Top tipples revealed as blind tasting whittles down finest 15

THE National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) has unveiled its 2007/2008 Gold Star Award wines.

The diverse collection of 15 wines — six reds, six whites, a rosé and two sparkling wines — were revealed at The Irish Wine Show, the annual trade exhibition and wine tasting that took place yesterday at the Leopardstown Pavilion.

The list of recommended wines, on sale at 330 independent off-licences nationwide, was chosen by a panel of 18 tasters led by Jane Boyce MW (master of wine) and John Wilson.