Philip Amps was one of just 35 industry experts invited to (blind) judge this year’s The Wine Merchant Top 100 Competition – a celebration of the very best wines available exclusively through independent wine merchants like us. Even more exciting is that a host of our wines have been recognised. Each one of these wines stood out for their exceptional character, value and drinkability and we’re proud to stock them. In addition, several other wines we stock received Highly Commended status.
We’ve pulled together a full list of our wines here for you to explore.
Best Sparkling Wine Trophy Winner
Pierre Mignon Champagne Champagne NV (Sparkling)
Using fruit from the family’s 14ha of vineyards, it’s “such a fun wine, and really well balanced”, the judges said. “It’s an accessibly fruit-led style with a touch of berry about it. It’s so elegant and so full of personality. A great find.”
Best White Wine Trophy Winner
Domaine Belleville Rully La Cree 2022, France (White)
As one of the judges said, “Chardonnay from other places is all well and good, but when it’s at the top of it’s game, you just can’t beat Burgundy.” A classic mix of richness of flavour and acidity, “instantly delightful and offering great pound for pound value.”
Top 100 Winners
Top 100 WinnersTaittinger Brut Vintage Champagne 2016, France (Sparkling)
As one of Champagne’s biggest names, Taittinger needs no introduction but this vintage is a reminder of the consistent heights reached by this family-owned house. “Exceptional yeasty notes, its shows lovely development and grows in the glass” – the judges said.
Domaine Claude Marechal Pommard 2023, France (Red)
“Proper Pommard. Deep forest fruits… it opens up beautifully after the restrained nose with wonderful tannins and real length and depth. A star”, the judges said. Made by taking a low intervention approach to a collection of top sites across the Cote de Beaune.
Boutinot Cairanne Cote Sauvage 2021, France (Red)
A consistent favourite of independent wine merchants and a repeat winner in the Top 100, this is as good as ever in the tricky Rhone 2021 vintage. “Spicy with elegant fruit. The finish is wonderful. We’re giving extra points for value” – the judges.
Agricola Marrone Barolo 2021, Italy (Red)
The winery’s flagship Barolo, this is an outstanding wine. It’s a blend of Nebbiolo from two sites, which has long slow fermentation and eight months ageing in a mixture of large oak barrels and barrique. Its up to to “a more approachable style of Barolo”, the judges said, “fruit-forward with plums and strawberries and maybe a touch of new oak. One for drinking now at a good price point.”
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2021, South Africa (Sweet)
Few wines come with more historic glamour than Vin de Constance. According to the Top 100 judges, “so refined and silky on the palate, with flowing fine acidity keeping the sweetness very much in check. Aromatically intriguing with loads of floral layers. What a treat!”.
Highly Commended Wines
White
Diamantakis Petali Assyrtiko 2024, Crete
Preserved lemons and stone fruit with a lovely mouth feel and great length.
Bodem Bodegas Oxte The Silence White Blend 2024, Spain
Tasty peach and pear fruit; ripe yet fresh – simply good value.
Domaine Bott-Geyl Les Elements Gewurztraminer 2020, Alsace France
Lots of intense wow sweetness on the palate: sweet rose petals and essential oils.
Produttori di Manduria Zin Fiano 2024, Italy
Punchy fruit in a peachy style with gentle sweetness; easy soft drinking.
Matawhero Church House Chenin Blanc 2024, New Zealand
Salty apple with nice heightened crispness; soft honeyed nose; good texture.
Esporao Reserva Branco Organic 2023, Portugal
Rich, golden colour, rich honeydew melons, smoky oak – lots of character and depth.
Orange
Cortese Orange-utan Bianco 2023, Sicily
Super-punchy mandarin; bags of flowers. Great acidity for orange wine. Delicate tannins.
Red
Hancock & Hancock Shiraz/Grenache 2022, Australia
Very enjoyable; great value for money – cranberry, baked red fruit, herbs.
Weingut Ecker-Eckhof Brilliant Zweigelt 2023, Austria
Vibrant and crunchy Zweigelt with lots of fresh raspberry and blackberry; chillable fun.
Produttori di Manduria Lirica Primitivo 2022, Italy
Smoky cherry fruit – lots of dark fruit succulence on the palate.
Bodegas Luis Canas Reserva Seleccion de la Familia Rioja 2019, Spain
Smoky wood and dark fruit; lots of structured power and concentration. Modern feel.
Famille Andre Lurton Chateau de Rochemorin Rouge 2020, France
Spot-on Bordeaux; well-balanced fruit, acidity and tannin. Plenty of takers for this.
Bodem Bodegas Oxte The Silence Red Blend 2023, Spain
Good concentration, lovely dark ripe fruits and acidity; juicy body.
Crocera Barbera d’Asti 2021, Italy
Earthy, plummy – a savoury style of Barbera with very well-integrated, easy tannins.
Ca dei Maghi Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2016, Italy
Primary, secondary and tertiary notes – great balance. Punches high even at this price point.
Ca dei Maghi Valpolicella Classico 2023, Italy
A delicious burst of ripe cherry; really smart and drinkable for the price point.
Chateau Musar Hochar 2020, Lebanon
Rich, mature warm red; dusky tannins, dried fruit, savoury, long finish.
False Bay Syrah 2023, South Africa
Uncomplicated but with very good varietal character and a great price.
Emilio Moro Resalso 2023, Spain
Great balance of well-ripened Tempranillo fruit and soft oak. Drinkable power from Ribera del Duero.
