“GOLD STAR AWARDS 2009 COLLECTION”

The “Gold Star Awards” 2009 Collection is a selection of wines especially chosen by wine experts in the National Off-Licence Association and independent wine writers, John Wilson and Tomás Clancy, which will be exclusively marketed by off-licences which are members of the Association.

The “Wine of the Year” is the individual wine chosen from the 15 category Award winners as being the most outstanding wine choice for 2009, from more than 500 wines which typically would be available in any National Off-Licence Association outlet.

In excess of 600 wines were submitted to the Gold Star Awards adjudication panel. Points were awarded on the basis of appearance, smell, taste and value for money criteria and the winning 15 were selected as the best wines, from the key suppliers, in the following price categories.

 The Award categories under which Gold Star accreditation is awarded are:

Old World (Red and White)

Under €8 retail

Under €14 retail

Under €20 retail

New World (Red and White)

Under €8 retail

Under €14 retail

Under €20 retail

Rosé  Under €15 retail

Sparkling/Champagne

Under €25 retail

Under €50 retail

 Each of the winning wines will be sold in NOffLA member outlets, of which there are more than 330 nationwide. The chosen wines will be recognisable by distinctive Award symbols on each bottle.

In the pre-Christmas period NOffLA members will promote the Gold Star Awards 2009 Collection as ideal Christmas gifts, in a variety of special gift packs.

NATIONAL OFF-LICENCE ASSOCIATION TASTING PANEL

The WSET Diploma and Higher Cert holders along with members of the Champagne Academy who conducted the tasting and evaluation process leading to the selection of Gold Star Awards 2009 winners were: Pat Carroll, Daragh Cassells, Linda Coogan, Julie Cullen, Ruth Deveney, Niall Dooley, Niall Finn, Barry Forsyth, Evelyn Jones, Andrew Kinsella, Cathal McHugh, Niav McNamara, Ann Moran, Niamh O’Callaghan, Gary O’Donovan, Jimmy Redmond, Kevin Summons Walsh.