Roberson Wine Named London's Best Wine Merchant at Decanter World Wine Awards

LONDON, ENGLAND, September 26, 2012 (Press-News.org) A prestigious panel of wine experts picked the winner from a shortlist based on consumer and trade nominations. Managing Director Cliff Roberson was delighted with the result, as was Senior Buyer Mark Andrew who was on hand to collect the award.

The judging panel of Anthony Rose, Fiona Beckett, Allan Cheesman, Peter Richards MW and Tom Cannavan felt that Roberson deserved the title "for a plethora of reasons", hailing the "the young enthusiastic band of wine nuts behind the counter" and "the UK's best - and best value - tasting events".

Roberson last won the award in 2010; in 2011 it went to The Sampler, who were runners up this year. The Decanter judges singled out changes in the last twelve months as the main reasons behind Roberson regaining the title: "a refit of the fine wine area coincided with a new policy of offering all wines over GBP100 at trade prices - to everyone - meaning significant reductions on more than 500 lines ... a new focus on California saw several boutique wineries imported into the UK for the first time, while natural wines from around the world became an area of specialism."

They also pointed out that while Roberson have been serving London's wine enthusiasts for over twenty years, the website http://www.robersonwine.com has allowed them to develop into a nationwide merchant, serving "wine lovers across the country".

Managing Director Cliff Roberson was delighted, saying "it's nice to see the good guys win".

Senior buyer Mark Andrew, who collected the award on behalf of Roberson Wine said, "I'm absolutely delighted and I'm particularly happy to see the judges praise our natural wine selection and the fact that we have the best retail prices in the country for fine wine."

The Decanter World Wine Awards retailer winners are chosen from a shortlist based on consumer and trade nominations. The shortlisted retailers are called upon to submit detailed information on their activity over the past year and the judges allocate scores based on this evidence. They then visit the retailers before delivering their final verdict.

2012 was the ninth annual Decanter World Wine Awards, which has grown to become the most prestigious awards event in the wine trade.

Established for over 20 years, Roberson Wine is recognised as one of the most innovative wine merchants in the UK (http://www.robersonwine.com/). It is a modern, relaxed and highly professional merchant, offering a second to none service to customers in the UK and beyond. They believe in wines that show a unique sense of place, an uncompromising vision and a desire to do something different. Through the flagship store on Kensington High Street, a comprehensive website and extensive programme of tasting events (http://www.robersonwine.com/tastings/), the team at Roberson are committed to sharing their passion for artisanal wine with novices, enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.