Images: Ben MacMahon, MacMahon Images
In a celebration of the finest wines from the McLaren Vale region, the trophies for the 2023 MGA Insurance McLaren Vale Wine Show were presented during the 50th Anniversary of the McLaren Vale Bushing Lunch.
Among the prestigious awards bestowed, the coveted titles of “Best Wine of Show” and the esteemed ‘Bushing Monarch’ were the standout honours of the event.
With over 700 entries vying for recognition, the 2022 Chalk Hill Wines Tempranillo Grenache secured the highest accolade.
This remarkable achievement was determined by an eminent panel of judges, including Chair of Judges Andrew Thomas from Thomas Wines in Hunter Valley, International Judge Sean Ou of The Beverage Clique in Singapore, and panel chairs Rob Mack from Aphelion Wines in McLaren Vale, Ian McKenzie representing Langhorne Creek, and Liz Silkman from First Creek Wines in Hunter Valley.
Chair of Judges Andrew Thomas, who oversaw the evaluation process, expressed his admiration for the region’s winemakers and viticulturists. He emphasised the dedication to excellence apparent in this year’s entries, particularly in the realm of red wines.
“As expected, red wines dominated the entries with the traditional regional varieties of Shiraz and Grenache certainly impressing the judges,” said Mr Thomas.
However, he also highlighted the emergence of newer and emerging varieties and blends, citing the exceptional quality of wines from the 2021 and 2022 vintages.
The 2020 Malbec from Big Easy Radio, which received the Chairperson’s Trophy, was commended as a noteworthy example.
The prestigious title of Best Wine of Show was awarded to the 2022 Chalk Hill Tempranillo Grenache, commended for its exceptional blending and winemaking artistry.
Mr. Thomas praised this wine as a “seamless example of vibrant fleshy fruit overlayed with a floral delicacy and poise,” highlighting its bright acidity and detailed tannin structure.
Erin Leggat, CEO of the McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association, celebrated the region’s rich diversity in winemaking styles and varietals.
“The innovation and creativity of McLaren Vale’s winemakers and viticulturists are really pushing the boundaries of modern winemaking,” Leggat Says.
She acknowledged that while the region has a strong legacy with traditional varieties such as Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon, it is equally thrilling to witness winemakers blending tradition with modernity to craft exciting new styles and premium wines.
The 2023 MGA Insurance McLaren Vale Wine Show not only honours tradition but also showcases the forward-thinking spirit of winemakers in McLaren Vale, solidifying the region’s reputation as a hub of diversity and excellence in Australian winemaking.
McLaren Vale Wine Show 2023 – Trophies
Best Traditional White Wine sponsored by Studio S2 Architects
MMAD Vineyard 2022 Blewitt Springs Chenin Blanc
Best New and Emerging White Wine sponsored by McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association
Lloyd Brothers 2023 McLaren Vale Picpoul
Best Fiano sponsored by Pellenc Australia
d’Arenberg 2023 The Sun Surfer Fiano
Best Rosé sponsored by Hahn Corporation
Hugo Wines 2023 Rosé
Best One Year Old Grenache sponsored by McLaren Vintners
Serafino Wines 2022 Reserve Grenache
Best One Year Old or Younger Shiraz sponsored by Radoux
Thistledown 2022 Cunning Plan Shiraz
Best Grenache Predominant Blend sponsored by Langley & Co Advisors
Wirra Wirra Vineyards 2022 Original Blend Grenache Shiraz
Best Shiraz Predominant Blend sponsored by the McLaren Vale Hotel
Shottesbrooke Vineyards Engine Room by Hamish Maguire 2022 Shiraz Tempranillo
Best Cabernet Blend sponsored by Westpac
Shottesbrooke Vineyards Engine Room by Hamish Maguire 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Sangiovese
Best Other Red and Other Blends sponsored by McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association
Chalk Hill Wines 2022 Tempranillo Grenache
Best Mediterranean Red Variety sponsored by Barrel & Finance Logistics
Hedonist Wines 2022 Tempranillo
Best Two Year or Older Grenache sponsored by AP John Coopers
S.C. Pannell 2021 Old McDonald Grenache
Best Two Year Old Shiraz sponsored by Doreau Australia
Robert Oatley 2021 Signature Series Shiraz
Best Two Year Old or Younger Cabernet Sauvignon sponsored by Tonnellerie Cadus
Bec Hardy Wines Pertaringa 2021 Rifle & Hunt Cabernet Sauvignon
Best Three Year or Older Shiraz sponsored by MCC Label
Shingleback Unedited 2018 McLaren Vale Shiraz
Best Three Year or Older Cabernet Sauvignon
No Trophy Awarded
Best Small Producer sponsored by McLaren Vale Enterprises
MMAD Vineyard
Most Successful Exhibitor sponsored by Visy
Chalk Hill Wines
Best Single Vineyard Wine Any Style (other than Shiraz) sponsored by E.E. Muir & Sons and Vin Cru
MMAD Vineyard 2022 Blewitt Springs Chenin Blanc
Best Single Vineyard Viticulturalist sponsored by G&J East
Murray Leake for MMAD Vineyard
Best Single Vineyard Shiraz sponsored by Torresan Estate
Shingleback Unedited 2018 McLaren Vale Shiraz
Best Grenache sponsored by Parallax
Serafino Wines 2022 Reserve Grenache
Best Shiraz sponsored by Lallemand
Thistledown 2022 Cunning Plan Shiraz
Best Cabernet Sauvignon sponsored by Orora
Bec Hardy Wines Pertaringa 2021 Rifle & Hunt Cabernet Sauvignon
Best Museum Wine of Show sponsored by Conexa (Willunga Basin Water)
Shingleback The Gate 2019 McLaren Vale Shiraz
Wine of Provenance sponsored by Wine Works
Hardys 2021, 2018, 2012 Eileen Hardy Shiraz
International Judge’s Wine of Show sponsored by Vinpac
Chalk Hill Wines 2022 Small Batch Release Nero D’Avola
Chairperson’s Trophy sponsored by CCL Labels
Big Easy Radio 2020 Forget Babylon Malbec
Best McLaren Vale Wine Bushing Monarch sponsored by MGA Insurance
Chalk Hill Wines 2022 Tempranillo Grenache
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