I have been to my share of tastings, events and trade shows—enough to know they come in all shapes and sizes. Some are a flurry of wines in packed rooms with barely a chance to ask questions and take away any useful information. Others are more elegant affairs where one on one is the norm, and the opportunity to really taste and learn is at your fingertips!

Such is the case with our annual UGC Orlando, held on Wednesday, January 15th at the Rosen Shingle Creek. We hosted this event last year and attendees had the opportunity to taste nearly 50 wines from some of the top estates in Bordeaux. Tables staffed with wine professionals and estate owners happy to share their insight and a few secrets.

This year, we were fortunate to repeat the success of last year, again with 30 tables pouring 50 wines, all Bordeaux, to a crowd of nearly 150 wine smart, savvy guests who are looking for conversation and information. Add to this top quality gourmet delights and you have the recipe for one if the best wine events in the state!

Francois Despagne and Myself

It would be difficult to choose the best wines—all were from the 2011 vintage... A misunderstood vintage for certain and many of the offerings still a bit youthful and needing a few years to express their charms. But these wines were delicious! Not light or angular, but colorful and packed with flavor, weight and more near-term pleasure. Clos Marsalette from Pessac-Leognan was one of the crowd favorites… open and expressive. As was Ch. Clinet, one of my favorites. And Leoville Poyferre, Canon La Gaffeliere and Pichon Baron to name a few. Like Last year, Domaine de Chevalier White was stunning!

Shayne Hebert, Central Florida Wine Supervisor. Follow me on Twitter @abcwineshayne.