Judging at the National Wine Awards

TREVE: It's day 3 of NWAC22, and my dream team panel (Michael Godel and Brent Muller) has just completed a morning of Rosé and Pinot Noir. Quality has been solid today, and we've already assigned a few gold-level scores. We are looking forward to seeing them again in the final rounds. Considering we've near 2000 wines from coast to coast to work through this year, days are long, and focus is necessary. However, when we find the gems together in alignment, the rewards are immediate. That's the joy of tasting with serious wine professionals, very versed in Canadian wine. We've been knocked back a couple of judges this year due to Covid, so welcoming more new palates into the room, extending the tapestry of tasters. So far, chardonnay and pinot noir have been highlights for my tables, and sparkling wine is showing very well. Tomorrow we tuck into final rounds, where we can hone in our selections, and collectively agree on the rare 1% Platinum worthy wines. It's a big week, in every way, and one I look forward to every year.  

GEOFFREY: This was my second year judging at the NWAC, and it's quickly become one of the highlights of my year. It's a privilege to be invited to taste alongside some of the top palates in Canada and international guests such as Jamie Goode and Evan Goldstein MS. It's hard, exhausting work, but it's done seriously and attentively. Every wine gets its due, and the results show it. We've just now wrapped up judging after two days of finals. What stands out is not only the diversity of Canadian wine but also the overall strength of the wines. There's a lot to be excited about, but the usual suspects stand out: syrah, riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir, and cabernet franc. For me, the NWAC is a great opportunity to take the pulse of Canadian wine and discover new wineries or wines. I'll refer back to my notes over the next few days and in the coming year. 

Look for the NWAC results in the coming months here on Gismondionwine.com

Learn more about the judging process, the wine and cider categories, the judges themselves and more: 

National Wine Awards 2022