and in fact achieved a perfect and healthy ripening, producing remarkably well-balanced wines with excellent bouquets, great structure and very ripe tannins. The absence of rain later in the season allowed us to plan the harvest respecting each individual plot’s phenolic needs.
We harvested the first Nebbiolo on October 4th and finished on October 13th. A traditionally late harvest, very close to the highly regarded 2013 vintage!
While it will certainly benefit from additional time spent in bottle, the 2016 vintage is surprisingly supple, rich and approachable despite its youth.”

To read the family’s comments on the 2016 vintage and access their updated Barolo and Barbaresco maps, click HERE

CLASSIC RANGE
Pio Cesare’s classic Barolo and Barbaresco are produced in the most traditional way: a combination of multiple single-vineyard sites spanning different villages, enhancing the peculiarities of each respective terroir. Long maceration and aging in oak “botti” in the winery’s ancient cellars have defined the family’s style since 1881.

Barolo DOCG 2016 The grapes are sourced from family-owned vineyards in Serralunga d’Alba (Ornato), Grinzane Cavour (Gustava), La Morra (Roncaglie), Barolo Novello (Ravera), and Monforte d’Alba (Mosconi). The balance of the grapes comes from other exclusive vineyards owned by growers, who have been providing grapes to the Pio Cesare family for generations. Vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks, with skin contact for about 20 days. The wine is aged in mid-toasted French oak for three years: 70 percent in 20 to 50 hectoliter casks; 30 percent in barriques.

Barbaresco DOCG 2016
The grapes are sourced exclusively from the Pio Cesare family’s vineyards: the famous “Il Bricco” estate and the great hill of San
Stefanetto, both located in the village of Treiso. The wine is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. There
is skin contact for 20 days. Thirty-five percent of the wine is aged in French oak barriques (one-third new) for 30 months. The
remaining 65 percent spends three years in French oak casks, 20 to 50 hectoliters each.

SINGLE-VINEYARD RANGE
The collection of prized parcels also allows the family to produce limited releases of single-vineyard bottlings.

Barbaresco Il Bricco DOCG 2016
Sourced from two plots at the top of the Il Bricco vineyard in Treiso, one of the highest and coolest points in the Barbaresco region (6,478 bottles).

Barolo Ornato DOCG 2016
A historically significant amphitheater located in Serralunga, a village renowned for great structure and longevity. The very first “cru” ever produced by the family in 1985 (14,015 bottles).

Score: “The blue fruit and freshness are impressive here. At the same time, there’s richness and focus with ripe fruit. Yet, it remains cool and bright. Superb center palate with great fruit and depth, but compact and focused. Needs three or four years to come together. Better after 2021.”, 98 points James Suckling

Barolo Mosconi DOCG 2016
Now in its second vintage, the family’s latest acquisition in the village of Monforte, from a selection of the oldest Nebbiolo vines,
the Mosconi vineyard is recognized for complexity and supple tannins (5,799 bottles).

Score: “Really attractive blue fruit and flowers with hints of minerals. Full-bodied, very tight and sexy with super fine
tannins, at the same time. A structured and racy young wine. Better after 2021.”, 97 points James Suckling

Ana Rosas featured in ‘Master Winemaker 100’

We are thrilled with the latest recognition of Ramos Pinto’s Master Blender, Ana Rosas, who is featured in ‘The Drinks Business’ inaugural ‘Master Winemaker 100’.

This Top 100 list takes a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the most talented winemakers responsible for the world’s most award-winning wines. For Ana Rosas, “there is nothing more gratifying than being able to work with ancient wines that display charm and elegance”.

For more information: https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2020/02/db-launches-the-master-winemaker-100/

Ramos Pinto 20 Quinta do Bom Retiro Year Old Tawny Port, which features in the article, was awarded a Fortified Masters in 2019.

https://www.facebook.com/ramospintowines/photos/a.693754737342933/2505611026157286/?type=3&theater

Louis Roederer carries on its American Journey in Napa Valley

Frédéric Rouzaud, President & CEO, welcomes another gem to his family’s collection of iconic properties: Maison Louis Roederer to Acquire Fabled Diamond Creek Vineyards.

