2014 Royal Sydney Wine Show – results and musings
The 2014 Macquarie Group Sydney Wine Show results were officially announced on Thursday night, with this wine scribe present at the trophy presentation dinner in my official role of ‘chief pusher of the benefits of drinking from wine show trophies’.
Sadly no one drunk wine out of said trophies, though I worked hard on Jonathan Holgate from Tertini. His Riesling trophy looked particularly suitable for drinking from (it was a huge metal cup).
What the evening (and the WCA Sydney Wine Show Trophy Winners lunch on Friday) did allow was a really good look at some of the trophy winning wines, which is always an interesting exercise (if just to gauge wine trends). Again Treasury Wine Estates were the biggest winners, with the resurgent Rosemount and ever-present Wolf Blass wineries picking up a whole bagful of trophies, along with Seppelt and Coldstream Hills…
Beyond the wines, we were also treated to a notably thoughtful pair of speeches from outgoing Wine Show Chairman Iain Riggs and Guest Judge Lisa Perrotti-Brown, with both articulating some points of view that were hard to argue against.
For Riggsy, that entailed a delightfully blunt ribbing of the big company winemakers in the room, imploring them to support the regional and capital city wine shows instead of the ‘quasi-regional’ shows that lack the same level of professional rigour. Cairns, Rutherglen and Cowra Wine Shows – you’re clearly in the Riggs firing line.
Lisa (happily) used her Thursday night speech to champion Australian Grenache, handing out her special judges trophy to a 2012 McLaren Vale Grenache and encouraging Australians to really push our old vine Grenache even more.
Similarly, she used her Friday speech to talk about the importance of umbrella wines – the blue-chip Australian wines that our nation, noting again how good Australian Chardonnay has become. No arguments on that count from me…
As for the wines? As ever – and tasting a few of the winners reminded me of this – it’s hard to agree with all of the judges decisions for the top, yet no doubting that there is a reason why each wine won. That means certain wines which looked particularly aromatic (which would make them standout in lineup) or especially varietal (again, helps them be noticed) appear to have taken out the trophies (not that there is anything necessarily wrong with that either).
I’ve thus listed the trophy winner below with full results available via the Sydney Royal Wine Show website here.
Trophy winners:
| THE DOUGLAS LAMB PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by the Family and Friends of the late Douglas Lamb, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Riesling. | ||
| Winner | 55 | TERTINI WINES MITTAGONG NSW 2575 RIESLING (2013) Website: www.tertiniwines.com.au |
| THE RAS OF NSW ANNUAL PRIZE FOR BEST SAUVIGNON BLANC. Presented by the RAS of NSW, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Sauvignon Blanc. | ||
| Winner | 86 | BRASH VINEYARD GREENWOOD WA 6924 SAUVIGNON BLANC (2013) Website: www.brashvineyard.com.au |
| THE DAVID CLARKE MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by Jane, Timothy and Angus Clarke and Maxine Cooley, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Semillon. | ||
| Winner | 12 | MCGUIGAN HUNTER POKOLBIN NSW 2325 BIN 9000 SEMILLON (2007) Website: www.australianvintage.com.au |
| THE LESLIE KEMENY MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by Kemeny’s Food and Liquor, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Pinot Grigio/Gris. | ||
| Winner | 61 | MONTALTO VINEYARD & OLIVE GROVE RED HILL SOUTH VIC 3937 “PENNON HILL” PINOT GRIGIO (2013) Website: www.montalto.com.au |
| THE A P JOHN COOPERS PERENNIAL TROPHY. Donated by A P John Coopers, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Chardonnay. | ||
| Winner | 35 | WOLF BLASS WINES PTY LTD NURIOOTPA SA 5355 WHITE LABEL CHARDONNAY (2012) Website: www.tweglobal.com |
