thewinesociety.com/championsWOJUN17

the Best oF our Best to savour right now…Imagine lining up the equivalent of a Wine Society List’s contents (around 800 wines), covering up the labels and tasting every wine side by side. Once a year, over the course of several sessions, our buyers do just that, voting as ‘Champions’ those bottles that offer the perfect combination of ‘wow’ and ‘now’ factor.

The wines’ identities are only revealed when the votes are cast. With revered addresses, vintages of the century and other such diversions firmly out of sight, all that matters therefore is the search for unanimous drinking pleasure.

2017’s Champions certainly bring just that, featuring both serial winners and new surprises alike, and from just £5.50 per bottle. Prepare yourself for maximum enjoyment!

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THE RULES

l The panel consists of our eight wine buyers. No tasting may take place without a quorum of at least five buyers in attendance.

l The contenders for Wine Champions are the result of a preselection, taking into account readiness to drink and continued availability. They may include cask samples of new vintages as well as stock from our cellars.

l The bottles are completely covered to conceal any clues to their identity. The only information available to tasters is a vague stylistic or regional category and a price bracket.

l The scoring system: each taster may award two points for a Champion, one point for a close contender or zero points. A Champion must score 70% or more of the available marks, either in its original category or at the final taste-off (where any runners-up from previous sessions are retasted).

l The results are then included in this offering, irrespective of any ‘gaps’ in the range: different grapes, regions and vintages shine in different years, and this is reflected in the results, come what may!

CONTENTS

THE RULES 2

CHAMPION REDS 2-5

CHAMPION WHITES 6-7

CHAMPION ROSÉ, SPARKLING & FORTIFIED 8

MIxED CASES 7, 9 &10

The panel tasted 812 wines (another Wine Champions record!): 53 Chardonnays 54 Sauvignon Blancs 73 Aromatic Whites 111 Other Dry Whites 65 Pinot Noir and Gamays 66 Rhône & Rhône Varieties

128 Mediterranean Reds 129 Bordeaux Blends 26 Rosés 51 Sparkling Wines 56 Dessert & Fortified Wines

CHAMPION REDSThe Society’s Southern Spanish Red, Jumilla 2015Made from old-vine monastrell (aka mourvèdre) in Jumilla, near Alicante, this chunky blackberry-scented gem may carry a low price tag, but earned very high marks. 14%ref WO-SP11561 £5.50 bottle £66 dozen

3C, Cariñena 2015An established favourite with members, this cariñena (the name of the grape, region and town, hence ‘3C’) was the first of two victors from the same Spanish stable. This is a characterful red indeed, with delicious bright cherry-fruit flavours and a refreshing finish. 13.5%ref WO-SP11711 £5.50 bottle £66 dozen

3C Premium Selection, Cariñena 2013The ‘premium’ incarnation of 3C spends six months in oak, lending greater depth and remarkable sophistication for its price. Indeed, at least one taster (who shall remain anonymous) even mistook it for a Rioja! 13.5%ref WO-SP12001 £7.50 bottle £90 dozen

The Society’s Beaujolais-Villages 2016We were overjoyed to see this wine put in such an assured performance against its peers. Bringing both the freshness and liveliness that makes Beaujolais so irresistible, but also an indulgent blackcurrant edge, this is an unpretentious but undeniably delightful red. 12.5%ref WO-BJ7201 £7.50 bottle £90 dozen

Château Lary, Bordeaux 2015Every single one of our tasters awarded top marks to this smart claret (and at a smart price, too), whose characteristic cedar, mint and pencil-shaving perfume and deliciously approachable fruit-forward palate all conspired to win our affections. 14.5%ref WO-CB5141£7.50 bottle £90 dozen

TALES FROM THE TASTING ROOM

Mediterranean MagnificenceThe Mediterranean Reds round is often the source of some of the happiest Champion surprises, and despite its 128-strong line-up (negotiated over two sessions), our tasters’ consensus was striking. Buy these wines with confidence! The egalitarian nature of a blind tasting gives wines that might not be household names the chance to shine on quality alone. Step forward, Italy’s Nerofino, one of two Champions from the superb Gruppo Mezzacorona co-operative (alongside our Society’s Sicilian Reserve Red).

