Winestate Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 new releasesJacob's Creek Domaine Asmara McGuigan The Haselgrove Wines Federation Artwine The KellyBarossa Signature Reserve Heathcote Shortlist Adelaide The Lear McLaren Langhorne Creek Surrender SingleBarossa Shiraz Shiraz 2015 HHHH Hills Shiraz Vale Shiraz Shiraz 2016 HHHH Vineyard Clare2015 HHHH A big old Aussie style 2015 HHHH 2015 HHHH A lovely medium- Valley ShirazSavoury nose with shiraz that has a Beautiful dark varietal A big powerful shiraz bodied shiraz with 2015 HHHHa spicy intensity. A powerful concentration fruit characters on the with an elegant blackberries and black A warm oaky/savourypretty, lightweight, of fruit pastille- nose with some very integration of black pepper on the nose wine that smells likeblue fruit palate, quite like varietal fruit good oak. Powerful cherry fruit and lovely and pepper and spice black olive tapenade.warm with good tannin seamlessly balanced fruit/oak palate has chocolaty oak. Some filling the berry fruit Soft in the mouth withintegration. $20 with the oak. $49 big hit of chewy big tannins here. palate. $19.99 lovely fruit/oak balance. tannins. 3-5 $29 I Am George The A good food wine. $30Greenock Estate Garners Leon’s 5+ $90 Unbound Barossa Bird in HandWines Heysen Trail Strathbogie Ranges 919 Wines Shingleback Red Padthaway Shiraz Adelaide HillsH128 SA Shiraz Shiraz 2015 HHHH Riverland Shiraz Knot McLaren Vale 2016 HHHH Shiraz 2015 HHHH2015 HHHH Young lifted nose; 2016 HHHH Shiraz 2016 HHHH A lovely wine that is A huge old fashionedA big dense stewed aromas of fruit and Oak dominates the Powerful ripe fruit driven by dark and style of shiraz with ripefruit bouquet; very violets. Very soft, nose but it has a nose; slightly jammy spicy mulberry-like jammy aromas andprimary and a light-bodied and well- perfumed floral lift. but oaky. \"Palate fruit characters. Silky spicy nutmeg/clove-blockbuster of a palate balanced palate. Very Attractive juicy jubey is light on its feet,\" smooth in the mouth like characters on thethat's laden with spicy flavoursome and easy fruit flavours, tight according to one judge with some lovely soft velvety soft palate. $40fruit. \"A great style.\" $25 drinking. 3-5 $28 acid and good tannin with nice balance and tannins. $24.99 Chateau YaldaraWicks Estate structure. 5+ $45 intensity of flavours. Hugo McLaren Vale Reserve BarossaAdelaide Hills Robinvale NW $14.95 Shiraz Cabernet Valley ShirazShiraz 2015 HHHH Victoria Shiraz Brash Vineyard Trentham Estate Sauvignon 2015 HHHHThis delicate, crowd- 2016 HHHH Single Vineyard Murray Darling 2016 HHHH A big wine with nicepleaser has a sweet A spicy ‘baby’ that Margaret River Shiraz 2016 HHHH Simple varietal oak use - plenty ofherbal edge to the has a ripe and slightly Shiraz 2015 HHHH Nose shows good lift fruit characters of vanilla and toastynose and lovely porty nose with a big Big confectionery of sweet rich fruit and blackberries and spices characters- but the fruitsweet/spicy floral fruit tannic palate full of bouquet with lots the palate is a nice with tannins that are is pushing through.flavours. Good use of tarry/licorice flavours of oak and a violet- balance between the soft and even with A wine with lovelyoak. $25 with a soft finish. like lift. Layers of spicy licorice fruit and some slightly tart drinkability. $35Kingston Estate complexity to the thick the oak. A well-made acidity. $28 d’ArenbergMt Benson 3-5 $25 palate. Good weight of wine. $16 Zonte’s Footstep The Love GrassCoonawarra Shiraz Hills Are Alive McLaren Vale2015 HHHH Schild Estate fruit. 5+ $35 Kalleske Greenock Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2015 HHHHA classic style. Lovely Barossa Valley Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016 HHHH A dark, dense,spicy bramble-like Shiraz 2015 HHHH Haselgrove Wines Shiraz 2016 HHHH Dense blackberry fruit attractive stylebouquet and a palate, Jubey fruit style; slight Catkin McLaren \"High end commercial aromas; slight lift of showing goodthat according to one greenness. Berry Vale Shiraz style.\" A good wine spiciness. The palate concentration ofjudge is \"reminiscent freshness on the nose 2015 HHHH with oak tending is rich and clean with spicy mulberry fruitof black forest torte\". and a soft, sweet and A huge wine with to dominate at the well-defined varietal characters and very$16.99 seamlessly balanced a mix of dark fruit moment but the rich flavours balanced by firm tannin structure palate. Good oak aromas with chocolaty raspberry-like fruit the tannins. $35 for ageing well. $29 influence. $22 notes. Palate has pushes through. $40 Bird in Hand Two in Gumpara Wines big porty/chocolaty the Bush Adelaide Mader Reserve Thorn-Clarke Wines flavours and powerful Hills Shiraz Barossa Valley Shotfire Barossa tannins. 5+ $40 2015 HHHH Shiraz 2015 HHHH Shiraz 2015 HHHH Lovely lift and Attractive cool, slightly Big wine; still a baby McLaren Vale III freshness to this minty varietal fruit on and needs more time. Associates Squid attractive, medium- both the nose and the Complex bouquet of Ink Reserve Estate bodied, wine that has a palate with great line dark fruits and toasty Grown McLaren spicy fruit/oak bouquet of acidity and some oak with generous Vale Shiraz and an attractive fresh grippy tannins. Full of oak-driven intense fruit 2015 HHHH oak palate. $25 flavour! $60 palate. 5+ $27 Generous oaky nose with pretty lifted fruit. Sussex Squire Full-bodied, tannic Thomas Block palate is dominated Single Vineyard by the oak but Clare Valley Shiraz has nice ripe fruit 2015 HHHH underneath. 5+ Black cherry bouquet $55 with minty/eucalypt edge. The medium weight palate is young and jubey with a good tannin structure. 3-5 $28 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 201

