Victorian Wine Show 2017/18 award winners

T H E B E S T O F V I C TO R I A V I C T O R I A N W I N E S H O W AWA R D W I N N E R S

B E N C H M A R K I N G V I C TO R I A N W I N E S S I N C E 1 9 8 1

WELCOME

THE STRENGTH OF VICTORIA’S wine industry is in its diversity.

More than 600 Victorian winemakers, working in 22 distinct growing regions, produce some of Australia’s best wine. And the world is taking notice.

In 2016/17, Victorian wine exports hit a record $290 million – up 16 per cent from the previous year. It means that today, our wines are being enjoyed in more homes, restaurants and bars around the world.

But while our exports may be global, our jobs focus is local. Through initiatives such as the Victorian Wine Industry Development Strategy, and the Wine Growth Fund, this Government is giving our winemakers the support they need to grow and prosper. That includes our support for the 2017 Victorian Wine Show.

As the largest gathering of Victorian wines in any one place, the Victorian Wine Show gives winemakers the opportunity to showcase their wines, grow their business and local jobs. The Show was also an opportunity to award the new Premier’s Trophy to the wine judged Victoria’s best. I would like to extend my congratulations to the inaugural winner, Burke and Wills Winery.

Initiatives like these, as well as our travel scholarship for a local winemaker to expand their skills, are just some of the ways we’re making sure Victorians continue making some of the world’s best wines. We’re proud to support Victorian wine, and we’re even prouder to back the people who make it.

The Hon. Daniel Andrews MP, Premier of Victoria

EVEN IN AUSTRALIA, one of the world’s most distinguished nations for winemaking, Victoria stands out. We have more cellar doors than any other state, with the industry contributing $7.6 billion to our economy and directly employing nearly 13,000 Victorians. We are rightly proud of our wine industry, but we should never stop looking for ways to make it even bigger and better.

That’s why, last year, I launched the Victorian Wine Industry Development Strategy 2017–2021, a document written in close partnership with those in the business. The Strategy will strengthen the links between winemakers and our food and regional tourism sectors, while also unlocking new export markets.

Importantly, we’re putting our money where our mouth is. As part of our $1 million commitment to grow the industry, the Andrews Labor Government has established the Wine Growth Fund. The Fund supports businesses to increase visitation to our wine regions, develop export markets, and, ultimately, create new jobs for Victorians. It’s just one way that we’re working hand in hand with our wine industry, supporting an iconic part of our state.

The Hon. Jaala Pulford MP Minister for Agriculture Minister for Regional Development

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Victor ian Win e Sh ow / W I N E O F T H E Y E A R

THE PREMIER ’S TROPHY FOR BEST VIC TORIAN WINE OF THE YEAR S U P P O R T E D B Y T H E S TAT E G OV E R N M E N T O F V I C TO R I A

2015 Burke & Wills Vat 1 Heathcote Shiraz Q UA L I F I E D W I T H F O U R R E G I O NA L T R O P H I E S | R R P $60

Winemaker Andrew Pattison: “This is a balanced, cellar-worthy shiraz grown on our cool-climate vineyard. The winemaking is simple and traditional, with maturation taking place in Francois Frere oak barrels of varying ages. The concentrated fruit and savoury spice prove that Heathcote is shiraz and shiraz is Heathcote.”

Judges’ note: “This wine displays the best attributes of Victorian shiraz: richness and concentration without being heavy or over-worked. It is all beautiful ripe fruit from an obviously lowcropped vineyard, and no jamminess. It was chosen as the best wine by more judges than any other, which is no mean feat when you consider the high-calibre and wide-ranging entrants – all regional best-in-show winners.”

Burke & Wills Winery ★★★★ Region: Heathcote Vignerons: Andrew Pattison, Heather McCormack Cellar door open by appointment 89 Coombes Lane, Mia Mia Telephone: 03 5425 5400 Email: wineandmusic@bigpond.com Website: wineandmusic.net 03

C L A S S I C R E D S / Victor ian Win e Sh ow

BEST WINE OF SHOW TROPHY SPONSORED BY SAINT MARTIN

BEST RED WINE T R O P H Y S P O N S O R E D B Y E N O LT E C H

BEST PINOT NOIR TROPHY SPONSORED BY CL ASSIC OAK

2015 Coldstream Hills Deer Farm Vineyard Pinot Noir C L A S S 1 5 E X H I B I T 1 / R R P $5 0

Winemaker Andrew Fleming: “The palate of this wine is plush and textural with great purity and depth. Vibrant characters of dark cherry and blueberry are abundant and are supported by seamless French oak and spice. The tannins are silky and persistent culminating in a wine of purity, great length and complexity.”