FINE WINE CHAMPIONS

In addition to the 51 wines that triumphed in these pages, a number of fine wines were garlanded this year. Find these online at thewinesociety.com/champions

Key

- bone dry to intensely sweet screwcap synthetic closure

To order thewinesociety.com/champions 01438 741177

The Society’s Corbières 2015This plump, dark and irresistibly vibrant offering showcased an exciting triumvirate of vintage (the outstanding 2015), vineyard (an enviable spot in the Languedoc’s best-known appellation) and vigneron (Pierre Bories from in-form Ollieux-Romanis). Lovely. 14.5%ref WO-FC31511 £7.75 bottle £93 dozen

The Society’s Sicilian Reserve Red 2013Members have given this generous, smooth and spot-hitting red (made from Sicily’s nero d’Avola grape) an emphatic seal of approval, and it sailed through our Mediterranean Reds round with effortless equanimity. A bargain, if we say so ourselves! 13.5% ref WO-IT21401£8.25 bottle £99 dozen

“ Utterly charming – a benchmark zin”

The Society’s California Old-Vine Zinfandel 2015

The Society’s California Old-Vine Zinfandel 2015Another crowd-pleasing coup for our Society-label range, this star-spangled bottle flew the flag for California zinfandel in some style. Mingling the grape’s classic sweet-and-sour fruit profile with generosity and charm, it earned a resounding yes from our panel. 14.5%ref WO-US7191 £8.25 bottle £99 dozen

Primitivo I Muri, Vigneti del Salento 2016A full-throttle Italian red that leapt from the glass, and into our panel’s good books, with its plump, sweet, juicy fruit, enlivened by a spark of food-friendly acidity. A gloriously easy-going drop with considerable panache. 13.5%ref WO-IT22971 £8.25 bottle £99 dozen

“ A duvet of a wine” Warner’s Corner Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Finca Antigua Unico Crianza, La Mancha 2011A second Spanish interloper that put our tasters in mind of Rioja. Indeed, this savoury, mellow and gentle red is made in a similar way (and from the region’s famous tempranillo grape), but comes from La Mancha and is imbued with a little more roundness via the addition of cabernet and merlot. Superb value. 14%ref WO-SP12411£8.50 bottle £102 dozen

Warner’s Corner Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2015This delightful Australian cabernet scored highly for its cassis and eucalyptus perfume and admirable purity on the palate. One taster called it ‘a duvet of a wine’. It would certainly be a fine choice for ‘comfort’ food... 14%ref WO-AU19251 £8.50 bottle £102 dozen

Nerofino Rosso Vigneti delle Dolomiti, Castel Firmian 2013This unusual blend of Italian varieties teroldego and lagrein knocked our collective socks off with its blueberry-fruited fragrance and rich savoury cherry-laden palate, conveyed with abundant authenticity and charm. Ready your most flavoursome stew and start getting excited. 13%ref WO-IT22471 £8.75 bottle £105 dozen

Hans Igler Zweigelt Classic 2013An intriguing but irresistible Austrian red. Its zingy high-octane cranberry and cherry flavours and bright acidity may not tick every box for those who enjoy fuller-bodied reds, but make it a fine option for a wide variety of summer dining options. 13%ref WO-AA1881 £9.50 bottle £114 dozen

TALES FROM THE TASTING ROOM

New to the PartyWe were elated to see so many new finds flourish in the tastings. Greco Basilicata, from one of the least-visited parts of Italy, proved a very visitable white indeed, as did mouthwatering new Spanish albariño Valmiñor. In the red corner, Domaine du Carjot’s unmissable Juliénas showed how appetising the ripe 2015 Beaujolais vintage can be, while those who prefer their reds with a touch of maturity are warmly invited to seek out six-year-old La Manchan star Finca Antigua. Find a six-bottle selection of newcomers on page 10.

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TALES FROM THE TASTING ROOM

Past – and Present – MastersThe thrill of a new arrival being unveiled as Champion is matched only by seeing a serial winner shine against its peers yet again. On this front, few can boast quite like Vinho Verde’s Anselmo Mendes, who beat all comers for a stunning fourth year in a row. Our Society’s Grüner Veltliner kept up a perfect Champions record in its second vintage and Wither Hills returns with yet another winning brace. Argentina’s Weinert earned a welcome comeback too and congratulations are also due to Mission Estate, whose glorious New Zealand syrah once again fended off stark competition from some very noble houses to win this year’s Game of Rhônes.