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 new releasesshiraz & blends Millbrook Winery Shaw Family Blue Pyrenees I Am George Colli Euganei Fior2014 & older Estate Perth Hills Vintners The Estate Section One Langhorne Creek d’Arancio DOCG Shiraz Viognier Figurehead Pyrenees Shiraz Shiraz 2014 HHHH Alpianae Venetod'Arenberg The 2014 HHHH1/2 McLaren Vale 2014 HHHH Lovely wine; great Passito 2013 HHHHDead Arm McLaren A big wine with a Shiraz A tight, well structured weight and length. A fragrant botrytis noseVale Shiraz powerfully meaty/ 2012 HHHH1/2 wine with a powerful Bright red berry smelling of frangipani2014 HHHHH chocolate nose and Nose reminiscent of complexity of great aromas with slight and orange blossomBright purple wine a dash of spice. The Ribena-like characters varietal fruit and lovely earthiness and rich with a lusciously sweetwith great dark fruit thick, full-flavoured, with nice spiciness. sweet oak. Needs black fruit flavours and rich savoury styleintensity on the nose palate has a seamless Palate is generous and some more time. $42 balanced by the of palate. $36and a huge palate balance of fruit and oak complex with upfront tannins. $19.99 GMH South Easternpacked with grippy with nice tight tannins. sweetness and chewy Farmer's Leap Byrne Reserve Australia Nobletannins that are well tannins. 3-5 $80 Padthaway Shiraz Clare Valley Shiraz Sweet Whitesupported by an 5+ $35 2013 HHHH 2014 HHHH 2016 HHHHincredible depth of Bird in Hand This shiraz has great A subdued nose with A lovely nose thatvarietal fruit. $65 Grounded Cru Nest Egg Mt Lofty purple hues, plenty just a hint of raspberry smells of orange peelReillys Wines McLaren Vale Ranges Shiraz of juicy, fresh, dark fruit. The palate is and quince pasteStoneflower Clare Shiraz 2014 HHHH1/2 cherry fruit, some well plush and dense with lusciously sweetValley Shiraz 2014 HHHH1/2 Excellent mélange of handled oak and lovely with mulberry fruit tropical/raisin fruit2014 HHHHH A huge wine - tannic sweet oak and spicy firm tannins. $25 characters and lovely flavours. Very sweetGreat deep cherry and full flavoured. blackberry aromas. soft tannins. $28 finish. $18red wines. Oak tends Some aged Lovely palate with Talbots Block 1847 Wines Grandto still dominate the characters developing the oak tending to The Sultan Pappy’s Barossalifted fruit nose and on the nose and dominate but it has Clare Valley Shiraz 2014 HHHHthere are powerful there are astringent beautiful varietal fruit Shiraz 2014 HHHH Plenty of oak obvioussweet fruit flavours characters on the underneath. $100 Lovely powerful spicy here but it also hasunder the spicy oak generous palate. dark fruit/oak bouquet. enough fruit weightwith powerful tannin Block 1889 Some aged characters to support it. Juststructure. $65 3-5 $20 McLaren Vale Soul developing on the starting to show someGlenlofty Estate Reillys Dry Land Old Vines McLaren palate. developed characters.Pyrenees Shiraz Clare Valley Shiraz Vale Shiraz 5+ $36 Well made. $1202014 HHHH1/2 2014 HHHH1/2 2014 HHHH1/2Fantastic colour with Subtle cherry and A massive, oak- Claymore Wines sweet whitelovely big rich Christmas quince aromas with dominated, wine but Nirvana Reserve & fortifiedcake-like varietal fruit. a perfumed lift. The there is also plenty Clare Valley ShirazBeautiful aromas lift generous palate opens of slightly jammy red 2013 HHHH Saint Clairoff the nose and it is up to lovely sweet varietal fruit characters “A monster wine.” Godfrey'ssoft and generous in fruit flavours nicely to handle it. Lovely Developing nicely Creek Reservethe mouth with velvety integrated with the black olive and tar-like with masses of black Marlborough Nobletannins. $27 oak. 3-5 $32 complexity. $34.99 cherry-like fruit, Riesling 2016 well-integrated oak (375ml) HHHH and mouth puckering Fresh sweet grapey Earl Family tannins. 5+ $50 aromas somewhat Reserve McLaren muted by the oak. Vale Shiraz Hollick Wilgha Has a pretty and 2014 HHHH1/2 Coonawarra Shiraz uncomplicated lemon Subtle spicy dark 2013 HHHH meringue-like palate. fruit bouquet and A lovely wine - very Crowd-pleaser! nicely textured palate classy and holding up $29.90 NZ with excellent sweet well. It has plenty of Gala Estate varietal fruit flavours dark peppery varietal Tasmania Late and a dash of black fruit characters and Harvest Riesling pepper and the oak in a some nice grippy 2016 HHHH supportive role. $39.99 tannins. $54 The nose is a freshness of orange Antiquarian Brick Kiln Single blossom and honey Limited Barossa Vineyard McLaren fragrances the Shiraz Vale Shiraz characters of which are 2014 HHHH1/2 2014 HHHH echoed on the lovely Loads of luscious spicy A classic Aussie shiraz crisp palate. $35 fruit characters with at a lovely stage of lashings of chocolaty development. It has a oak. Nose is bright and nose of blackberries lifted. The palate offers and vanilla and a a mouthful of varietal beautifully balanced flavours supported by palate. $25 soft tannins. $59202 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

Our family is made up of Originals, Artisans and Icons. And that’s the people as wellas the wines. With a style to delight every palate, there’s over 100 years of McLarenVale history in every bottle. All so easy to spot with that famous red stripe.The d’Arenberg family of wines.@darenbergwine | darenberg.com.au Enjoy responsibly

