Asian Chardonnay Masters 2017: Results

Judges’ profiles:

Ying-Hsien Tan MW is the first Singaporean Master of Wine, one of the first two Asian men to attain the prestigious title in 2015. Owner of Singapore-based Taberna Wine Academy, Tan frequently conducts tastings, classes and wine dinners. He is currently engaged in the Institute of Masters of Wine Education Programme for candidates studying for the MW qualification. He also served as a judge at many international wine events including the Sopexa French Wine Sommelier Competition 2015 and the Singapore National Sommelier Competitions in 2014 and 2016 to name a few. In his own time, Tan writes for a few wine and food magazines.

Eddie McDougall, an award-winning winemaker and TV personality in Asia, is the creator of TLC’s popular The Flying Winemaker TV series. A trained winemaker with a diploma in Wine Technology and Viticulture from the University of Melbourne, McDougall has more than a decade of winemaking experiences working with wineries such as Vietti and Innocent Bystander. McDougall just successfully launched his first ever Asian Wine Festival this year, showcasing some of the best wines made in Asian countries from Japan to Bali in Indonesia.

Francesca Martin is the founder and director of BEE Drinks Global, a wine and spirits consulting company. Martin has spent more than 12 years in brand management, PR, winemaking and marketing. Over the years, she has worked for some of the most renowned names in the global wine industry including Francois Lurton in Argentina, Miguel Torres in Spain, Liberty Wines and Steven Spurrier in the UK and ASC Fine Wines in Hong Kong. A WSET diploma holder and a certified WSET educator, Martin is currently studying for Master of Wine exam.

James Rowell, corporate and VIP sales manager of Hong Kong’s leading wine importer Altaya Wines, has worked in the wine trade for more than 20 years, with experiences spanning across the UK, Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China. Rowell has visited many wineries all over the world and has hands-on winemaking experiences in Bordeaux and Marlborough. Rowell is also a WSET diploma holder and a certified WSET educator.

Jeremy Stockman, a London native, is the general manager of Hong Kong’s biggest wine retailer Watson’s Wine. Stockman has built a formidable career in wine, running his own consultancy business in Australia before taking on his current stint at the Hong Kong retailer. Stockman previously worked for Coles Group in Australia, Vintage Cellars and Wine Rack in London and was a frequent judge for Australia’s most respected wine shows including the Royal National Wine Show, McLaren Vale Wine Show and Royal Sydney Wine Show.

Yang Lu, corporate/group wine director of Shangri-la Hotels and Resorts, is widely regarded as a leading sommelier in Greater China. The first Advanced Sommelier from Greater China, Lu honed his skills while working for Peninsula Shanghai and his palate and skills in wine were further validated when he won the Best Sommelier of Greater China competition in 2014. Graduated with a degree in Viticulture and Winemaking from Niagara College in Canada, Lu is also a dedicated wine educator in China. A holder of WSET Level 4 diploma, Lu is currently studying for the ultimate accolade of Master Sommelier title.

Yvonne Cheung is the director of wine for Swire Hotels and Restaurants and oversees the group’s wine programmes in Hong Kong and mainland China. After graduating from Culinary Institute of America, Yvonne went on to work for The Caneros Inn in Napa where she developed her operational and wine-centric skills as assistant general manager, sommelier and wine buyer for the property. Since joining Swire Group in 2010, she has risen through the ranks and became the group’s wine director in 2013. She is also a wine consultant for Cathay Pacific Airline.