CHAMPION REDS CONTINUED

Weinert Carrascal Mendoza 2010Another storming victory from this serial Champion. Argentine but with a European accent (think traditional Rioja or mature claret), this blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon and merlot offers rich dark fruit and silkiness, but with the mature cedary complexity that makes it such a consistent hit. 14%ref WO-AR3371 £9.50 bottle £114 dozen

“ Rich, evolved, lovely and smooth!”

Weinert Carrascal, Mendoza 2010

Domaine du Carjot, Juliénas Les Capitans 2015This knockout Beaujolais had already stood out in comparative tastings for buyer Toby Morrhall, and it strutted its stuff with equal assuredness here. The warmth of the vintage brings weight and presence, but its ripe cherry fruit is never overbearing, balanced by superb underlying structure and freshness. A beautiful wine. 14%ref WO-BJ6931£9.50 bottle £114 dozen

Côte Roannaise ‘Les Millerands’, Domaine Sérol 2015Available only in the Wine Champions and French Wine Champions mixed casesAfter being wowed by two Beaujolais, the less well-known Côte Roannaise region made a dash for the spotlight, and this exceptional gamay garnered high praise. Its playful red-cherry fruit and refreshing vibrancy are certainly reminiscent of Beaujolais, but its graceful poise is balanced by charming rustic complexity. Sadly low stocks mean it is only available as part of two Championship mixed cases (see pages 9 and 10), but it’s an unmitigated joy for lovers of lighter reds. 12.5%

Urbina Crianza, Rioja 2009Traditional Riojan elegance from a fine vintage, which charmed us with its silky, savoury flavours and enticing spicy complexity. This will appeal to those who like their Riojas in the old-fashioned style. Mellow, mature and magnificent for the price. 13.5%ref WO-SP11951 £9.95 bottle £119 dozen

Wither Hills Marlborough Pinot Noir 2014No strangers to Championship podiums in previous years, Wither Hills prevailed twice in 2017 with their sauvignon blanc and this plum-scented pinot noir. Aged in French oak barrels, it offers a tempting medium-bodied glassful of refined red-berry fruit and a lick of cedary spice. Now to 2021. 14.5%ref WO-NZ9501 £10.50 bottle £126 dozen

Château de Musset Cuvée Première, Lalande de Pomerol 2010This rich, rewarding claret from the great 2010 vintage offered unanimous delight, with perfumed dark fruit, sleek ripe tannins and just the right amount of food-friendly ‘grip’. Enjoy! Now to 2019. 14%ref WO-CS8801£10.95 bottle £131 dozen

Dogliani, Luigi Einaudi 2015 We adored this exuberant, blue-fruited gem, made from the dolcetto variety in its spiritual home of Dogliani by a top grower. A fantastic choice for Italian fare. Now to 2019. 14%ref WO-IT22301£10.95 bottle £131 dozen

To order thewinesociety.com/champions 01438 741177 5

TALES FROM THE TASTING ROOM

100% Bordeaux… and Beyond!Sweeping through our Bordeaux tasting with a perfect 100% score is not a feat to be sniffed at, but swirled and savoured too! The under-£10 Château Lary 2015 and just-over-£10 Château de Musset 2010 both achieved full marks from all tasters. A tranche of new world cabernets also flourished this year, including Australia’s Warner’s Corner and Tahbilk, and Chilean charmer Cono Sur 20 Barrels. It all adds up to a stellar selection, available by the bottle or via a mixed case on page 10.

Mission Estate Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2015After the multi-award-winning 2014 vintage fended off all Rhône and Rhône-a-like contenders last year, the 2015 has done exactly the same again, securing not only a Champion performance but also scooping a coveted Gold Medal at the 2017 International Wine Challenge. A truly delicious ambassador for New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay, offering olive-and-pepper tinged complexity around an indulgent blackcurrant core. Now to 2019. 13%ref WO-NZ9321 £10.95 bottle £131 dozen

Tahbilk Nagambie Lakes Central Victoria Cabernet Sauvignon 2013Hearty but harmonious, this Aussie cabernet wowed with its combination of bold blackberry flavour and spicy finesse. We recommend decanting 30 minutes before serving to give its enticing perfume a head start. Now to 2022. 14% Low stock.ref WO-AU19411 £12.50 bottle £150 dozen