| THE LIQUORLAND PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by Liquorland, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best White Blend <85%. | ||
| Winner | 75 | WATERSHED PREMIUM WINES MARGARET RIVER WA 6285 SHADES SAUVIGNON BLANC SEMILLON (2013) |
| THE BERT BEAR MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by the First Thursday Luncheon Club, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Other White Varietal >=85%. | ||
| Winner | 2 | TAHBILK WINERY NAGAMBIE VIC 3608 1927 VINES MARSANNE (2005) Website: www.tahbilk.com.au |
| THE DR HENRY JOHN LINDEMAN MEMORIAL PERPETUAL PRIZE. Donated by Lindeman (Holdings) Limited, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Aged White Wine. | ||
| Winner | 20 | MCLEISH ESTATE POKOLBIN NSW 2320 SEMILLON (2007) Website: www.mcleishhunterwines.com.au |
| THE HANAMINNO PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by Mr Michael Arnott and Family, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Sweet White Wine. | ||
| Winner | 24 | THE WINERY HANWOOD NSW 2680 THE STICKY ITALIAN BOTRYTIS SEMILLON (2009) Website: www.twoitalianboys.com |
| The Hanaminno Annual Prize for the Best Sweet White Wine, supported by Mr Michael Arnott and Family. | ||
| Winner | 24 | THE WINERY HANWOOD NSW 2680 THE STICKY ITALIAN BOTRYTIS SEMILLON (2009) Website: www.twoitalianboys.com |
| THE DAN MURPHY’S VALUE PERENNIAL TROPHY. Donated by First Estate Wine Merchants, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Value White Wine. | ||
| Winner | 56 | BROWN BROTHERS MILAWA VINEYARD PTY LTD MILAWA VIC 3678 18 EIGHTY NINE KING VALLEY PINOT GRIGIO (2013) Website: www.brownbrothers.com.au |
| THE WINE COMMUNICATORS OF AUSTRALIA PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by The Wine Press Club of NSW, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Red Blend <85%. | ||
| Winner | 3 | ROSEMOUNT ESTATES PTY LTD NURIOOTPA SA 5355 GSM (2012) Website: www.tweglobal.com |
| Prize (Annual Trophy) for the best Red Blend <85%, supported by the Wine Communicators of Australia. | ||
| Winner | 3 | ROSEMOUNT ESTATES PTY LTD NURIOOTPA SA 5355 GSM (2012) Website: www.tweglobal.com |
| THE GEOFFREY CRUNDALL PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by Geoffrey Crundall Cellars, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Pinot Noir. | ||
| Winner | 46 | B SEPPELT & SONS LIMITED NURIOOTPA SA 5355 DRUMBORG PINOT NOIR (2012) Website: www.tweglobal.com |
| THE DRINKS ASSOCIATION PERENNIAL TROPHY. Donated by the Liquor Merchants Association of Australia, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Shiraz. | ||
| Winner | 104 | LOBETHAL ROAD WINES MT TORRENS SA 5244 SHIRAZ (2012) Website: www.lobethalroad.com |
| THE DAN MURPHY’S PERENNIAL TROPHY. Donated by Dan Murphy’s, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Cabernet Sauvignon. | ||
| Winner | 22 | BRANDS LAIRA HANWOOD NSW 2680 ONE SEVEN ONE CABERNET SAUVIGNON (2010) Website: www.mcwilliamswinesgroup.com |
| THE ARTHUR KELMAN PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by the Daughters of the late Arthur Kelman, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Merlot. | ||
| Winner | 11 | BANKS THARGO WINES MAAOUPE SA 5277 MERLOT (2012) Website: www.banksthargo.com.au |
| THE JOHN SWANN PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Shiraz/Grenache/Mouvedre or blends thereof. | ||
| Winner | 3 | ROSEMOUNT ESTATES PTY LTD NURIOOTPA SA 5355 GSM (2012) Website: www.tweglobal.com |
| THE JONES, STEAINS AND WALLER PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by A W & A Pardey, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Other Red Varietal >=85%. | ||
| Winner | 13 | BROWN BROTHERS MILAWA VINEYARD PTY LTD MILAWA VIC 3678 CELLAR DOOR RELEASE MONTEPULCIANO (2013) Website: www.brownbrothers.com.au |
| THE RUDY KOMON MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by Mrs Ruth Komon, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Rosé. | ||
