OUR WINNERS FOR 2025

Posted on by Editor

This year’s Wine Merchant Top 100 winners have been announced.

Congratulations to all the producers and importers who made the cut this year. These are the 10% of wines that came out on top after a tough day of judging in April, in which 36 independent merchants tasted nearly 1,000 wines.

We’ve presented the winners according to style in the list below. The price we quote is the recommended retail price as supplied by the entrant.

We’ve numbered the wines from 1 to 100 as this is the system we’ve used for our stand at the London Wine Fair, to make it easier to navigate. These numbers do not indicate any position within our Top 100.

We’ll be explaining why these wines were this year’s winners in the supplement we publish in July, along with all of our highly commended wines.

Sparkling Wine
  1. Sparkling Wine Trophy : Grande Réserve, Premier Cru, Pierre Mignon, Champagne, France NV, £35.74 (Alliance Wine)
  2. Best Value Sparkling Wine Trophy : Llopart Corpinnat Brut Panoramic, Penedès 2018, £26.75 (Hallgarten & Novum Wines)
  3. Champagne Taittinger Brut Vintage 2016, £60 (Hatch Mansfield)
  4. Hattingley Valley Kings Cuvée 2017, £88 (Hattingley Valley)
  5. Black Elephant Vintners MCC Zero Dosage Blanc de Blancs 2011, £28.95 (Richmond Wine Agencies)
White Wine
  1. White Wine Trophy: Domaine Belleville Rully La Crée 2022, £36.50 (Vindependents)
  2. Best Value White Wine Trophy: Mauricio Lorca Calma Indómita Albarin 2023, £17.75 (Ucopia Wines)
  3. Domaine Chevrot Maranges Blanc 2022, £48.99 (Liberty Wines)
  4. Integro Verdeca Puglia IGP 2023, £11.99 (North South Wines)
  5. Riesling Kabinett, Ürzig Würzgarten, Weingut Mönchhof 2018, £17.99 (Hallgarten & Novum Wines)
  6. Meursault, Grands Charrons, Domaine Philippe Bouzereau 2022, £66 (Alliance Wine)
  7. Mineralium Chenin Blanc 2023, £10.99 (Cachet Wine)
  8. Lugana doc Vigne Alte, Zeni 2023, £17.49 (Cachet Wine)
  9. Roodekrantz Donkermaan Chenin Blanc 2023, £29 (Davy’s Wine Merchants)
  10. Moillard Grivot Premium Chardonnay 2023, £26 (Les Grands Chais de France)
  11. Two Paddocks Picnic Riesling 2022, £24.99 (Fells)
  12. Clayvin Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2018, £26.49 (North South Wines)
  13. Custoza Biscardo DOC 2024, £11.49 (Alliance Wine)
  14. Neethlingshof Gewurztraminer 2024, £18 (Les Grands Chais de France)
  15. Samuel’s Collection Eden Valley Viognier 2022, £17.99 (Fells)
  16. Gelblack Trocken Riesling, Schloss Johannisberg, Rheingau 2023, £26.22 (Jascots)
  17. Le Charme Sauvignon Blanc by Christine Cabri 2024, £10.49 (Cachet Wine)
  18. Sancerre Blanc, La Grand Rue, Pascal & Nicolas Reverdy 2023, £33.75 (Alliance Wine)
  19. Ontanon Rioja Blanco 2023, £13 (Boutinot)
  20. Nautilus Estate Chardonnay 2022, £24 (Fells)
  21. Daschbosch Mossiesdrift Steen 2023, £20 (Boutinot)