The Society’s Exhibition Rioja Reserva 2010A testament to head of buying Pierre Mansour’s and the famed La Rioja Alta bodega’s joint pursuit of a benchmark Rioja, leaping out as just such a wine from within a very competitive line-up. With a graceful cedary complexity mingling with mellow fruit, this is fantastic now, and will continue to age to 2022. 13.5%ref WO-SP12351 £14.50 bottle £174 dozen

Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pirque Cabernet Sauvignon 2013Showing Chile’s soaring quality for cabernet, this blend from two of the Alto Maipo’s best areas offers a very dark glassful of simultaneous indulgence and intricacy. Its rich blackberry flavours are complemented beautifully by subtle spice and vivacious freshness. Now to 2026. 14.5%ref WO-CE8731 £14.50 bottle £174 dozen

“ Rich, ripe and full of flavour – people will love it!”Aglianico del Vulture Alvolo, Alovini 2012

Aglianico del Vulture Alvolo, Alovini 2012An immensely classy and friendly expression of southern Italy’s best red grape. Dark cherries, cedar and mint mingle on the nose and silky, complex lavender-tinged palate. A wine to delight aficionados and convert the uninitiated. Now to 2025. 14%ref WO-IT21781 £15.50 bottle £186 dozen

La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva, Rioja 2008The second Champion from La Rioja Alta, this time under their own label rather than our Exhibition bottling. 2008 marked the 75th birthday for their world-renowned Ardanza Reserva, and our tasters appreciated the gift of its complex red-berry fruit, oak-tinged complexity and harmony when tasting it. The dozen saving comes thanks to supplier support. Now to 2023. 13.5%ref WO-SP12581 £22 bottle £216 special dozen priceSAVE £48 PER DOZEN

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Saleta Moscatel-Sauvignon Blanc 2016Reprising its Champion turn in the previous vintage, this ingenious Spanish blend of lime-rich moscatel and crisp sauvignon blanc won our hearts and palates at this year’s Dry Whites tasting yet again. 12.5%ref WO-SP12201 £6.75 bottle £81 dozen

Rata Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016Irresistible wine at an irresistible price. This is a refreshing, unpretentious and utterly delightful Kiwi sauvignon, bursting with tropical-fruit aromas and lemon-and-lime flavours. 12.5%ref WO-NZ9141 £6.95 bottle £83 dozen

The Society’s Pinot Grigio 2016There is too much insipid pinot grigio in the world, but this Society-label stalwart stood out for its rounded citrusy palate and second-glass inducing freshness under the most rigorous of conditions. 13%ref WO-IT23231 £7.75 bottle £93 dozen

Valmiñor Albariño, Rías Baixas 2016One of Spain’s most exciting exports, good Galician albariño offers a delicious alternative to sauvignon blanc, its unoaked citrusy charms complemented by seductive delicacy and juiciness. This new addition to our range excelled in our Dry Whites tasting. 13%ref WO-SP12591 £7.95 bottle £95 dozen

The Society’s Grüner Veltliner 2016The second vintage of our private bottling from Austria’s white-wine trump card, and its second time a Wine Champion! The very embodiment of easy-drinking, with striking pear, peach and nectarine notes, and a twist of peppery intrigue on the finish. 12%ref WO-AA2011 £8.25 bottle £99 dozen

Greco Basilicata Le Ralle, Alovini 2016Many believe greco to be one of Italy’s best- kept secrets, and this Basilicatan gem stood out from the crowd in our Dry Whites round. Characterful and citrusy with a touch of spice and an energising spark of tastebud-tantalising freshness. 13%ref WO-IT23681 £9.25 bottle £111 dozen

Wither Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016Completing a Champion duet from Wither Hills (their pinot noir can be found in the reds section), this refined and mineral sauvignon refreshed and impressed with its crisp limey palate and flinty finish. 13%ref WO-NZ9181 £8.50 bottle £102 dozen

Schloss Maissau Weinviertel Grüner Veltliner 2015Our second Champion grüner veltliner offers a more mineral and gastronomically minded take than our easy-drinking Society-label wine. Its fresh flavours of apple, quince, spice and pepper are heavenly with seafood and unafraid of spicier cuisine too. 12.5%ref WO-AA1891 £9.95 bottle £119 dozen

CHAMPION WHITES

TALES FROM THE TASTING ROOM

A Sweet Spot For Dry WhitesSuch is the magnitude of this annual undertaking, our aromatic whites, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay sessions are complemented by the Dry Whites Round. This cavalcade of crisp wines – 111, to be precise – was one of the most exciting rounds of the entire campaign this year. Spanning pinot grigio to grüner veltliner, it yielded a magnificent seven Champions.