| Winner | 6 | DANDELION VINEYARDS MCLAREN VALE SA 5171 FAIRYTALE OF THE BAROSSA (2013) Website: www.dandelionvineyards.com.au |
| THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SYDNEY PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Other Red Blend <85%. | ||
| Winner | 13 | ROSEMOUNT ESTATES PTY LTD NURIOOTPA SA 5355 NURSERY PROJECT GMG (2012) Website: www.tweglobal.com |
| THE THEO AND HELEN KAREDIS PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by Theo’s Liquor Markets, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Aged Red Wine. | ||
| Winner | 18 | HOUGHTON WINES REYNELLA SA 5161 C.W FERGUSON CABERNET SAUVIGNON MALBEC (2008) Website: www.houghton-wines.com.au |
| THE AUSTRALIAN WINE AND BRANDY CORPORATION PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Value Red Wine. | ||
| Winner | 26 | WOLF BLASS WINES PTY LTD NURIOOTPA SA 5355 RED LABEL SHIRAZ GRENACHE (2013) Website: www.tweglobal.com |
| THE THORP ANNUAL TROPHY. Donated by the late Mr G M Thorp, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Sparkling White Wine. | ||
| Winner | 55 | HOUSE OF ARRAS REYNELLA SA 5161 GRAND VINTAGE (2004) Website: www.houseofarras.com.au |
| THE LEN EVANS MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by the Wine Committee of the RAS of NSW and the family and friends of Len Evans, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Single Vineyard Wine. | ||
| Winner | 20 | MCLEISH ESTATE POKOLBIN NSW 2320 SEMILLON (2007) Website: www.mcleishhunterwines.com.au |
| THE RESTAURANT AND CATERING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by the Restaurant and Catering Association of NSW, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Small Producer Wine. | ||
| Winner | 20 | MCLEISH ESTATE POKOLBIN NSW 2320 SEMILLON (2007) Website: www.mcleishhunterwines.com.au |
| THE J C M FORNACHON MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by the late Rudy Komon, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Fortified Wine. | ||
| Winner | 2 | MORRIS WINES ROWLAND FLAT SA 5352 OLD PREMIUM LIQUEUR MUSCAT (NV) |
| THE JJ MCWILLIAM MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by McWilliam’s Wines Pty Ltd, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Brandy. | ||
| Winner | 1 | ANGOVE FAMILY WINEMAKERS RENMARK SA 5341 ST AGNES XXX (NV) Website: www.angove.com.au |
| THE HARRY DAVIES MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by the late Mrs D C Davies, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Port. | ||
| Winner | 4 | GRANT BURGE WINES TANUNDA SA 5352 20YO TAWNY (NV) Website: www.grantburgewines.com.au |
| THE NSW DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES JAMES BUSBY PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best NSW Wine. | ||
| Winner | 20 | MCLEISH ESTATE POKOLBIN NSW 2320 SEMILLON (2007) Website: www.mcleishhunterwines.com.au |
| THE ALBERT CHAN MEMORIAL PRIZE. Donated by Friends of the late Albert Chan, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best White Wine. | ||
| Winner | 35 | WOLF BLASS WINES PTY LTD NURIOOTPA SA 5355 WHITE LABEL CHARDONNAY (2012) Website: www.tweglobal.com |
| THE DR GILBERT PHILLIPS MEMORIAL PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by the Wine Society, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Red Wine. | ||
| Winner | 104 | LOBETHAL ROAD WINES MT TORRENS SA 5244 SHIRAZ (2012) Website: www.lobethalroad.com |
| THE MACQUARIE GROUP PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by Macquarie Group, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Wine of Show. | ||
| Winner | 104 | LOBETHAL ROAD WINES MT TORRENS SA 5244 SHIRAZ (2012) Website: www.lobethalroad.com |
| THE FINE WINE PARTNERS PERPETUAL TROPHY. Donated by Tucker Seabrook (Aust) P/L, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best State Wine Show Wine exhibited at major State Wine Shows within the twelve months preceding judging. | ||
| Winner | 0 | COLDSTREAM HILLS ROYAL ADELAIDE WINE SHOW COLDSTREAM HILLS RESERVE CHARDONNAY (2011) |