  22. Grüner Veltliner, Löss, Weingut Rabl 2023, £15.49 (Hallgarten & Novum Wines)
  23. Domaine Benoit Badoz Vin Jaune Les Roussots 2018, £49 (Vindependents)
Rosé Wine
  1. Rosé Wine Trophy: Xinomavro/Limniona, Apla Rosé, Oenops 2024, £17.49 (Hallgarten & Novum Wines)
  2. Best Value Rosé Wine Trophy: Terras Lusas Rosé, Vinho Regional Alentejano, Adega de Redondo 2023, £11.74 (Alliance Wine)
  3. Rosé Karmrahyut, ArmAs 2022, £18.75 (Hallgarten & Novum Wines)
  4. Xinomavro Rosé, Theopetra Estate 2023, £21.49 (Hallgarten & Novum Wines)
  5. Miguel Torres Chile Andica Organic Rosé 2024, £12.99 (Fells)
  6. Château D’Esclans Garrus 2022, £90 (Moët Hennessy)
Red Wine
  1. Red Wine Trophy: Ver Sacrum Gloria S Garnacha 2021, £31.75 (Ucopia Wines)
  2. Best Value Red Wine Trophy: Bodegas Agronavarra Perdido Tempranillo, Vino de la Tierra 3 Riberas 2023, £10.49 (Cachet Wine)
  3. Barbaresco, Vanotu, Pelissero 2020, £87 (Hallgarten & Novum Wines)
  4. Agricola Marrone Langhe DOC Nebbiolo Che Vale 2023, £24 (Vindependents)
  5. Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe, Le Mas, Domaine de Panisse, Le Clos du Caillou 2022, £47.50 (Alliance Wine)
  6. Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco 2022, £40 (Vindependents)
  7. Atamisque Serbal Cabernet Franc 2024, £16.50 (Ucopia Wines)
  8. Doña Paula Estate Malbec, Valle de Uco 2021, £15.99 (North South Wines)
  9. Clos de Lôm Isidra Crianza 2021, £25 (Vindependents)
  10. Atlante Vidueño 2022, £36 (Moreno Wines)
  11. Vina VIK 2019, £155.50 (Hallgarten & Novum Wines)
  12. Chateau Purcari 1827 Rara Neagra 2022, £16.95 (Transylvania Wine)
  13. Château de Barbe Blanche Rouge, Lussac Saint Emilion 2019, £24.49 (North South Wines)
  14. Domaine Claude Maréchal Pommard La Chaniere 2023, £53.50 (Vindependents)
  15. Crianza, Finca Nueva 2019, £22 (Bancroft Wines)
  16. Las Ninas Ella Reserva Carmenere 2023, £15 (Les Grands Chais de France)
  17. Vranec, Luda Mara, Tikveš 2021, £17.99 (Hallgarten & Novum Wines)
  18. Guremani Mukuzani 2021, £14.95 (Transylvania Wine)
  19. Château Tholomies Eclipse La Livinière 2020, £32 (Les Grands Chais de France)
  20. Château Couhins-Lurton Rouge, Pessac Leognan 2016, £55.49 (North South Wines)
  21. Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Les Fortunés, Chanzy 2023, £25.75 (Alliance Wine)
  22. Barolo, Sarmassa, Brezza 2020, £65 (Hallgarten & Novum Wines)
  23. Souson, Ribeiro, Ailalá 2022, £18.25 (Hallgarten & Novum Wines)
  24. Monastrell, La Purísima, Bodegas la Purísima 2023, £13.49 (Hallgarten & Novum Wines)
  25. Montes Purple Angel Colchagua 2021, £78.99 (Liberty Wines)
  26. GCM Coast, Viña Echeverría 2021, £18.75 (Hallgarten & Novum Wines)
  27. Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico 2022, £19.99 (Fells)
  28. Henschke Keyneton Euphonium 2021, £44.99 (Liberty Wines)