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TALES FROM THE TASTING ROOM

2015 German Riesling: A Clutch of ChampionsAs soon as the 2015 German riesling crop had arrived, growers made it clear that they were working with something very special. Whilst it’s therefore no surprise that the 2015s swept the board at our Aromatic Whites tasting, low yields and worldwide demand mean that stocks are limited. We therefore celebrate their achievement with a clutch of Champion rieslings, including the below wines – available in a special mixed case – and a 2014 Society-label Champion for good measure. Our advice is to get in quickly and find out what all the fuss is about.

Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, Kees Kieren 2015Available only in the mixed case. Though always crisp and clean, the 2015 incarnation of this medium-dry Mosel offers extra layers of apricot perfume and pure-fruited presence on the palate and a firework display of flavours on the long finish. Now to 2024. 8%

Bacharacher Hahn Kabinett, Toni Jost 2015Available only in the mixed case. A fragrant, peachy and exquisite riesling, offering a rare mixture of laser-like precision and a generous, almost creamy palate. If only there were more of it! Now to 2024. 9%

Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett, Dr Thanisch 2015Available only in the mixed case. This in-form estate made an elegant and light-footed 2015, conveying graceful white-peach flavour with a long and satisfying finish. Now to 2027. 8%

“ These rieslings really are something else this year”

Oberemmeler Hütte Riesling Kabinett, von Hövel 2015Available only in the mixed case. Beautifully made riesling whose yellow-plum aromas develop into a zesty cornucopia of citrus flavours on the palate, fanning out on the long finish. Though young, it’s already on seductive form and we couldn’t resist including it. Now to 2022. 9%

Saarburger Rausch Kabinett, Zilliken 2015Available only in the mixed case. An enchanting medium-dry wine whose acidity is high but already wonderfully integrated, lifting its poised peach and apricot flavours with bewitching clarity. Already magnificent, but it will continue to age to at least 2025. 7.5%

Champion german rieslingsA six-bottle case containing a bottle of each of the following:

The Society’s Saar Riesling 2014Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, Kees Kieren 2015Bacharacher Hahn Kabinett, Toni Jost 2015Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett, Dr Thanisch 2015Oberemmeler Hütte Riesling Kabinett, von Hövel 2015Saarburger Rausch Kabinett, Zilliken 2015

ref WO-MX17113£79

Anselmo Mendes ‘Muros Antigos’ Alvarinho, Vinho Verde 2016It’s him again! Yet the guru of Vinho Verde’s (wait for it) fourth consecutive year in this offer drew no gasps from us, such is the unwavering quality of his matchless, meadow-fresh whites. This deft and delightful expression of the citrusy alvarinho grape is a must-try. Now to 2019. 12.5%ref WO-PW6111 £12.50 bottle £150 dozen

“ High-quality oak. Classy, pure, stunning.”Olivier Leflaive Les Sétilles Bourgogne Blanc 2014

Olivier Leflaive Les Sétilles Bourgogne Blanc 2014One of the best-scoring wines of the year, this top-vintage white Burgundy defines the term ‘smart buy’. Utilising humbly classified ‘Bourgogne’ vineyards below the world-famous sites of Meursault and Puligny, this is fresh and lively, with ripe citrus and a delicate lick of oak. Now to 2019. 12.5%ref WO-BU59961 £13.50 bottle £162 dozen

TALES FROM THE TASTING ROOM

A Sauvignon Style CouncilThe contrasting styles of this year’s triumphant Marlborough sauvignon trio show that this much-loved Kiwi export can be diverse as well as delicious. For an uncomplicated but unanimously acclaimed example, try the great-value Rata; for a more refined and mineral expression, look to Wither Hills, while the slightly herbal dimension of Isabel ensures a mouthwatering choice. A classically styled French counterpoint came in the form of Domaine du Tremblay’s subtle but scintillating Quincy.

