Superlative examples and high prices on the Gold List, so if it’s bargains you’re after, look lower down!

Between them, the following submitters were awarded half of this year’s Gold List wines. To make life easier for you, we’ve listed the top five merchants and their Gold wines here. Now get calling…

Over 1,500 wines can be boiled down to this: the hallowed Sommelier Wine Awards Gold List for 2011...

Somewhat under-powered compared to previous years, our tasters would have liked to see a bit more evidence of this country’s famous quirky individuality

For the first time, South Africa has finally dominated this category, with a decent spread of wines from cheap to pricey. A watershed year for the Saffers, perhaps?

Some weird and wonderful blends and, despite the lack of Golds, a generally positive reaction from the tasters

A small category, and not exactly a must-stock, but the Zins showed good typicity and matching potential for gutsy food

Astonishing value for money from the Chileans, as you’d expect, but not enough wines with the wow factor

Your questions answered about the 2011 Sommelier Wine Awards...

No Golds, but plenty of positive feedback. A good hunting ground for those of you who ‘do’ esoteric on your list

Arguably the standout category of this year’s SWA, Beaujolais delivered some terrific wines at fantastic prices

Every year for the last three years, our team has taken a look at who’s done what in the competition and made special awards to the submitters.

While the kick-out rate was high, the wines left at the end served as a blunt reminder to sub-standard also-rans of just how good the pink stuff can be

Some great wines and amazing prices. In fact, it was only the category’s persistent (and troubling) lack of fashionability that prevented more Golds being awarded

Food Match Awards