Autumn vineyards at Geoff Hardy K1. soauuthstralia THE BEST WINES OF 2017 CONTENTS Includes: Sparkling, Pinot Gris/Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Other White Varietals & Blends, Riesling, Chardonnay, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Grenache & Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends, Shiraz & Blends, Sweet White & Fortified.204 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

A SEASON OF ABUNDANCE The South Australian year in review, by Karyn Foster. This year’s white wines have a lovely perfume andcrunchy natural acidity that will hold them in good stead. Thereds - grenache and mataro - are brimming with vibrant NorthAfrican spices on the nose, with great colour and structure to boot. Shiraz this year is elegant and tightly coiled.IT’S the old tale of “there is good news and there is bad news…which do you At Sevenhill we started picking on the March 1 and finished shortly after Anzacwant to hear first?” Let’s start with the good news, mainly because the tale of day. This resulted in a measured and steady grape intake.vintage 2016 and 2017 was mainly good news, meaning good drinking forall of us down the track. The bad news? There might not be enough of the “The ripening conditions resulted in 2017 rieslings with very attractive floralgreat wines produced in this vintage to fill our collective cellars. Naturally, aromas along with well-balanced levels of acidity. The cabernets are also aone could die trying… stand-out with good deep colours and rich varietal character. All in all a very pleasing vintage for both quality and quantity.”RIVERLANDZac Caudo observed: “Coming off fantastic weather conditions, vintage was In a common reflection across the state regarding picking, David O’Leary,exceptional. Producing world-class wine and higher than average yields. 2016 of O’Leary Walker, added: “Harvest was 30 days behind the previous vintage,produced a positive, mild and constant winter. Intermittent rains paved the giving a great indication of the cool and long growing season.way for an outstanding season. Vines were slow to get off the mark possiblydue to a cold and wet spring. However once going we saw strong flowering, “The whites were outstanding, showing lovely purity of fruit, every vineyardwith initially perfect weather only to be massacred by seven minutes of the reaching its full potential. The reds too were very varietal and punchy,largest hail stones ever seen on the property. Fortunately, while Caudo Vineyard displaying great flavour and good vibrant colours.”escaped relatively undamaged, devastation hit much of the Riverland withfarmers losing entire crops. BAROSSA Ben Radford, of Rockford Wines, reported: “Stories of torrential winter rain “The weather proceeded to be very erratic, unpredictable and colder than and flooding hit the headlines across the Barossa Valley and South Australianormal, leaving the vines lagging a touch. Nonetheless undamaged fruit began setting the scene for vintage 2017. With the ground sodden and farm damsto look great with very even cropping and large bunch size, uniform throughout overflowing, the growing season was off to a fantastic start.the vineyard. A mild, consistent summer, minus any natural disasters led to alengthy growing period creating very desirable, robust varietal characteristics “Grapevines are robust plants. In the absence of pressure from disease,and brilliant vibrant appearances. they want to grow wild. Left to their own devices they will set a crop of fruit which will often mirror the amount of moisture and nutrients available from that “An exciting, unfortunate and unpredictable vintage culminated positively season. But that is why we intervene.with a high-water event in the Murray River with the river up to 2km across. Trulyis a spectacle to see, as were the wines produced this vintage - spectacular.” “There are a few key phases in a grapevine’s annual cycle. Each is critical in ensuring a healthy crop of grapes for harvest. The most significant growthCLARE stages are bud burst (when the vine awakens from its winter hibernation) andMike Christophersen from Sevenhill Cellars had this perspective: “An extremely months later, flowering (when the fruit is set).wet winter followed by rain leading all the way up to vintage resulted in oneof the highest soil moisture levels experienced for several years. Dams were “This season the abundance of soil moisture ensured a healthy bud burst,overflowing and ground water systems were replenished. Fortunately, the rains the cool conditions delayed the extravaganza for a few weeks. Flowering andstopped before vintage and everyone heaved a sigh of relief putting fears of fruit set were among the best and the earliest I had ever seen in the Barossa.another 2011 behind us. The cool, wet winter and spring delayed harvest and made it one of the latest. The first fruit was picked on Valentine’s Day and the last load on May 4. The “Conditions leading up to vintage meant that unlike the previous four vintages last fermenter pressed on May 12. That’s a big, long vintage.it did not start early, nor was the harvest compressed into a short time frame. “This year’s white wines have a lovely perfume and crunchy natural acidity that will hold them in good stead. The reds - grenache and mataro - are brimming with vibrant North African spices on the nose, with great colour and structure to boot. Shiraz this year is elegant and tightly coiled. Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 205