Judges’ note: “Light red with hints of purple in colour.

Attractive dark cherry and raspberry underpinned by classy oak with brooding attitude. The palate is plush and silky on entry, all supported by juicy dark red fruits, spice and tightly wound oak flavours.

A pure wine with layers of complexity and great length. All class.”

Coldstream Hills ★★★★★ Region: Yarra Valley Winemakers: Andrew Fleming, Greg Jarratt Cellar door open daily, 10am-5pm 29 Maddens Lane, Coldstream Telephone: 03 5960 7000 Email: cellardoor@coldstreamhills.com.au Website: coldstreamhills.com.au 04

Victor ian Win e Sh ow / C L A S S I C R E D S

BEST SHIRA Z TROPHY SPONSORED BY WINEQUIP

2014 Blue Pyrenees Estate Section One Shiraz C L A S S 1 7 E X H I B I T 73 | R R P $42

Winemaker Andrew Koerner: “This wine delivers ripe blueberry fruit aromas plus earth, spice and toasty oak. On the palate, dark fruits and liquorice are intermingled with forest undergrowth notes, which precede long, fine tannins and a rosemaryflavoured finish. The medium weight but firm structure and fruit vibrancy allow for a broad range of food matches.” * The 2014 has sold out at cellar door.

Access to museum bottles is exclusively for Blue Pyrenees Single Vineyard Wine Club members.

The 2015 is currently available.

Judges’ note: “Excellent colour, deep and rich. Great regional expression on the nose with dark berry fruits, plums and spicy oak. The palate is generously flavoured but balanced with stylish tannins and an energetic finish.”

Blue Pyrenees Estate ★★★★★

Region: Pyrenees Winemakers: Andrew Koerner, Chris Smales Cellar door open seven days, 11am-5pm Vinoca Rd, Avoca Telephone: 03 5465 1111 Email: reception@bluepyrenees.com.au Website: bluepyrenees.com.au 05

R O S É / Victor ian Win e Sh ow

BEST ROSÉ TROPHY SPONSORED BY L AFFORT

2017 Brown Brothers 1889 Dry Rosé C L A S S 1 2 E X H I B I T 39 | R R P $ 19

Chief winemaker Joel Tilbrook: “Our second 1889 Dry Rosé is a refreshing blend including shiraz, cabernet and tempranillo that makes for the perfect summer wine for enjoying with friends. The nose is bright with strawberry, watermelon and citrus, while the combination of varieties brings complexity to the palate.”

Brown Brothers

★★★★★

Region: Victoria Winemakers: Katherine Brown, Tom Canning, Geoff Alexander, Cate Looney Cellar door open daily, 9am-5pm Milawa-Bobinawarrah Rd, Milawa Telephone: 03 5720 5500 / Email: info@brownbrothers.com.au Website: brownbrothers.com.au

O T H E R W H I T E S / Victor ian Win e Sh ow

BEST ALTERNATIVE WHITE T R O P H Y S P O N S O R E D B Y V I C TO R I A N W I N E S H O W C O M M I T T E E

2012 Tahbilk 1927 Vines Marsanne C L A S S 7 E X H I B I T 8 | R R P $46.50

Winemaker Alister Purbrick: “The 2012 vintage is intense and vibrant with a defined mineral edge. It has a fresh, breathtakingly clean palate of lime and citrus notes with hints of ginger and spice.

It is a wine of energy and zest that is wonderfully expressive now and will develop further over an extended period of cellaring.”

Tahbilk

★★★★★

Region: Nagambie Lakes Winemakers: Alister Purbrick, Neil Larson, Alan George Cellar door open weekdays 9am-5pm, weekends 10am-5pm 254 O’Neils Rd, Tahbilk Telephone: 03 5794 2555 / Email: admin@tahbilk.com.au Website: tahbilk.com.au 06

Victor ian Win e Sh ow / S P A R K L I N G

BEST SPARKLING T R O P H Y S P O N S O R E D B Y O Z PA K

2012 Greenstone Vineyards Estate Methode Traditionelle Sparkling C L A S S 2 4 E X H I B I T 21 | R R P $ 40

Winemaker Travis Bush: “Each vineyard block component of this fine sparkling was harvested at its optimum fruit and acid balance suited to the style. A palate of lemon tart, green apple, bread and white peach is finished with a creamy elegance.”

