JamesSuckling.com presented Great Wines of the World 2023 New York the month of June 2023. The event was a grand tasting featuring a selection of wines worldwide selected by the team behind JamesSuckling.com featuring wines from Italy, Bordeaux and South America.
Marina Mendieta and Constanza Pinto, our ambassadors for the New York and New Jersey area, attended the event. As a Latina Wine Collective, we were very interested in participating in the worldwide recognized event in New York to experience the critic choices.
There were over 30 wines, but the event was split into two days, with only some producers present each day. Depending on the day you attended, you may have missed meeting certain winemakers or tried specific wines which could have been better. Our ambassadors attended on the second day and missed some producers, unfortunately.
The event had a professional yet relaxed atmosphere with live DJ music and a dedicated section for small bites to pair with the great wines.
Marina wished for a greater variety of wines, including more Sparkling, Rosé and white wines. However, it’s important to remember that this event focuses on the palate and preferences of one renowned wine critic, Mr. James Suckling. It’s interesting how his curated selection of wines can influence the collective likes and dislikes of the wine world for a particular style, varietal, region, or country.
Nonetheless, attending the Great Wines of the World 2023 New York, for our ambassadors was a pleasure. We would welcome the opportunity to participate again in the future.
Highlights from the James Suckling Great Wines of the World 2023 New York
On the one hand, Marina Mendieta, an Argentinean through and through, was pleased to see many brands from Argentina. According to Mendieta, around 20% of the wines were white, and she fell in love with the Italian white wines.
Marina mentions: “The one that stood out for me was St. Michael Eppan Sanct Valentin Sauvignon Blanc 2021. I was exchanging notes with the winemaker of the Winery, Hans Terzer, who has been producing this wine since the first vintage came out. This Sauvignon Blanc has a bright light yellow with green hues color, with an explosive expressive nose with notes of thyme, rosemary, and lemon aromas. On the palate, Crisp acidity is fresh with a smooth, elegant body—an excellent representation of white wines from northern Italy.”
On the other hand, it was also Constanza’s first time at the event and her preference for South American Wines drove her experience. She focused on tasting wines from South America. Therefore, she started with a Chardonnay from El Enemigo, vintage 2020, a producer she recognized from her years in South America, “I fell in love with this wine once I visited Mendoza in 2019 and of course! Alejandro Vigil, the winemaker, is an expert in Chardonnay. The peach mixed with apricot creates a pleasant aroma in the nose, in addition to some honey and soft floral notes.” Pinto states.
After trying different wines, Constanza also emphasizes the Cabernet Franc from El Gran Enemigo de Gualtallary. “The mix of pepper, oak, vanilla, and blueberry was remarkable.” she states.
About JamesSucking.com
James Suckling, aged 64, is a leading wine critic whose reviews are highly regarded by wine enthusiasts, collectors, and the wine industry worldwide. He is the chairman and editor of JamesSuckling.com, a wine media platform and events company headquartered in Hong Kong.