“Vintage 2017 was a win-win for grape growers and winemakers alike. “We had a cool early part to spring too, combined with the spring rain.Higher than expected yields and exceptional quality overall make 2017 one Flowering was about three weeks later than the previous year which meantto remember - for all the right reasons.” that vintage was three weeks later than normal, or as some old locals said sagely, back to the old normal.ADELAIDE HILLSPeter Saturno, of Longview Vineyards, and Owen Inglis, of Sidewood Estate, both “A very long and slow ripening period was perfect for allowing grapes todescribed vintage 16/17 as “challenging”. develop their flavours. We had a fairly dry February, March and April, once the rains finished in mid-January. Saturno noted: “The record wet winter/spring period made it difficult to managefungicide programs and nutritional requirements of the vines due to the saturated “Overall a late vintage with some incredibly promising, no - exceptional - redscold, wet soils for extended periods. Some areas of the Adelaide Hills were hit by and outstanding whites.”frost, wind damage and hail during spring which made canopy management tricky. COONAWARRA “Many growers used leaf plucking options for the first time in many years to opencanopies for better drying capabilities. Thankfully, November was a dryer month Stella Scanlon channelling the esteemed Prof Lynn said: “A cool growingthan usual with the vines responding in a positive manner. season and above average winter rains leading into the 2017 vintage saw the “The vintage kicked off approximately three weeks later than normal but thecooler conditions resulted in bigger yields in a lot of the varieties. However, where region return to what could be best described as a traditional Coonawarracrop loads were managed, we saw better flavour development and acid retentionat low baume resulting in true cool-climate flavour. vintage”. Inglis said: “2017 vintage in the Hills’s was not without its challenges and those “The cooler conditions resulted in budburst being delayed by up to threethat made the hard decisions early on were rewarded with some of the best fruitthat we have ever seen. weeks, with flowering two weeks later. A mild summer followed, with a welcome “Yields had the potential to be very high indeed, and we at Sidewood as well spell of hot days in late January. These factors saw harvest commence towardsas a number of the more prudent growers took hard decisions to thin fruit in earlyDecember. We ourselves dropped 40-50 per cent of bunches on the ground and the end of March and continue through to early May.there were considerable unwelcome costs from the extensive hand pruning thatwas necessary. Ouch! “Coonawarra has not had a vintage which commenced this late since the “Cool wet weather continued right through till the end of December at which outstanding 2004 vintage. “The start of vintage saw white grapes with goodtime it was pretty evident that we had made the right call. It’s a year like this onethat makes you really appreciate the Viti guys. They certainly earned their money varietal definition and the reds, albeit at lower sugar levels than recent vintagesthis time around.” showing excellent colour and concentrated fruit flavours. Reports of goodMcLAREN VALEJoch Bosworth, of Battle of Bosworth and Spring Seed Wines, remarked: “We quality wines in tanks around the area are common, with winemakers beinghad tremendous winter and spring rains leading up to vintage 2017, a markedcontrast to the previous year, proving once again if proof were needed - every impressed with the fruitiness of the whites, the deep colour and elegant fruitvintage is different. flavours of the reds”. So to wrap up - a wet winter, mild spring and summer gave us a late vintage, big yields and exceptional wines - as evidenced by a slew of medals and trophies for wineries across the state in the late 2017 wine show circuit. In summation - David O’Leary: “The 2016/17 vintage was probably as good as it gets.” And Owen Inglis: “Certainly bodes well for things to come”. On balance, more good news than bad news. 206 W I N E S TAT E W ine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2016 style tastingsWELCOME TO MARJICO WINESDear Friends, of style and character while retaining next “big thing” in wine discovery around excellence and rarity with absolute super the world, both in Europe and the AmericasWe are delighted to present to you a new premium quality. The Merlot portion will North and Southlabel, MARJICO WINES. be much less than Cheval Blanc and vintage dependent. • The varietal distinction for Cabernet FrancSo what or who is or are Marjico Wines? is its floral tones of violets on both bouquet • Of the 2,500 wineries in Australia, only and palate. This, together with firm but softThe answer – Marjorie and James Irvine eighty or so market a Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet tannins and a little pluminess from(Marjorie – Mar, and Jim – Ji, Company – Co), few achieve the super-premium level the Merlot, is most rewarding. The tastewhom many of you will already know very is deep without weightedness, while fullwell! And Marjico is the brand name for a • Only 5,000 tonnes per year crushed in flavoured without heaviness to the palate.rare, exciting, and super-premium red wine Australia out of 1.7 million tonne total crush, Unlike Cabernet Sauvignon there is no leafymade principally from Cabernet Franc. so very scarce indeed firmness, nor tightness of tannins.THE WINE • Only 300 dozen Marjico Cabernet Franc OUR PHILOSOPHY made each year; 750ml bottles; screwcap; sixMarjico Cabernet Franc – Barossa Valley – bottle cartons