Greenstone Vineyards Region: Yarra Valley Winemakers: Travis Bush, Sam Atherton Cellar door open Thursday to Monday, 10am-5pm 179 Glenview Rd, Yarra Glen Telephone: 03 9730 1022 / Email: info@greenstonevineyards.com.au Website: greenstonevineyards.com.au

Victor ian Win e Sh ow / O T H E R R E D S

BEST ALTERNATIVE RED TROPHY SPONSORED BY HAHN

2016 DogRock Grenache C L A S S 2 0 E X H I B I T 21 | R R P $ 30

Winemaker Allen Hart: “This is a complex and generous wine from a great year. It has an abundance of vibrant red fruits and a long, succulent finish. It is a true reflection of the DogRock style, made sustainably in small volumes, and one of Australia’s few coolclimate grenache wines.”

DogRock Winery

★★★★★

Region: Pyrenees Vignerons: Allen and Andrea Hart Cellar door open by appointment 114 Degraves Rd, Crowlands Telephone: 0409280317 / Email: wines@dogrock.com.au Website: dogrock.com.au 07

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2 1: Andrew Fleming of Coldstream Hills with Saint Martin’s Garry King.

2. Grampians Estate’s Tom Guthrie and Andrew McLean of Royal Selangor.

3: Show director Robert Paul with Meg Brodtmann.

4: Judging in action.

5: Maygars Hill’s Jenny Houghton and Benjamin Testa of Labelhouse.

6: Trent Griffiths of Helen & Joey Estate with Winequip’s Rob Gore.

7: Judging was held at Mitchelton.

8: Andrew Pattison and Heather McCormack of Burke & Wills with show director Robert Paul.

9: Chris Smales of Blue Pyrenees, Allen and Andrea Hart of DogRock, Tom Guthrie of Grampians Estate, Hamish Thomson of Best’s Great Western.

10: Katherine Brown of Brown Brothers with Robin Querre of Laffort.

11: Sam Atherton of Greenstone Vineyards with chief judge Andrew Santarossa.

12: Robyn Pfeiffer of Pfeiffer Wines and Mitchelton’s Travis Clydesdale.

13: The trophy winners.

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THANK YOU TO OU R SP ONS ORS AN D S U P P ORTERS

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ANTHONY F I KKE RS OF F I KKE RS WI N ES WON TH E I NAU G U RAL VIC TOR IAN WI N E SHOW TRAVE L S C HOL ARSHIP

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“I plan to investigate when and how to use whole-bunch fermentation for red wines, in particular pinot noir, gamay and shiraz,” Anthony says. “I will travel to Burgundy, Beaujolais and the Rhone Valley to meet with benchmark producers and discuss how they decide to use whole-bunch and then undertake fermentation. I will bring these ideas back to Victoria and share them with local winemakers.

I’m convinced whole-bunch fermentation can add freshness and vibrancy to red wine. The question is how to achieve these goals and avoid making unbalanced wines.”

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VIC TORIAN WINE SHOW

C L A S S I C W H I T E S / Victor ian Win e Sh ow

BEST WHITE WINE TROPHY SPONSORED BY WINEQUIP

BEST CHARDONNAY T R O P H Y S P O N S O R E D B Y C O O P E R A G E S 1912

2015 Helen & Joey Estate Alena Chardonnay C L A S S 8 E X H I B I T 39 | R R P $4 5

Winemaker Meg Brodtmann: “This is a wine of power, strength and elegance. The oak is initially evident on the nose with aromas of vanilla and clove. The wine has a distinct minerality on both the nose and the palate, which is supported by the lemon pith, nectarine and just-ripe pear flavours. The wine is elegant and fine with a long, mouthwatering finish.”

Judges’ note: “Quality French oak is initially evident on the nose, followed by citrus peel and white flower florals. A distinct wet slate minerality on the nose and palate, supported by lemon pith, white peach and crunchy nectarine flavours. Refined with a long, persistant finish. A wine of substance, power and elegance.”

Helen & Joey Estate ★★★★I Region: Yarra Valley Winemaker: Meg Brodtmann Cellar door open daily, 11am-5pm 12-14 Spring Ln, Gruyere Telephone: 1800 989 463 Email: cellardoor@hjestate.com.au Website: helenandjoeyestate.com.au 10

Victor ian Win e Sh ow / C L A S S I C V A R I E T A L S

BEST RIESLING TROPHY SPONSORED BY AIR LIQUIDE

2017 Best’s Great Western Riesling C L A S S 1 E X H I B I T 9 | R R P $25

Winemaker Justin Purser: “The youthful freshness of this wine is a good sign for its long life in the cellar. The bouquet includes lifted aromas of kaffir lime, guava and jasmine, with a background of red apple and lime zest. On the palate you can expect fine lime flavours with mouthcoating texture and a lingering steely finish.”

