Sarah Ahmed

Sarah Ahmed

Sarah Ahmed, aka The Wine Detective, is an independent, London-based wine writer, educator and judge. She was awarded the Vintners Cup in 2003, the Portuguese Annual Wine Awards’ Wine Writer of the Year 2009, and was short-listed for the International Wine & Spirit Competition Communicator of the Year in 2009 and 2010. In addition to publishing thewinedetective.co.uk, since 2006, Ahmed has contributed on Portugal, Port and Madeira to Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book.  She consulted on Portugal and Australia for the seventh edition of The World Atlas of Wine by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson MW, and has contributed on Portugal for the upcoming 4th edition of Jancis Robinson MW’s The Oxford Companion to Wine. In 2013, she was admitted to the rank of Cavaleiro of the Confraria do Vinho do Porto for her commitment and contribution to Port wine.

Follow Sarah Ahmed

  • October 24, 2017

How thrilling to see the Arenae Ramisco 2007 from Adega Regional de Colares top this two-day tasting of 137 UK-imported Portuguese reds in such an important price bracket. This near-extinct,…

Tasmania

  • October 24, 2017

Tasmania is growing in stature as a producer of top-quality still whites and Pinot Noirs. Sarah Ahmed follows the latest developments on this ‘cool’ island state...

Wolf Blass, Black Label

  • September 20, 2016

A textbook vintage (good winter rains, a warm, dry growing season), if not a textbook blend. Leaning more towards Bordeaux, this vintage features 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and just

Wolf Blass, Black Label 2004

  • September 20, 2016

Good winter rainfall and a long, warm dry vintage produced this concentrated blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Shiraz and 10% Malbec. A purple hue and narrow pink rim broadcast

Wolf Blass, Black Label

  • September 20, 2016

A wet winter and cool, long growing season plus the introduction of screwcap and Malbec (7%) to this year’s Shiraz-dominated blend (53%) produced this bright, juicy wine with an edge…

Wolf Blass, Black Label

  • September 20, 2016

A hot summer followed by a mild, wet spell resulted in a late, flavour-packed harvest. An impressively rich, tarry nose and palate shows dense layers of panforte dried fruit, mocha,…

Wolf Blass, Black Label 2012

  • September 20, 2016

The Malbec (5%, versus 54% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Shiraz) sings in the juiciness and violet lift of a vintage characterised by a mild summer with cool nights...

Wolf Blass, Black Label 2004

  • September 20, 2016

This highly acclaimed vintage has produced a cracker. Initially brooding, with time in glass this blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Shiraz and 5% Merlot unleashes a maelstrom of muscular…

Susana Esteban

  • July 22, 2015

Alvarinho Lead variety in Moncão e Melgaço, Vinho Verde: aromas of honeysuckle and fruit, ranging from ripe citrus, pear, peach and apricot. Fresh palate. Loureiro Lead variety in Lima, Vinho…

Fita Preta, Portugal

  • July 22, 2015

See Sarah Ahmed’s 22 exciting Portuguese whites here If the Brits are known for their reserve, the Portuguese elevate it to a new level. Take the advertising campaign which declared…