Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) proudly announces the results of the fifth Ultimate Wine Challenge® (UWC), held June 2-13, 2014 at UBC headquarters in Westchester County, New York.
Led by UBC Founder and Judging Chairman F. Paul Pacult and Judging Co-Chairman Sean Ludford, eight of the world’s foremost wine authorities evaluated over 850 wines from around the world.
This remarkable group of judges scored wines using UWC’s innovative multi-round judging system and the consumer-friendly 100-point rating scale. In addition to F. Paul Pacult and Sean Ludford, UWC’s judges’ roster included: Doug Frost, MS, MW; sommelier Jason Hedges; buyer Tess Rose; writer Patricia Savoie; consultant Rick Schofield, CWE and writer and editor Tara Q. Thomas.
Thirty-three wines were awarded Chairman’s Trophies as the highest scoring wines in their category. Additionally, scores of wines were hailed as category Finalists and Great Values, based upon their favorable score-to-price ratio, which proves that great tasting wines don’t always have to be expensive. This year, UWC introduces the Tried & True AwardSM to recognize brands that can be relied on to provide unfailing quality and superb taste to consumers year after year. To be eligible, brands that entered UWC 2014 must have scored 85 points or higher in this year’s Challenge as well as in at least two previous Challenges.
All wines rated a score of 85 and higher by UWC judging panels have accompanying tasting notes.
Said Pacult of UWC 2014, “The dramatic, double-digit increase in participation again this year from wine producers making wine on five continents serves as a clear affirmation of Ultimate Beverage Challenge’s unwavering commitment to impartial methodology, verifiable authority, and uncompromising integrity. In short, everything we do, every system we’ve created, is geared to showcase each wine’s virtues in the fairest light possible.â€
These are the “ 2014 Ultimate Wine Challenge Chairman’s Trophy Winnersâ€:
Red Wines:
Buena Vista Winery, The Count Sonoma County 2012, United States (Red Blends – North America)
Cantalici L’Antica Fornace, Chianti Classico Riserva 2010, Italy (Sangiovese – World)
Chateau La Haye Majeste, Grande Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Saint-Estephe 2010, France (Cabernet Sauvignon – World)
DeLoach Vineyards, Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2012, United States (Pinot Noir – World)
Finca Moncloa, Tintilla de Rota Cádiz 2011, Spain (Sweet Reds – World)
Girard Old Vine, Zinfandel Napa Valley 2012, United States (Zinfandel – USA)
Kellermeister – Barossa Storyboard Collection Funk Wagon Barossa Valley 2011, Australia (Red Blends – Southern Hemisphere)
Lopez Noceti 1919, Seleccion Barrica Malbec Mendoza 2012, Argentina (Malbec – World)
Marques de Riscal ,Gran Reserva Rioja 2005, Spain (Assorted Reds – Spain)
Nederburg ,Pinotage Paarl 2012, South Africa (Other Red Varietals – World)
Quinta de Lemos ,Touriga Nacional Dao 2009, Portugal (Assorted Reds – Portugal)
Ridge Crest, White Bluffs Merlot Columbia Valley 2011, United States (Merlot – World)
Spettacolare, Real Tuscan Heirloom Edition Estate Grown Tuscany IGT 2011, Italy (Red Blends – Europe)
Tellurian, Pastiche Shiraz Heathcote 2012, Australia (Shiraz/Syrah – World)