The story of Maison Louis Roederer’s passion for unique terroirs of Cabernet Sauvignon dates back to the early 1990s with the purchase of Château de Pez in 1995 in the renowned Bordeaux appellation of Saint-Estèphe. 2007 marked the entry of the family into the select group of 1855 Classified Grands Crus wines with the purchase of the iconic Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande.

“The acquisition of Diamond Creek is the continuation of our journey into the greatest appellations in the world and our relentless quest to produce great wines with strong identity. Reflective of their pioneering characters, Al and Boots Brounstein built Diamond Creek from the ground up, producing some of the most celebrated and singular wines of the region. I am delighted that, once again, we have the opportunity to carry on the opus of an iconic family and embody its values and savoir-faire,” states Frédéric Rouzaud, President & CEO of Maison Louis Roederer.

“Most important to my Mom, myself and the family was finding the right partner who would respect the legacy that she and Al built over the last 50 years, and who could even elevate that legacy. Frédéric and his family are the perfect fit,” says Phil Ross, Boots Brounstein’ son and Managing Partner.

The mutual respect and admiration between Roederer and Diamond Creek run deep — in 1997, Al and Boots Brounstein were among a small group of wine luminaries invited to Paris by Jean-Claude Rouzaud, Frédéric’s father, to celebrate the 30 greatest wines in the world on his 30-year anniversary at the helm of Louis Roederer. Their friendly relationship endured until Al’s passing and Jean-Claude’s retirement in 2006; it was carried on by Frédéric and Boots who were exploring ways to partner until she passed in July 2019 at age 92.
Phil Ross has agreed to stay at the winery for a period of time. Winemaker Phil Steinschriber, who has been with Diamond Creek since 1991, has also agreed to stay. The majority of the employees, many of whom have worked at Diamond Creek for decades, will also continue there.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maison Louis Roederer
Originally founded in 1776, Champagne Louis Roederer continues as one of the very rare Champagne houses to remain firmly in the hands of the same family, since 1832. For three centuries, seven successive generations have been responsible for building a reputation for unparalleled quality and continuity. Its focus on meticulous viticulture, best demonstrated with an ongoing conversion to organic and biodynamic vineyards, as well as precise winemaking, account for the House’s enduring excellence and success.
Since 1990, Maison Louis Roederer has strategically acquired esteemed family-owned wineries with an approach
centered around identical core values, long-term vision and continuity.
Ramos Pinto (1990), Champagne Deutz and Delas Frères (1993), Château de Pez (1995), Domaines Ott (2004),
Scharffenberger Cellars (2004), Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande (2007) and Merry Edwards
(2019).
Roederer has also established new ventures: Roederer Estate (1982) and Domaine Anderson (2012) and owns
Descaves,

Meerlust wines receive great scores from Greg Sherwood MW!

We are delighted to see the Meerlust range receiving such great scored by Greg Sherwood MW, London based South African Master of Wine and Fine Wine Buyer at Handford Wines. Greg tried the wines with Hannes Myburgh, proprietor and 8th generation custodian of Meerlust Estate.

Meerlust Chardonnay 2018, WO Stellenbosch: Wine Safari Score: 95+/100
Meerlust Pinot Noir 2017, WO Stellenbosch: Wine Safari Score: 91/100
Meerlust Red 2017, WO Stellenbosch: Wine Safari Score: 93/100
Meerlust Merlot 2015, WO Stellenbosch: Wine Safari Score: 92+/100
Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, WO Stellenbosch: Wine Safari Score: 92/100
Meerlust Rubicon 2016, WO Stellenbosch: Wine Safari Score: 93+/100

To read the full article and get access to the tasting notes, click HERE to go to Greg Sherwood’s website

*Thumbnail photo credit: https://gregsherwoodmw.com *

Delas wine scores for 2017

Delas has published a Report with the great scores of 2017’s wines from James Suckling, Jeb Dunnuck, James Molesworth and also Wine & Spririts, Wine Spectator and The Wine Advocate.

To read the full release, please click on the link below:

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