We are pleased to share that Liberty Wines was named 'Fine Wine Merchant of the Year' at the Sommelier Wine Awards on July 1st.
"Liberty Wines was shortlisted for a number of merchant awards this year, but ultimately secured the Fine Wine Merchant of the Year award for the breadth of its medal-winning wines priced at £20 and above.
Two thirds of its wines in this bracket came from the Old World, with a high percentage from Italy and France - particularly from the Loire and Burgundy, the latter responsible for one of the highest accolades, the White Fine Wine of the Year trophy, for Domaine Vrignaud's impressive citrus-driven Chablis.
Liberty was also responsible for some of the high-end Argentinian winners, including two from Otronia at £46 each, as well as Bordeaux's priciest Gold winner from Château Petit-Village at £45.20, and the most expensive New World Cabernet Sauvignon Gold (Far Mountain's Fission at £46.44).
When it came to sweet and fortified wines, Liberty's entry was a highlight too, responsible for 100% of the Gold medals."
Sommelier Wine Awards 2024
Judged exclusively by sommeliers and on-trade wine buyers, the Sommelier Wine Awards recognise wines, producers and importers that excel within the on-trade.
Though we proudly distribute to all areas of the trade, the UK on-trade has always been a core focus for us since our founding in 1997. We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver high-quality wines with unrivalled service to restaurants, hotels, bars, pubs and caterers across the country.
We could not have achieved this result without the outstanding producers we represent, the unrivalled dedication of the Liberty Wines team and the continued support of our customers. We would like to thank each of them for the part they have played in Liberty Wines receiving this recognition.
In addition to this award, Kaiken was named ‘New World Producer of the Year’
“Mendoza's Kaiken was a serious player in this year's New World Malbec category, taking three medals, including a Gold for its 'complex, inviting and delicious' Mai 2021.
Aside from single-varietal Malbecs, there was praise for Kaiken's Disobedience by Francis Mallmann red blend and Ultra Chardonnay 2022, which both received Silver medals. The producer offered good value too, with most of its wines - aside from the Gold medal winner - priced at under £19.”
Sommelier Wine Awards, 2024
Meanwhile, Valdespino received ‘Fortified Wine Producer of the Year’.
“Sherry producer Valdespino was the clear winner in our Sweet and Fortified category this year, being awarded three out of the five Gold medals for its range of different sherry styles, which included a 'very inviting' amontillado and a 'rich and elegant' Pedro Ximénez. This PX, together with the Don Gonzalo Oloroso VOS, also received Critics' Choice awards on top, cementing Valdespino's position at the top of the fortified table.”
Sommelier Wine Awards 2024
Domaine Vrignaud also received the ‘Fine White Wine of the Year’ Trophy for their 2022 Chablis.
"Vincenzo Arnese of Raffles London at The OWO was impressed with this wine's 'nice citrus uplift and developed aromas of golden apple', which was followed by 'integrated oak that confers a nice creamy texture and a lengthy finish'.
Davide Santeramo of The Ritz agreed that it was 'citrus-driven', describing 'a hint of herbaceousness, a good mid-palate and minerality towards the finish'.
Maison Estelle's Biagio Castaldo commented on its 'floral and citrus aromas, with a crisp palate and a flinty finish', while freelance sommelier Elly Owen was enthusiastic about its 'notes of stone fruit, minerals and petrichor, with a delicious line of savoury salinity running through the palate'."
Sommelier Wine Awards 2024
For more information about these award-winning producers and wines, please contact your sales representative. Not yet a customer? Contact us about opening a trade account.