In August the JamesSuckling.com platform passed a quarter million fans across its social channels. To celebrate, we launched a #9wordwinenote challenge, where people could write a wine tasting note in exactly nine words for a wine they had recently tasted.
We then asked our followers to vote on their favorites, and James Suckling himself took charge to decide the winners.
And now we have the results!
Nearly all the entries were creative and imaginative. They had to be – it’s not easy expressing something as complex as these wines in just nine words. We would have loved to reward every entry, especially those who came up with innovative ways to express their wine tastings, including one written as a haiku poem.
But we did manage to select a few favorites, and so here they are, in descending order, with comments from James.
WINNER
The note: “Big body, beautiful balance and a buttery biscuit base.”
The wine: Marie Courtin Champagne Résonance Extra Brut
Written by: Joe Fearnhead, a self-proclaimed “wine fundamentalist”
James Suckling says: “Obviously a rich and flavorful Champagne. Makes me want to drink some.”
Joe wins: 2 tickets to a Grand Tasting event of your choice + HK$1,000 JSWC coupon OR complimentary website subscription (one year).
1ST RUNNER-UP
The note: “Black fruit, espresso, liquid smoke smooth tannins, luscious finish.”
The wine: Chateau Margaux Margaux 1995
Written by: Hayley Stroh, who runs the Hayley’s Cellar blog
James says: “A solid note depicting a 100-point classic from Bordeaux.”
Hayley wins: 2-for-1 discount for a Grand Tasting event of your choice + HK$500 JSWC coupon OR complimentary website subscription (one year).
2ND RUNNER-UP
The note: “Freshly opened up pack of 1986 Topps baseball cards.”
The wine: Maison Evenstad Santenay Premier Cru Beauregard 2016
Written by: Robert Mcgaughey, who enjoys Exploring Oregon Wine Country
James says: “Sounds corked but a vivid description.”
Robert wins: 2-for-1 discount for a Grand Tasting event of your choice OR HK$500 JSWC coupon OR complimentary website subscription (one year).
3RD RUNNER-UP
The note: “Lush dark fruit sketched in graphite for twenty years.”
he wine: Marchesi Antinori Tignanello Toscana 2015
Written by: Jon Leichty, who documents his wine experience on Instagram, at @theterroiriste
James says: “So true of this rich and ripe red.”
Jon wins: 2-for-1 discount for a Grand Tasting event of your choice OR HK$500 JSWC coupon OR complimentary website subscription (one year).
4TH RUNNER-UP
The note: “Sour cherry, tangy, unpretentious, classic, and easy to find.”
The wine: Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino 2017
Written by: Charine Tan and Matthew Horkey, wine communicators and authors
James says: “I can taste it now. Sangiovese comes through.”
Charine and Matthew win: 2-for-1 discount for a Grand Tasting event of your choice OR HK$500 JSWC coupon OR complimentary website subscription (one year).
5TH RUNNER-UP
The note: “Flawless structure, harmonious, chewy tannins, exquisite acidity – more please!”
The wine: Tua Rita Toscana Rosso dei Notri 2016
Written by: Mauricio Ceccon, sommelier from Brazil
James says: “Honest and descriptive tasting note.”
Mauricio wins: 2-for-1 discount for a Grand Tasting event of your choice OR HK$500 JSWC coupon OR complimentary website subscription (one year).
Congratulations to all our winners. You can now head here to see all our upcoming events to select your event entry prizes.