The Society’s Saar Riesling 2014The orchard-scented delights of our dry Saar riesling from the fine von Kesselstatt estate proved a big hit this year, delivering whistle-clean purity and patio-perfect joie de vivre. 9.5% ref WO-GE8961 £9.95 bottle £119 dozenSee above for more Champion German rieslings and a very special mixed case.

Joseph Burrier, Mâcon-Verzé 2014A wonderful white Burgundy whose character and cohesion belie its price. Its freshness and poise are the result of a cool vineyard and half of the wine being fermented in tank, whilst the other half ’s barrel fermentation brings a subtle oak aroma and broadness to the palate. Its high marks show that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Now to 2019. 12.5%ref WO-BU60131 £10.95 bottle £131 dozen

Quincy ‘Vin Noble’, Domaine du Tremblay 2016This Loire standard-bearer proved a wonderful complement to the three Kiwi Champions that progressed through our sauvignon blanc round. A classic of its style with wonderful freshness and finesse, and whose characterful citrus flavours linger beautifully on the finish. Drink this year or next. 12.5%ref WO-LO13201 £11.95 bottle £143 dozen

Isabel Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016A sauvignon that lifted itself above the parapet with a lemony mineral perfume that one could get lost in and zesty citrus and herbal complexity on the palate. Now to 2019. 13%ref WO-NZ9661 £13.95 bottle £167 dozen

To order thewinesociety.com/champions 01438 741177 8

CHAMPION ROSESCirò Rosato Gaglioppo 2016This organically produced Italian gem charmed us all with its fresh redcurrant-like fruit and feisty flavour. Wonderful for sipping solo, but a versatile option for food as well, able as it is to handle potentially vinicidal ingredients like fennel and tomato with ease. 12.5%ref WO-IT23481 £9.50 bottle £114 dozen

Corse Calvi Fiumesecco Rosé, Domaine Alzipratu 2016Available only in the French Wine Champions mixed case on page 10 Corsican rosé may be something of a minority sport, but sales at your Society show members are finding it a rewarding one. Made from the local sciacarellu grape with a little grenache, stocks of this fruity, expressive, adaptable food pink restrict its inclusion to a mixed case, but it makes a delicious addition. Now to 2019. 13.5%

CHAMPION SPARKLING & FORTIFIED WINESThe Society’s FinoThis bracing, tangy and saline sherry breezed through our fortified tasting. Exclusive access to the finest butts from an impeccable source (in this case, the independent house of Sánchez Romate) and shipping reguarly to ensure freshness all paid dividends. Classic fino at a friendly price. 15%ref WO-SH571 £6.75 bottle £81 dozen

Moscato d’Asti Elio Perrone 2016Effervescent in nature and in character, this is a beautifully vibrant, sweet but fresh low-alcohol gem. Bursting with uncomplicated but delightful floral scents and white-peach flavour, it remains the finest example of moscato d’Asti that we have tasted. 5%ref WO-IT22741 £8.25 bottle £49.50 per case of six

Jean de Foigny Brut Premier Cru NVHead of buying Pierre Mansour spent several years searching for the right under-£20 Champagne, and this one (sourced entirely from premier cru vines) put in a performance that vindicated his patience and persistence. Aged for over three years in bottle, its gentleness and class are remarkable for the price. 12.5%ref WO-CH3381 £19.50 bottle£97 six-bottle price (6 for 5 price)£16.17 equivalent bottle price

The Society’s Exhibition English Sparkling Wine NVOur Sussex sparkler (courtesy of the superb Ridgeview Estate) has been reborn as a non-vintage blend, and the extra complexity and flavour that results – marrying bright citrus fruit and a gentle brioche-like flavour – shone like a beacon in the tasting room. 12%ref WO-SG2181 £21 bottle £126 per case of six