| THE INTERNATIONAL GUEST JUDGE ANNUAL PRIZE. Supported by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, awarded to the Exhibitor of the best Wine judged by the International Guest Judge. | ||
| Winner | 6 | PENNY’S HILL MCLAREN VALE SA 5171 ‘THE EXPERIMENT’ GRENACHE (2012) Website: www.pennyshill.com.au |
Tasted – some of the trophy winners:
Montalto Pennon Hill Pinot Grigio 2013 (Trophy: Best Pinot Grigio/Gris)
Succinctly varietal. Really rather intense. Chalk and pear. A sour and defined palate. Perhaps too sour and overtly varietal but excellent palate definition. I’m not a fan per se but can appreciate the intensity. 17/20, 90/100
Mcguigan Bin 9000 Semillon 2007 (Trophy: Best Semillon)
Lovely gentle lemon toast. Plenty of lanolin. A little light on the intensity but genuine stuff. I would happily drink plenty of this (and had a few glasses on the night). 17.8/20, 92/100
Coldstream Hills Reserve Chardonnay 2011 (Trophy: Best State Wine Show Wine of the last 12 months)
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| Yours truly with Danielle Kennedy |
Sexy oak. Spicy sexy new oak. Lots of oak on palate and spicy as hell. Is it too much of an oak drawn wine? Not sure. Gee it’s delicious though. Excellent, mealy flavours and superstar acidity. Delicious now and with even more to come. 18.3/20, 93/100+
Arras Grand Vintage 2004 (Trophy: Best Sparkling White Wine)
Biscuity and quite yeast developed nose. Lovely. Quite gentle palate doesn’t have that Champagne chalk but the complexity is superb. Soft acid but joyously complex and even a little bit funky. Such deliciousness! Gold medal and I’d drink this over plenty of average vintage Champagne. 18.5/20, 94/100
Tertini Riesling 2013 (Trophy: Best Riesling)
Lemon and acid phenolics. So backwards. Compact and perhaps too dry but certainly powerful and grapefruity. Real intensity but perhaps not overly affable. I’d prefer to drink this in about 3 years time. Much promise. 17.5/20, 91/100+
Lobethal Road Shiraz 2012 (3 Trophies: Best Shiraz, Best Red Wine, Wine of Show)
Lobethal Road Shiraz 2012 (3 Trophies: Best Shiraz, Best Red Wine, Wine of Show)
Perfume red berry menthol with a suggestion of Viognier in there too. Slightly slutty fruit before bitter finish. Pleasant. Flashy oak really lifts this up. Mid-weight and certainly a contemporary cool-clime Shiraz but not distinguished. Style first. Loses its shape through he finish which is a bit blanched and broad. 16.8/20, 89/100
Seppelt Drumborg Pinot Noir 2012 (Trophy: Best Pinot Noir)
Finally nails the ripeness this year. Quite a syrupy nose and certainly fuller and red fruit boozy to match the underlying herbalness. Almost Central Otago juicy weight. Some stem fragrance in there too. Warm alcohol. A surprisingly juicy red fruited wine but also has some sappy bitterness too. Clever. Enjoyable. 18/20, 93/100
Brown Brothers Cellar Door Release Montepulciano 2013 (Trophy: Best Other Red Varietal)
Lovely purple fruit – clearly a juicy fruit driven young wine that won on the nose. Palate is simple and displays a short young vine tutti-fruti nature. It’s ok but not trophy quality – closer to fruit juice than something more varietal and serious. 16/20, 87/100
Rosemount GSM 2012 (2 Trophies: Best Red Blend, Best Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvedre and blends)
Confected but entirely pure in its Grenachey expression. Fruit is a bit playdoh and over filtered/polished. Very pleasant though. I just wish it was a bit more feral and less ultra-smooth. Can understand why it wins awards though – technically it is flawless. 17.5/20, 91/100
Morris Old Premium Muscat NV (Trophy: Best Fortified)
Sensational. Ultra rich, ultra black, wildly intense and actually delightfully drinkable. I drank 2 glasses of this without even noticing. Such length! Super sweet but needs to be. Surprisingly fresh considering age of material. Stunning wine (as ever). 19/20, 96/100
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