  29. Zero Manipulation, Tollini Vineyard, Peterson Winery 2017, £22.49 (Hallgarten & Novum Wines)
  30. Nativus Feteasca Neagra de Aversti 2022, £14.95 (Transylvania Wine)
  31. Cave de Gigondas Seigneur De Raveil 2022, £23 (Vindependents)
  32. Cote Sauvage 2021, £20 (Boutinot)
  33. Château Ponzac Maintenant ou Jamais, Cahors 2021, £17.91 (Alliance Wine)
  34. Château de Pitray Les Prairies Castillon, Côtes de Bordeaux 2021, £22.99 (Liberty Wines)
  35. Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune 2022, £22.99 (Cachet Wine)
  36. Agricola Marrone Barolo DOCG 2021, £43 (Vindependents)
  37. Preciso Primitivo Appassimento Puglia IGP 2023, £12.69 (North South Wines)
  38. Baron de Ley El Coto Crianza 2021, £15.99 (Liberty Wines)
  39. Pantocrator Edition Limitada Rioja 2015, £37.95 (Richmond Wine Agencies)
  40. Vallisto Barbera 2022, £22.25 (Ucopia Wines)
  41. Monemvasia Winery Tsimbidi Malvasia Vin Liastos 2012, £35.99 (Hallgarten & Novum Wines)
  42. Akitu A2 2020, £33 (Mentzendorff)
  43. Steeple Vineyard Shiraz 2019, £45 (Fells)
  44. Vinha Do Reino, A River Runs Through It, Carlos Lucas Vinhos 2021, £13.99 (Alliance Wine)
  45. Dugladze Saperavi Reserve 2020, £24.99 (Transylvania Wines)
  46. Toscana Rosso da Uve Leggermente Appassite, Duca di Saragnano 2022, £13.99 (Cachet Wine)
  47. Les Crus, L’Art du Vers 2022, £15.22 (Daniel Lambert Wines)
  48. Domaine Remoriquet Bourgogne Hautes Côtes De Nuits Rouge 2023, £29.50 (Vindependents)
  49. Integro Negroamaro Puglia IGP 2023, £11.99 (North South Wines)
  50. Cosme Palacio Vino de Laguardia Crianza 2019, £22.49 (North South Wines)
  51. Queiron Mi Lugar 2019, £27 (Boutinot)
  52. Los Cardos Single Vineyard Malbec 2023, £11.49 (North South Wines)
  53. Mas Blanch i Jové Saó Abrivat 2022, £22 (Vindependents)
  54. Grey Garnacha Cariñena Mataro, La Roblería Vineyard 2020, £19.49 (North South Wines)
  55. Jordan Cobblers Hill 2022, £44.65 (ABS)
  56. Geografico Chianti Classico Riserva 2019, £20.49 (North South Wines)
  57. Durif, Winemakers Reserve, Berton Vineyard 2021, £14.75 (Hallgarten & Novum Wines)
  58. Sellas Nemea 2022, £24 (Southern Wine Roads)
Fortified and Sweet Wine
  1. Fortified/Sweet Wine Trophy: Valdespino Premium Collection Palo Cortado Single Cask Macharnudo Alto 2001, £150 (Liberty Wines)
  2. Best Value Fortified/Sweet Wine Trophy: Royal Tokaji Sweet Szamorodni 2019, £21.99 (Fells)
  3. Moscato d’Asti, Nivole, Michele Chiarlo 2023, £20.25 (Hallgarten & Novum Wines)
  4. Vakakis Epogdoon Barrel 2017, £29 (Southern Wine Roads)
  5. Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2021. £72 (Mentzendorff)
  6. Butler Nephew & Co 20 Years Old Tawny Port NV, £41.55 (Daniel Lambert Wines)
  7. Porto Poças Colheita 1996, £58 (Cachet Wine)
  8. La Bota No 130 Manzanilla Pasada, Equipo Navazos NV, £55 (Alliance Wine)