9Open to reveal more wines

Champion whites CaseWinning summer whites, all from the fresh 2016 vintage. A 12-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following:Wither Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016Greco Basilicata Le Ralle, Alovini 2016Saleta Moscatel-Sauvignon Blanc 2016The Society’s Grüner Veltliner 2016Anselmo Mendes ‘Muros Antigos’ Alvarinho, Vinho Verde 2016The Society’s Pinot Grigio 2016

ref WO-MX17117

Champion reds CaseA dozen winners from the red corner in our 2017 tastings. A 12-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following:The Society’s Beaujolais-Villages 2016The Society’s Corbières 2015Château Lary, Bordeaux 20153C Premium Selection, Cariñena 2013The Society’s California Old-Vine Zinfandel 2015The Society’s Sicilian Reserve Red 2013

ref WO-MX17116£89

To order thewinesociety.com/champions 01438 741177

wine Champions mixed CaseAn outstanding overview, offered with a £10.15 saving to encourage you to taste around the podium! A 12-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following:

SparklingThe Society’s Exhibition English Sparkling Wine NV

WhiteSaleta Moscatel-Sauvignon Blanc 2016Greco Basilicata Le Ralle, Alovini 2016Anselmo Mendes ‘Muros Antigos’ Alvarinho, Vinho Verde 2016Wither Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Rosé Cirò Rosato Gaglioppo 2016

ref WO-MX17118

RedCôte Roannaise ‘Les Millerands’, Domaine Sérol 2015Château de Musset Cuvée Première, Lalande de Pomerol 2010Mission Estate Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2015Weinert Carrascal Mendoza 2010Hans Igler Zweigelt Classic 2013The Society’s California Old-Vine Zinfandel 2015

£119 SAVE £10.15

£99 SAVE £7

This offer is open until Sunday 23rd July, 2017 while stocks last.

Uncork with confidence

The Wine Society is a mutual organisation, so our members’ satisfaction is paramount. If, for any reason, you haven’t enjoyed a wine we want to hear about it and will happily offer a credit, a replacement or a refund. thewinesociety.com/promise

Champion new arrivalsBe the first to try these first-time winners. A six-bottle case containing a bottle of each of the following:

WhiteGreco Basilicata Le Ralle, Alovini 2016Valmiñor Albariño, Rías Baixas 2016

Rosé Cirò Rosato Gaglioppo 2016

RedFinca Antigua Unico Crianza, La Mancha 2011Nerofino Rosso Vigneti delle Dolomiti, Castel Firmian 2013Domaine du Carjot, Juliénas Les Capitans 2015

ref WO-MX17114£49

Champion Bordeaux BlendsThe joys of cabernet and merlot, via France, Australia, Argentina & Chile. A 12-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following:Château Lary, Bordeaux 2015Château de Musset Cuvée Première, Lalande de Pomerol 2010Warner’s Corner Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2015Weinert Carrascal Mendoza 2010Tahbilk Nagambie Lakes Central Victoria Cabernet Sauvignon 2013Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pirque Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

ref WO-MX17110£125

italian wine ChampionsThe best of The Boot, as judged by our exacting panel. A 12-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following:

WhiteThe Society’s Pinot Grigio 2016Greco Basilicata Le Ralle, Alovini 2016

Rosé Cirò Rosato Gaglioppo 2016

RedThe Society’s Sicilian Reserve Red 2013Primitivo I Muri, Vigneti del Salento 2016Nerofino Rosso Vigneti delle Dolomiti, Castel Firmian 2013

ref WO-MX17112£99

To order thewinesociety.com/champions 01438 741177

Champion spanish redsThe fruits of an especially strong showing from Spain in this year’s tastings. A 12-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following:3C, Cariñena 20153C Premium Selection, Cariñena 2013Finca Antigua Unico Crianza, La Mancha 2011Urbina Crianza, Rioja 2009The Society’s Exhibition Rioja Reserva 2010La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva, Rioja 2008

ref WO-MX17111£129 SAVE

£6.90

FrenCh wine Champions Red, white and rosé Champions from the red, white and blue, plus a bottle of Champagne. A 12-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following:

SparklingJean de Foigny Brut Premier Cru NV

Rosé Corse Calvi Fiumesecco Rosé, Domaine Alzipratu 2016

WhiteOlivier Leflaive Les Sétilles Bourgogne Blanc 2014

RedCôte Roannaise ‘Les Millerands’, Domaine Sérol 2015Château Lary, Bordeaux 2015The Society’s Corbières 2015

ref WO- MX17115 £139 SAVE £9.50