Leogate Estate awarded World’s Best New Wine at International Wine Challenge

Hunter Valley winery, Leogate Estate has taken home the “James Rodgers Trophy for the Best Wine in its First Year of Production” for its 2011 “The Basin” Reserve Shiraz at the 2014 International Wine Challenge.

The awards were held in London last night, and the judges described the drop as a “refined, cool Shiraz style with bright fruit, savoury notes, supple tannins and great drinkability. Lovely freshness on the palate which lifts and lengthens the overall flavour”.

Upon accepting the trophy, Bill and Vicki Widin of Leogate Estate Wines and Brokenback Vineyard said, “Len Evans would be delighted. His favourite vineyard has been honoured as having produced the grapes for the World’s Best New Wine.”

Leogate Estate’s Brokenback Vineyard in Pokolbin was one of Len Evans’ Rothbury Syndicate vineyards planted in the 1960’s. The Shiraz vines all original, and are situated on a low hill with direct east and west facing blocks.

In addition to the trophy, Leogate also claimed a silver medal for its “Western Slopes” 2011 Reserve Shiraz, with the judges describing the wine as “sweet, (with) ripe berries and vanilla on the nose. Peppery, roasted flavours with a concentrated great length and well balanced tannins”.