Because there is such a small quantity of wine2015 Vintage each year (300 dozen) there will be no mass • Having made and blended Cabernet distribution. Direct selling will be the most• A major component in many European Franc for over twenty years, and tasted important system. Being rare and of suchsuper deluxe chateau wines many others, I am confident of the varietal high end style, we wish to support consumers expression of Marjico as well as the super in having something special; something to• Cheval Blanc is noted globally for its deluxe quality. The classical Cabernet Franc discover; something to show others; somethingexcellence, difference and rarity with a floral/violet like lift both bouquet and taste truly magnificent; something so enjoyable.majority of Cabernet Franc in the blend with are clearly expressedMerlot • Cabernet Franc is being recognised as the• Marjico Cabernet Franc follows thephilosophy of (2) but with major differences MARJICO WINES invites you to become a Marjico Wine Club member. This will ensure your allocation each year together with all special offers. ENTER OUR COMPETITION TO WIN! Two draws of a 6-bottle mixed pack of MARJICO wines retail value of $210 each. To enter, fill in the details below and post to: Marjico Wines, 2B The Crescent, Nuriootpa, SA 5355 Or visit www.marjico.com/competition to enter online. Prizes to be drawn MONTHLY. Winners notified following month. PLEASE PRINT ALL DETAILS: Post code: Name: Post code: Address: Telephone / Mobile: Email: Delivery address (if different):MARJICO WINES, 2B The Crescent, Nuriootpa SA 5355 It is illegal for persons under the age of 18 years to order/purchase/take delivery of alcohol.Phone: 0418 819 507 Email: [email protected] MWairnjeicooWf tihneesYperaormAowteasrdthseArnesnpuoanl sEibdlietidornin2k0in1g8 oWf alIcNohEolS. TAT E 207www.marjicowines.com.au DSL No 51408099 ABN 57616399583

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 south australiasparkling Zonte's Footstep Tomich Wines GMH White Bay of Shoals Doctoressa di Adelaide Hills Meritage South Kangaroo Island2 Mates McLaren Lago Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc Australia Semillon SavagninVale Sparkling Pinot Grigio 2016 HHHH Sauvignon Blanc 2016 HHHHShiraz NV HHHH1/2 2016 HHHH Elegant passionfruit 2016 HHHH Delicate flinty lemonyBig powerful mature Good lifted varietal nose; some cut grass- An attractive and hint to the nose witharomas and a aromas of lime zest like notes. The lean, dry elegant wine with more of the flinty/massive palate with and pears. The palate palate has good varietal good balance between mineral charactersan abundance of is long and elegant flavours. Nice early the two varieties. on the very crisp andrich chocolaty dark with a finesse of drinking style. $22 Perfumed notes to refreshing palate.fruit flavours with a minerally citrus the nose and some Needs oysters! $20liqueur-like note and flavours and crisp acid. Kakaba Reserve earthiness on theleathery development. $20 Adelaide Hills palate. $18 riesling Thorn-Clarke Wines Sauvignon Blanc Nepenthe 3-5 $25 Sandpiper Eden 2016 HHHH Winemakers PenfoldsPepperjack Barossa Valley Pinot Gris Lovely grassy lift to Select Adelaide Autumn EdenSparkling Shiraz 2016 HHHH the grapefruit-like Hills Viognier Valley RieslingNV HHHH1/2 More of an aperitif fragrances which 2016 HHHH 2016 HHHHHAn attractive bright style with a citrussy are echoed on the Lovely appley aromas Lifted sherbet-likecrimson wine with nose that has a nicely balanced and with a slight perfumed citrus fragrances withattractive vibrancy of perfumed lift and a generously flavoured lift. Clean and elegant musky/floral lift andinky aromas. Creamy clean crisp palate with palate. $24 green fruit flavours fine elegant citrus/in the mouth with light and delicate fruit with a good lingering tropical flavoursexcellent sweet flavours. $19 other white Hahndorf Hill clean finish. $20 on what one judgefruit flavours nicely Ceravolo Adelaide varietals White Mischief Nepenthe described as \"A nicelybalanced by the Hills Pinot Grigio & blends Adelaide Hills Winemakers Select tailored palate\" that hastannins. $35 2016 HHHH Gruner Veltliner Adelaide Hills some sweetness and a A freshness of apples Nepenthe 2016 HHHH Arneis 2016 HHHH long finish. $13.40pinot gris/grigio and citrus fruit on the Winemakers Select Lively zesty fragrances Dry aperitif style. Wolf Blass nose. Nice flavours Adelaide Hills with grassy touches Attractive floral sweet White Label EdenHahndorf Hill of Nashi pears Gruner Veltliner and funky notes. melon bouquet. Palate Valley RieslingAdelaide Hills and apples. Lovely 2016 HHHH1/2 A subtle, and very has good balance 2015 HHHH1/2Pinot Grigio mouthfeel. Clean fresh Enticing aromas of pretty palate. Hint of between fruit and acid. The nose is a delight2016 HHHH1/2 finish. $22 honeysuckle, spices sweetness. Clean crisp Lingering aftertaste. of sweet spicy citrus/Lovely example of style Cockfighter's and bright citrus fruit. finish. $24 lime aromas. Therewith fresh green apple Ghost Adelaide Powerful palate that's 3-5 $20 are loads of brownaromas showing a Hills Pinot Gris soft and creamy in the Ceravolo lime-like charactersdelicate floral lift. Good 2015 HHHH mouth with lingering Adelaide Hills on the long and veryvarietal expression of Nose is a complexity lemon sherbet Cortese generously flavouredcitrus, pear and green of pears and nuts with flavours. Good line of 2016 HHHH palate. $34apple flavours with a a hint of quince. Palate acid. $20 Apricots and orange Peter Lehmannpersistent finish. $25 shows broad, soft mid- peel on the nose Wines Wigan EdenBird in Hand weight flavours with Peter Lehmann and an interestingly Valley RieslingAdelaide Hills good acid finish. $22 Wines Margaret textured palate with 2011 HHHHPinot Gris Barossa Semillon elegant green melon Excellent colour with2016 HHHH1/2 sauvignon blanc 2010 HHHH flavours with a dry lovely toasty honeyedLifted pear and apple-like A classy nose with clean finish. $22 aged characters onnose with pretty floral Longview very inviting toasty Fox Gordon the nose which isnotes. Sweet palate but Vineyard Whippet aromas. The palate Princess Fiano echoed on the palate.beautifully balanced with Adelaide Hills shows excellent Adelaide Hills \"One for the agedattractive freshness of Sauvignon Blanc balance between the Fiano 2016 HHHH riesling fans.