Best’s Great Western

★★★★★

Region: Great Western Winemaker: Justin Purser Cellar door open daily, 10am-5pm 111 Bests Rd, Great Western Telephone: 03 5356 2250 / Email: info@bestswines.com Website: bestswines.com

BEST CABERNET SAUVIGNON S U P P O R T E D B Y F L E XC U B E

2016 Best’s Great Western Cabernet Sauvignon C L A S S 1 8 E X H I B I T 4 | R R P $2 5

Winemaker Justin Purser: “This is a fine example of the Great Western regional style; showing mocha and berry fruit with a solid mid-palate weight. The palate is fine but intense with a core of vibrant dark fruit, while powdery tannins point the way through a long finish. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a hearty beef casserole.”

Best’s Great Western

★★★★★

Region: Great Western Winemaker: Justin Purser Cellar door open daily, 10am-5pm 111 Bests Rd, Great Western Telephone: 03 5356 2250 / Email: info@bestswines.com Website: bestswines.com 11

M U S E U M / Victor ian Win e Sh ow

BEST MUSEUM WINE S U P P O R T E D B Y R O YA L S E L A N G O R

2006 Grampians Estate St Ethel’s Shiraz C L A S S 3 4 E X H I B I T 11 | R R P $ 50

Winemaker Tom Guthrie: “Thanks to the screwcap, this wine – sourced from vines planted in 1883 – has retained its freshness and tapestry of complex flavours with intensity and spice. On release in 2009, it was described by James Halliday as ‘rich, textured and complex…[with] attractive liquorice nuances to spicy black fruits; good tannin and oak’.” *Only a few dozen bottles of this wine remain in the Grampians Estate museum.

Grampians Estate

★★★★★

Region: Great Western Vignerons: Tom and Sarah Guthrie Cellar door open daily, 10am-5pm 1477 Western Hwy, Great Western Telephone: 03 5356 2400 / Email: info@grampiansestate.com.au Website: grampiansestate.com.au

S M A L L P R O D U C E R / Victor ian Win e Sh ow

BEST SMALL PRODUCER SUPPORTED BY L ABELHOUSE

2015 Maygars Hill Shiraz C L A S S 1 7 E X H I B I T 19 | R R P $ 30

Vigneron Jenny Houghton: “This is a very full-bodied shiraz with scads of black fruits, liquorice and dark chocolate all jostling for first foot on the ladder of flavours. Grown in the foothills of the Strathbogie Ranges, this wine will impress whether you drink it now or cellar it for 10 years.” * This wine is sold out; the 2016 vintage is currently available.

Maygars Hill Winery

★★★★★

Region: Strathbogie Ranges Vigneron: Jenny Houghton Cellar door open by appointment 53 Longwood Mansfield Rd, Longwood East Telephone: 0402 136 448 / Email: jenny@maygarshill.com.au Website: maygarshill.com.au 12

Victor ian Win e Sh ow / F O R T I F I E D S

BEST FORTIFIED TROPHY SPONSORED BY WINEMAKERS OF RU THERGLEN

Morris Old Premium Rare Liqueur Muscat C L A S S 3 1 E X H I B I T 5 | R R P $9 0/ 500 M L

Winemaker David Morris: “The art of crafting the Rare Range lies in blending very old and much younger wines. The older wines impart intense, concentrated and luscious flavours with aged complexity, complementing the fresh, fruit characters of the younger wines. This wine is exceptionally rich, with aromas and flavours of sweet spices and dried raisins – a delectable reminder of a traditional Christmas pudding.”

Morris Wines

★★★★★

Region: Rutherglen Winemaker: David Morris Cellar door open 9am-5pm weekdays, 10am-5pm weekends: Mia Mia Rd, Rutherglen Telephone: 02 6026 7303 / Email: cellardoor@morriswines.com Website: morriswines.com

Victor ian Win e Sh ow / O T H E R W H I T E S

BEST EMERGING VARIETAL SUPPORTED BY RIEDEL

2017 Rutherglen Estates Arneis C L A S S 2 0 E X H I B I T 21 | R R P $ 24

Winemaker Marc Scalzo: “Our arneis has a slightly herbaceous, spicy aroma, flavours of almond and pears, a lovely fresh acidity, generous fruit weight on the mid-palate, and a delicate lingering aftertaste.”

