Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the Decanter World Wine Awards Media Dinner which took place at The Dowling at the hotel Carlyle. A historical New York City hotel which has hosted fashion week events, and countless celebrities.
I had the opportunity to have an exclusive preview of last year’s award winning wines, most of which were from the United States except the Marsala. This year’s new winners will be announced on June 18th
I was introduced to Clive Pursehouse, the Decanter US Editor. Clive is based in Seattle Washington and has an affinity for the wines of the Pacific Northwest. Clive fell into his role after a cycling injury and was approached by Decanter to consider a position as the US editor. Clive has a great personality and a no nonsense attitude when it comes to wine!
Clive introduced us to Decanter’s rigorous judging process. Most of the wines are judged by Master of Wines or Master Sommeliers and are awarded a score based on a 100 point scale. Tasting flights for judges group wines fairly by country, region, color, grape variety, style, vintage and price point. Decanter judges recognize price point is a significant factor for consumers and therefore further categorize wines by price ranges as well.
Something that really stood out to me is that Clive truly does care about PNW wines, to the point he will offer feedback to producers who submit a wine not quite ready for judgement. I think that is really tasteful.
The Decanter warehouse holds 17,000 wines which are all up for judgement. Each producer submits 4 bottles of the same wine. So if you do the math….THATS A LOT of wine.
During the evening we were wined and dined with delectable pairings featuring primarily wines from the United States.
APERITIVO:
Chandon, Etoile Brut NV, Los Carneros, CA
- toasty, green apples, with persistent bubbles, very enjoyable! I’ve had this wine before and was happy to revisit it. A true classic American Sparkler.
APPETIZER:
Lobster Bisque paired with Ponzi Vineyards, Laurelwood District Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, OR 2021
- My favorite wine of the evening, This is 100% Chardonnay with a good amount of acidity, fresh., almost Burgundian in style. Amazing pairing with fish based dishes.
MAIN COURSE:
Halibut with a deconstructed Manhattan Clam Chowder. The halibut was cooked perfectly.
Grgich Hills, Paris Tasting Commemorative Chardonnay Napa Valley, CA 2022
- Although this is an oaked Chardonnay it’s incredibly balanced, ripe & round on the palate, and paired beautifully with the Halibut.
Audeant Wines, Luminous HillsVineyard Pinot Noir. Willamette Valley, OR 2021
- The most popular wine of the evening. Ripe cherries and florals on the nose with good acidity, tannins are not overpowering and can be successfully paired with fish dishes (yes red can go with fish!)
DESSERT:
Flourless chocolate Torte with sour cherry compote and Chantilly cream.
Curatolo Arini, Vergine Riserva, Marsala, Sicily, Italy 1995
• Nutty, coffee notes, and dried dark fruits were a good pairing with the flourless chocolate cake. Although this wine is quite old, it IU was showing beautifully. As I always say, don’t sleep on dessert wines!
If you’re interested in experiencing meticulously judged and rated wines by Decanter’s expert panel of judges then be sure to attend the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter which will be coming to NYC June 7th
http://www.events.decanter.com/newyork for more.
Amanda Claire Goodwin | Sommelier Private Wine Tastings & Wine Writer in Monmouth County, New Jersey 