\" $35citrus and apple flavours. 2016 HHHH1/2 super varietal fruit and Developing honeyed Skillogalee Wines A sweeter, but well- age complexity. $35 peach and apricot Clare Riesling 3-5 $30 made commercial aromas. Full-flavoured, 2016 HHHHRichard Hamilton style with attractive Hahndorf Hill Gru well-balanced, palate Upfront citrusAdelaide Hills fresh passionfruit, Adelaide Hills with nice texture and fragrances with aPinot Gris citrus and light grassy Gruner Veltliner hint of sweetness. pretty floral lift. Good2016 HHHH fruit characters. Palate 2016 HHHH intensity of zestyOily style smelling of shows lovely length A very attractive and 3-5 $22.95 lemon butter-likepears and lychees. and texture. $21 varietally expressive Hand Crafted flavours with a crispDelicate citrus and style with a floral by Geoff Hardy acid finish. $24apple flavours with a elegance, attractive Adelaide Hillsnice mineral element stonefruit, nice Fiano 2016 HHHHon an elegant palate. spiciness and a Slightly funky but perfumed lift. $28 elegant fruit nose. 3-5 $20 Nicely balanced sweet citrus and melon palate. Very elegant but complex with light acidity. $25208 W I N E S TAT E W ine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 south australiaRed Robin Reserve chardonnay Tomich Wines Bird in Hand The Islander EstateSingle Vineyard Gallery Collection Adelaide Hills Vineyards MajesticClare Valley Fox Gordon The Best of Both Chardonnay Plough KI MalbecRiesling Empress Adelaide Worlds Adelaide 2016 HHHH 2013 HHHH1/22014 HHHH Hills Chardonnay Hills Chardonnay Nice toasty oak and Spicy minty bouquetPowerful aromas; 2015 HHHHH 2015 HHHH1/2 nectarine fruit nose and with an oaky lift.smelling of quinces \"An outstanding wine,\" Beautiful complexity nutty complexity to the Good concentrationwith some toasty agreed the judges. of buttery honeydew palate with attractive of mulberry flavoursnotes. Ageing Lovely complex melon aromas. A apple pie and cream- with aged leatherynicely with good aromas of flinty citrus powerful, rich and like flavours. $35 notes and somemouthcoating flavours fruit with a dash of well-balanced palate Beresford Classic well-handled, quality,and smooth finish. $29 tropics and intense with nicely developing McLaren Vale oak. Good line of acid.Dudley Cape Hart toasty/citrussy flavours flavours. Strong line of Chardonnay Finishes well. $35Kangaroo Island on the sweet rich acid. 2015 HHHHRiesling palate. $29.95 5+ $18 Slightly developed Bassham2016 HHHH Penfolds Max's tropical fruit aromas Riverland GracianoGood lemon/lime Adelaide Hills Wolf Blass White with a hint of oak 2016 HHHH1/2 Whistling Kitevarietal characters Chardonnay Label Piccadilly and a powerful, full- Deep red wine with Vineyardson the flinty nose 2015 HHHHH Adelaide Hills flavoured, tropical lovely purple edge. Biodynamicand a big mouthful The oak is tending to Chardonnay palate sitting on top of Has lifted blackberry Riverlandof pithy fruit flavours dominate the perfumed 2015 HHHH1/2 the oak. $21.99 aromas and great Montepulcianowith a good solid acid lemony/citrussy nose. A well-rounded wine False Cape blackberry/mulberry 2015 HHHH1/2backbone. $25 The palate is heavily with some very good The Captain KI flavour definition on Savoury meaty aromas oaked but still showing varietal fruit characters Chardonnay a soft mouthfilling and a palate that’sHoggies Estate attractive citrus-like nicely balanced by 2015 HHHH palate. Drink now. $25 all about the darkCoonawarra fruit with a great some well-handled Aromas are a 919 Wines berry fruit flavoursRiesling persistent finish. $35 nutty oak and showing complexity of toasty oak Reserve Collection with more of the2016 HHHH Penfolds Reserve an attractive mineral mixed with excellent Riverland Touriga meatiness evident. TheNice floral characters Bin 15A Adelaide element. $35 fruit characters. The Nacional tannins frame the fruitto the lemon fresh Hills Chardonnay palate is rich and 2016 HHHH1/2 beautifully. $38nose. Sweet limes 2015 HHHHH Bird in Hand Nest complex. Good flavour A classy, elegant andand lemons in the \"A really lovely wine,\" Egg Adelaide Hills intensity. $27 well-constructed wine 919 Winesmouth with good level commented one judge. Chardonnay that has dark inky fruit Reserve Collectionof acidity to balance. Light apple and citrus- 2015 HHHH1/2 other red fragrances. Palate Riverland$15 like fruit aromas with Excellent example of varietals & blends offers a big mouthful of TempranilloLeconfield a cinnamon-like lift. the variety. A big, well prune-like flavours. Will 2015 HHHH1/2Old Vines Excellent depth and made, wine. \"Lots of Saltram The benefit from cellaring. Full bodied oak-Coonawarra complexity of peach oak, but good oak,\" Inventors driven style withRiesling and hazelnut flavours. noted one judge. Series