Hunter Winemaker's Celebrate Top Winners
Hunter Valley Winemaker's Celebrated the top winners of the 2016 Clear Image Hunter Valley Wine Show today at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. Chairman of the Judges for the 2016 Clear Image Hunter Valley Wine Show, PJ Charteris, has labelled local winemakers as “a pretty canny lot” after the tasting concluded.
“On the first morning tasting the 2016 Semillons there were some real highlights from what was a challenging vintage. To look at wines with purity and clarity varietal characteristics was very, very positive for the region,” he said. “So that was neat to see straight off the bat.”
In total 59 gold, 108 silver and 208 bronze medals were awarded as well as 24 trophies as part of the celebrations luncheon with 350 guest attending one of the wine industry's most important annual events that took place today, Friday 19th August. Show President David Flynn said it was a fantastic result for the Hunter.
A full media kit and list of Trophy Winners can be found here and Gold Medal winners here.
“Once again we’ve seen the longevity and quality of our Semillons demonstrated with a 2009 vintage from Tyrrell's Wines taking out the Best White of Show trophy.” Mr Flynn also declared the online judging system, a pilot program developed in partnership with the Australian Wine Research Institute, a real success. “We sought a solution for front end entries through to the database and also online judging through to producing the results. We wanted a system that was integrated and efficient. “Not only did we produce a wine show that was rigorous and meticulous, but having the judges’ scores coming through live to the heads of the panels added another dynamic level to the judging.”
International judge Matt Walls was impressed after his first visit to Australia.“We do see some Hunter Valley wines in the UK, but not as much as I’d like. “I’ve seen quite a few Semillons and Shiraz, which were very good. It was good to see a few Mediterranean varieties to see what else the Hunter is about.”
Mr Charteris agreed.
“As expected the 2014 Shiraz was a highlight. There were also some well-crafted 2015 reds which again was a challenging vintage. Hunter winemakers are a pretty canny lot. They’re quite good at using the resources they have to bring out a freshness and vibrancy in their wines. There were also some really interesting other varieties, away from the traditional Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelhos that we’re known for – more of a Mediterranean flair which is great to see,” Mr Walls said.
Chairman of Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association (HVWTA) George Souris said "the outstanding results of the show is a great opportunity for the region to showcase itself as a premier wine producing area and promote the Hunter Valley as a dynamic tourism destination".
The Hunter Valley Wine Show is made possible because of the generous support of CCL Label Clear Image, which for the past eight years has been the major partner. CCL is joined by Atkinson Vinden Lawyers, Commonwealth Bank, BPoint Receivables Solution, Spicers Vineyards, Vinocor, Adhesif Labels, Pokolbin General Store, Wine Tech Services, Global Packaging Australia, Air Liquide, First Creek Wines, Jennings Print, Jurd’s Real Estate, Kirkwood Produce Co Pty Ltd, O’Connor Harvesting Co, Plasdene Glass-Pak Pty Ltd, Rover Wine Country Coaches, Singleton Council, Mercurey Australia, Drayton’s Family Wines, Elliott Family, Meerea Park Wines, Robyn Drayton Wines, Tulloch Wines, McGuigan Family Wines and Tyrrell’s Vineyards.
For information on results: Hunter Valley Wine Show President David Flynn on 0413 993 364 Chairman of Judges PJ Charteris on 0409 981 385
For more information and high res images please call HVWTA General Manager Jo Thomas 0408 274 755 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.