And the winner is...
Domaine Vistalba, Viñalba, Cabernet-Merlot,
Rio Negro, Patagonia, Argentina 2009 (14.5%)
Elegant and smooth with a ripe, spicy palate backed
up by firm tannins. Juicy with a faint herbaceousness
too and a smoky tinge giving prodigious depth.
UK: £8.48; BkS
This trophy was not awarded last year, as judges felt the Regional Trophies were not of sufficient quality to merit an International Trophy. Not so in 2011, which saw a trio of strong finalists from the New World. One of an astonishing six International Trophies for Argentina this year, this wine is made by Viñalba, which has enjoyed a brilliant trajectory at the DWW A. Since 2008, it has won two International Trophies with Malbec-based wines, and is back this year with a Cabernet. A triumph for co-owner and winemaker Hervé Joyaux Fabre, himself a Bordelais.
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