Limited 3-5 $42 perfumed black cherry2016 HHHH $100 Lovely fruit with a Edition Barossa fragrances. Firm andA lovely lemony zing Wolf Blass Gold thread of flinty/mineral Montepulciano fleshy in the mouthdrives this wine. Has Label Adelaide characters. $79 2015 HHHH1/2 with lovely berry fruitvery good palate weight. Hills Chardonnay An inviting nose with intensity and good\"Would work well with 2016 HHHH1/2 Hill-Smith Estate vibrant red currant oak in a supportingoysters,\" suggested one An oaky nose with a Eden Valley aromas. Huge palate - role. $42judge. $26 sweet marmalade- Chardonnay grippy and tannic with like lift to it. Quite a 2014 HHHH1/2 very fresh black fruit 919 Wines sweet palate showing A peaches and cream flavours that finish Reserve Collection nice nutty complexity, nose with a nice nutty/ slightly jammy at the plenty of toasty oak leesy edge. Excellent end. $35 and citrussy fruit depth of firm fruit The Stoke Wines characters. $28 flavours with good use Wines of Paradise Karrawatta Anth's of oak adding complexity KI Sangiovese Garden Adelaide and a tight acid structure 2016 HHHH1/2 Hills Chardonnay give it longevity. A Great colour, powerful 2016 HHHH1/2 keeper. $24 aromas; some ripe Spicy oak/lemon fruit and some oak and curd aromas lift off Two Churches a silky smooth, richly Riverland Durif the nose. Delicate Barossa flavoured palate with 2014 HHHH1/2 lemony flavours. Nice Chardonnay some herbal hints and A huge concentration minerality running the 2016 HHHH plenty of acidity for a of chocolate and red length of the palate. Nice depth of ripe long life. $28 plum aromas with spicy Good use of oak. peach-like varietal fruit perfumed earthy notes. Pleasant phenolics. $52 on the oaky nose. Soft Big, bright and very in the mouth and full long palate loaded with of sweet juicy fruit vibrant fruit and ripe flavours with good acid tannins. 5+ $45 balance. $10 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 209

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 south australiaMr Riggs Bird in Hand Hand Crafted merlot Caught RedAdelaide Hills Adelaide Hills by Geoff Hardy Handed WinesMontepulciano Nero D'Avola Southern Fleurieu Mollydooker The Philosopher's2015 HHHH1/2 2015 HHHH Cabernet Franc Wines The Scooter Adelaide HillsAn excellent wine Subtle licorice, sweet 2015 HHHH McLaren Vale Pinot Noirwith dark fruit aromas spice and dark fruit Lovely aromas with Merlot 2015 HHHH 2016 HHHHcomplimented by bouquet. Great fruit delicate floral hints of Lifted floral/red fruit Nose of dark cherrieslicorice characters. flavour intensity and violets. A seamlessly fragrances and lolly-like and toast and aVery concentrated big tannin structure balanced, rich, silky flavours - lots of ripe palate that is simpleand tannic palate with with good level of smooth palate that has plum and candied but attractive withlots of quality oak. acidity. 5+ $40 a certain elegance. $30 apple fruit characters blackberry fruit flavoursGood level of acidity. Hemera Estate with slight gamey and the oak kept in Hahndorf Hill Zsa d’Arenberg Caudillo Barossa element. $28 support. $25 5+ $30 Zsa Adelaide Hills The Conscious Valley Tempranillo Kangaroo Island Jacob's CreekHahndorf Hill Zweigelt Nouveau Biosphere McLaren 2015 HHHH Trading Co. Limited ReleaseBlueblood Adelaide 2016 HHHH Vale Petit Sirah Nice menthol lift to Kangaroo Island Adelaide HillsHills Blaufrankisch Bright purple wine Aglianico the cherry-like nose. Merlot 2015 HHHH Pinot Noir2015 HHHH1/2 with perfumed red fruit 2014 HHHH Great palate showing Very attractive tarry 2015 HHHHA pretty wine; aromas bouquet and attractive Closed brooding dark firm acidity, some chocolaty aromas and Oak-driven style butof cherries and plums. spicy/peppery notes. fruit nose. Big tannic astringency and juicy masses of complex has lovely weight ofWell-balanced palate Soft in the mouth with palate with firm floral/ varietal fruit flavours. $22 flavours on a big ripe voluptuous varietalwith soft, rich and pretty fruit and light dark fruit flavours The Islander palate with a tight fruit with amazingrestrained chocolaty/ tannins. $33 layered with the dry Estate Vineyards grippy tannic finish. $35 length and texture tosweet fruit flavours. Hand Crafted dusty oak characters. The Investigator the palate and velvetyGood tannin structure. by Geoff Hardy KI Cabernet Franc pinot noir tannins. $30 Adelaide Hills Durif 5+ $29 2012 HHHH 5+ $45 2015 HHHH “Amazing colour Tomich Wines grenache & blends A great example of d’Arenberg The here,” noted one Hilltop Adelaide durif with its heavy Sticks & Stones judge. “Almost black.” Hills Pinot Noir Arakoon Vale cassis/peppery aromas McLaren Vale Lively fruit aromas 2015 HHHH1/2 Cru Full Bodied and big tarry flavours Tempranillo with a hint of oak and Simple, developed, Red McLaren Vale that are laced with Grenache Tinto Cao a powerful chocolaty cherry fruit varietal G.S.M. huge grippy tannins. Souzao 2012 HHHH palate. $150 characters on the nose 2015 HHHH1/2 Slightly developed, Art Wine The Grace with herbal notes. Powerful aromas of 3-5 $30 powerful, spicy/ Single Vineyard A complex savoury briary fruit and forest licorice bouquet. Clare Valley chocolaty palate with floor characters with Sweet spicy floral Graciano good structure and underlying toasty oak. characters on the 2014 HHHH nice line of acid. $28 silky smooth palate The nose is a with good tannins. combination of red berries and pencil 5+ $29 shavings oak with a dash of black Three Dark Horses pepper. Good spicy/ Big full flavoured palate Langhorne Creek savoury cherry flavour with big, but soft, Touriga 2015 HHHH intensity. $30 tannin structure and Savoury fruit nose good acidity. 