This year, Halifax's Food and Wine Club presented the inaugural Golden Corkscrew Awards, designed to recognize and honour the year's best wines.  Coordinated by sommelier Sean Buckland, the judging panel consisted of Carman Mills (sommelier instructor), Jeff Pinhey (local wine guru), Mark DeWolf (sommelier, food and drinks editor, Occasions), Chris Naugler (Author/Wine Journalist/Winemaker), Kempton Hyson (AppellationAmerica.com), and Shelly Rowan (sommelier), and observer Erin Horton (sommelier).
 

TOP 5 RED WINES

1. 2004 Nipozzano Riserva Chianti Rufina (Tuscany, Italy) NSLC $24.98

2. 2003 Bodegas Piqueras Castillo de Almansa Reserva (Almansa, Spain)Cristall & Luckett       (Bedford), $14.99

3. 2005 Michel Torino Don David Malbec (Cafayete, Argentina) NSLC $15.99

4. 2005 Kilikanoon "The Lackey" Shiraz (South Australia), Cristall & Luckett, $19.99

5. (tie) 2006 Altosur Malbec (Tupungato, Argentina),Bishop's Cellar, $17.00 (tie) 2004 Quinta de Avaleda Charamba (Duoro Valley, Portugal), Cristall and Luckett, $11.99

 TOP 5 WHITE WINES

1. 2006 St. Hallett Poacher's Blend (Barossa Valley

2. 2006 Lenz Moser Gruner Veltliner (Austria), NSLC, $12.16

3. 2006 Goundrey Homestead Unwooded Chardonnay (Western Australia) Premier Wine and Spirits, ~$15.00). This wine is being restocked. Call Premier to check on availability

4. 2005 McWilliams Hanwood Riesling (South Australia), NSLC, $15.99

5. 2006 KWV Chardonnay (South Africa), NSLC, $11.99

For further information on the Golden Corkscrew Awards, or the Food and Wine Club, please contact: marketing@winesofnovascotia.ca