Rutherglen Estates

★★★★I

Region: Rutherglen Winemaker: Marc Scalzo Cellar door open daily, 10am-5.30pm Tuileries Complex, 13-35 Drummond St, Rutherglen Telephone: 02 6032 7999 Email: administration@rutherglenestates.com.au Website: rutherglenestates.com.au 13

Victor ian Win e Sh ow

MOST SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR W I N N E R O F T H E C O L I N J. R I C H A R D S O N M E M O R I A L T R O P H Y, S P O N S O R E D B Y M I TC H E LTO N W I N E S

Pfeiffer Wines ★★★★★ Gold medal-winning wines: 2016 Pfeiffer Shiraz 2015 Pfeiffer Christopher’s VP Pfeiffer Grand Rutherglen Muscat Pfeiffer Rutherglen Muscat Pfeiffer Classic Rutherglen Tawny Pfeiffer Rare Rutherglen Topaque Custodian Robyn Pfeiffer: “To win the Colin Richardson Memorial Trophy for Most Successful Exhibitor, in honour of a wonderful friend and wine industry colleague, is an enormous and emotional thrill. Colin encouraged everyone, including us, to believe in the Victorian wine industry and to learn about its craft. To accept this trophy for our wines is a privilege and a pleasure.”

Region: Rutherglen Winemakers: Chris and Jen Pfeiffer Cellar door open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-5pm 167 Distillery Rd, Wahgunyah Telephone: 02 6033 2805 Email: cellardoor@pfeifferwines.com.au Website: pfeifferwines.com.au 14

OTHER GOLD MEDAL WINNING WINES VIC TORIAN WINE SHOW

2016 Galli Estate Lorenzo Shiraz 2016 Montalto Estate Shiraz 2016 McPherson Wine Co. Don’t Tell Gary Shiraz 2016 Pfeiffer Shiraz 2015 Four Sisters Shiraz 2015 Coldstream Hills Reserve Shiraz 2015 Greenstone Vineyards Reserve Shiraz 2015 Heathcote Winery Mail Coach Shiraz 2015 Summerfield Sahsah Shiraz 2013 Blue Pyrenees Estate Dry Grown Shiraz 2012 Mitchelton Print Shiraz 2012 Sanguine Estate Progeny Shiraz 2016 Best’s Great Western Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Four Sisters Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Mitchelton Preece Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Humble Vine Selected Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Tahbilk Old Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Taltarni Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Foxeys Hangout Scotsworth Farm Pinot Noir 2016 Montalto Red Hill Block Pinot Noir 2016 Seville Estate Pinot Noir 2016 Santolin Cosa Nostra Nero d’Avola 2015 Soumah Single Vineyard Nebbiolo 2015 Taltarni Cabernet Merlot Petit Verdot 2016 Capella Vineyard Chardonnay 2016 Montalto The Eleven Chardonnay 2016 Montalto Estate Chardonnay 2016 St Huberts Chardonnay 2015 Jack Rabbit Vineyard Chardonnay 2017 Risky Business Pinot Grigio 2017 Foxeys Hangout Pinot Gris 2017 McPherson Wine Co. La Vue Pinot Gris 2015 Tahbilk Rousanne Marsanne Viognier 2009 Mitchelton Marsanne 2017 Dinny Goonan Single Vineyard Riesling 2015 Granite Hills Late Harvest Riesling 2014 Brown Brothers Patricia Noble Riesling 2012 Fowles Wines Stone Dwellers Riesling 2008 Upton Run Riesling 2017 Galli Estate Camelback Grenache Rosé 2017 Blue Pyrenees Estate Bone Dry Rosé 2017 Redbank Prosecco 2013 Seppelt Salinger Pinot Noir Chardonnay Sparkling Blue Pyrenees Estate Sparkling Shiraz Gapsted Wines Sparkling Saperavi 2015 Pfeiffer Christopher’s VP 2009 Morris VP Morris Cellar One Topaque Morris Old Premium Muscat Morris Cellar Reserve Grand Topaque Morris Old Premium Topaque Pfeiffer Grand Rutherglen Muscat Pfeiffer Rutherglen Muscat Pfeiffer Classic Rutherglen Tawny Pfeiffer Rare Rutherglen Topaque

B E N C H M A R K I N G V I C TO R I A N W I N E S S I N C E 1 9 8 1 V I C T O R I A N W I N E S S H O W. C O M . A U