that’s a wrap for 2025!

Posted on by Editor

The judges have judged. Many thanks to all our fabulous indies who gave up a day of their time – and in some cases more than that due to long-distance travel – to put nearly 1,000 wines through their paces on April 14.

We convened at Big Penny Social in Walthamstow, with judges working in pairs in the morning to decide which wines should make it through to the afternoon session. After a much-needed lunch the teams were mixed up, the wines were reflighted, and the process began of assigning points and tasting notes to the remaining wines.

Once that was done, and our senior judging panel had double checked all the wines and calibrated the scoring, it was time for some well-earned beers.

We’ll be announcing the Top 100, and all our highly commended wines, in May. The Top 100 will be available to taste at our London Wine Fair stand, which you’ll find between Esoterica and Wines Unearthed.

Here’s a reminder of this year’s judging panel. We thoroughly enjoyed their company and it was great to see so many friendships being renewed, and others formed. If you’re an independent merchant and would like to take part in next year’s judging, please get in touch.

The INDIES’ WINE COMPETITION IS BACK!

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The Wine Merchant Top 100 is back, and we’re now calling for entries from any business that supplies great wines to the independent trade.

To us, “great” doesn’t have to mean expensive. Our judges – all of them independent merchants – are looking for wines that offer superb value, whether they are priced £10 or £100. Our list of winners regularly includes wines from a broad price spectrum, and they’ve all impressed in their own way.

The Wine Merchant Top 100 judging is a blind tasting, conducted over two rounds. It involves around 40 independent wine merchants, including a senior panel which aims to ensure consistency. These senior judges are often called upon for guidance or a second opinion by our teams of judges.

How do you select your judges?
The panel is changed every year. We try to make the group representative of the independent trade in all its forms, with indies from across the UK and representing different types of wine businesses, from traditional shops to the coolest hybrid stores. You can see the list of 2025 judges taking shape here.

Can indies enter their own directly-imported wines?
Definitely, and we’d love to see more of these wines in the competition.

Where does the judging take place?
Our new home, since 2024, is Big Penny Social in Walthamstow. We made a short film about last year’s event that you can check out on our Instagram page.

How do the judges arrive at their decision?
Judges are split into teams and blind-taste flights of wines. A percentage of these wines go through to the second round, at which point the teams are reshuffled and the remaining wines re-flighted and tasted afresh, this time with scores and notes being submitted by the judges. The highest-scoring wines emerge as the Top 100 winners, with all other wines that made it to the second round being Highly Commended.

Enter your wines now

Email Claire Harries (claire@winemerchantmag.com) to request an entry form or click here. We need completed forms by March 14; the deadline for sending wines (four bottles per entry) to Sensible Wine Services is March 21. Wines cannot be on sale in any multiple (including Majestic and Waitrose) and must be available to independent merchants from UK stock.

WHY ENTER THE WINE MERCHANT TOP 100?

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There are dozens of reasons to get involved. Here are nine that spring to mind

A PROVEN TRACK RECORD

The Wine Merchant Top 100 has been running since 2013. Independent merchants recognise it as “their” competition and trust it to deliver a credible annual list of wines that deserve their attention. Many retailers organise customer tastings featuring a selection of winning wines.

OUR TASTERS ARE YOUR CUSTOMERS

Our main point of difference from other competitions is that all our judges are independent merchants. We ask them to assess wines just as they would if they were buying for their businesses, taking value for money into account as well as flavour credentials.

THERE ARE 40 INDEPENDENTS IN THE ROOM

Regardless of where your wine finally places, it will be tasted by a number of merchants on the day. Judges regularly feed back that the Top 100 judging is one of the most useful ways of encountering new wines that they wouldn’t otherwise have discovered.

IT’S A RIGOROUS TASTING PROCESS

To be a winner in the Top 100, a wine has to impress two sets of tasters over two rounds of judging, as well as our four-strong senior panel. As many as 10 palates can be involved in that process. It’s why we’re always happy with our list of winners.

WINNERS TAKE PRIDE OF PLACE AT OLYMPIA

All Top 100 winning wines are available at the London Wine Fair. Our free-pour stand, in the heart of the floor area, is a magnet for the independent merchants who attend over the three days of the show, as well as other trade buyers, journalists and influencers.

TEN TROPHIES UP FOR GRABS

Ten of the Top 100 wines are announced as Trophy winners. These are the highest-scoring red, white, rosé, fortified and sparkling wines, as well as the wines we consider to be the best-value winners in all those categories. We present these prizes at the London Wine Fair.

EVERY INDIE HEARS ABOUT OUR WINNERS

In July, we’ll publish our annual Top 100 Winners Supplement. Written by chairman of judges and Observer wine writer David Williams, it gives full details of all our winning wines, including those that just miss the cut and are Highly Commended.

CERTIFICATES AND LOGOS

All winners receive a certificate, and medal logos that can be used in marketing activity. These are useful graphics to add to your website and social media channels, to create POS displays or even to apply to winning bottles. We want you to celebrate your win. It’s hard earned.

PRICES HAVE BEEN HELD FOR 2025

It costs just £80 to enter a wine into The Wine Merchant Top 100, no increase on 2024. We want the competition to be accessible to wine businesses of all sizes, not just those with big budgets. Small importers are regularly among the competition’s winning suppliers.