5+ showing a lift of black $15 olives and herbs. Long, nicely structured palate -elegant but also shows some complexity. $25 By Blackbird- Shop 3, 44-46 King William Road, Love. passion. #byblackbird ByBlackbird44KWR Goodwood, SA 5034 The secret ingredients. @byblackbird Handmade & freshly baked.ph: +61 0402 358 002 | e: [email protected] Beautifully crafted.210 W I N E S TAT E W ine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 south australiaZonte’s Footstep Kalleske Old Vine cabernet sauvignon Sabella Vineyards St HugoLove Symbol Single Vineyard & blends McLaren Vale CoonawarraMcLaren Vale Barossa Valley Cabernet CabernetGrenache Grenache Saltram Edward Sauvignon Sauvignon2015 HHHH1/2 2015 HHHH1/2 Salter Barossa 2015 HHHHH 2014 HHHHHEthereal candied red Very varietal Valley Cabernet Dark dense fruit Deep red wine withfruits on the nose lightweight that smells Sauvignon aromas with nice a beautifully broodingwith a dash of smoky of plums. The palate 2012 HHHHH floral touches and berry bouquet showingoak. Good length of is round and smooth \"A very nice wine some cedary-like oak. lovely crunchy cassis-attractive varietal and full of flavour this,\" commented one The firm oaky palate like nuances. Excellentflavours that lingers with subtle use of judge. An attractive has flavours of olives flavour intensity ofacross the palate. oak, some residual mix of ripe cabernet and dark fruits with sweet, very dark, berryWarming finish. sweetness and a fruit aromas, a touch of some pretty powerful fruits with fine drying peppery finish. $45 greenness and subtle tannins. 5+ tannins. $57.99 3-5 $25 oak. A classic palate; $24.99 KalleskeMr Riggs The Rouleur McLaren elegant and very Merchant SingleMagnet McLaren Vale Grenache varietal with lots going Beresford Vineyard BarossaVale Grenache 2016 HHHH on! $99.99 Classic McLaren Valley Cabernet2015 HHHH1/2 Earthy characters Vale Cabernet SauvignonBrooding Christmas to the cedary blue Sauvignon Leconfield 2015 HHHH1/2cake of a nose fruit nose and has 2014 HHHHH Hamilton Block Big, bold chunky chocwith more of these clean simple flavours. Nice varietal Coonawarra mint aromas laced withcharacters echoed on Smooth in the mouth characters to the Cabernet blackberries. Strong,the nicely integrated with some lovely soft nose with interesting Sauvignon drying and astringent inpalate that shows good tannins. $32 green tomato and 2016 HHHHH the mouth with lovelybalance between the asparagus-like notes. A very pretty dark fruit/ rich, dark fruit flavours.tannins and the acidity. Vinrock McLaren Excellently integrated blackcurrant bouquet Just needs some time Vale G.S.M. oak and fruit flavours and good depth and to settle. $28 5+ $30 2015 HHHH with more of the concentration of sweet PepperjackKalleske Clarry's Fresh fruit and spices tomato/asparagus primary varietal flavours Barossa CabernetBarossa Valley on the nose with more touches. $28.99 on the fresh, tight and SauvignonG.S.M. fresh fruit characters vibrant palate that has a 2014 HHHH1/22016 HHHH1/2 evident on the weighty soft tannin structure. $21 A rich red/purple wineA deep red wine with palate. Tannins slightly with a minty/mentholpurple tinges, super drying. 3-5 $25 bouquet and a dark,lifted fruit-driven dense and tannicaromas and a beautiful Shaw Family Rymill Coonawarra palate with generouspalate that has Vintners Rusty The Dark Horse fresh berry fruitexcellent fruit drive and Plough McLaren Coonawarra flavours and lots ofclarity with a subtle Vale Grenache Cabernet acid. Needs to do timeintegration of oak and 2014 HHHH Sauvignon in the cellar. $29.99tannins. $21 Nice depth of spicy 2015 HHHHH Saltram MamreSeppeltsfield briary fruit fragrances Lovely fragrant lift of Brook BarossaBarossa Grenache and attractive varietal GPL68 by Majella blueberries and dark Cabernet2016 HHHH1/2 fruit flavours with Coonawarra fruits on the nose and SauvignonA big, bright, fresh and malty-like development Cabernet 2014 HHHH1/2very youthful grenache and complexity. $30 Sauvignon A classy number thatthat has lifted purple 2014 HHHHH has lovely black fruitfruit aromas and very d’Arenberg Lovely aromas smelling a powerful, structured fragrances with roastintense jammy fruit The Derelict of the forest floor and beautifully meat notes and someflavours laced with Vineyard McLaren and layered with dark \"detailed\" palate. It has green leafy hints.crunchy acidity and Vale Grenache berries. Very generous strong drying tannins Good length of richchewy tannins. $30 2013 HHHH and flavoursome palate and plenty of alcohol juicy flavours thatShanahans Wines An aromatic complexity with tannins kept nicely warmth. 5+ $23 are layered with fineThe Barking Dog of blue fruits, malt and in check and a good tannins. $37.99Barossa Valley new leather. Complex level of acidity. $120 Grandeur Brand's Laira Grant BurgeG.S.M. savoury varietal palate; Brand's Laira Wellington Bin Blockers Corryton Park2015 HHHH1/2 ageing well. Still has One Seven One 62 McLaren Coonawarra Barossa CabernetA delightfully spicy freshness. $29 Coonawarra Vale Cabernet Cabernet Sauvignonplum nose that's Cabernet Sauvignon Sauvignon 2013 HHHH1/2intense and warm. d’Arenberg Sauvignon 2014 HHHHH 2014 HHHHH A big wine; could doThe palate is big and The Ironstone 2013 HHHHH Developing aromas of A lovely lifted nose - all with more time in theripe, but balanced Pressings McLaren Another generous aged black fruit with berries and savoury cellar. The blackberrywith plenty of plum Vale G.S.M. cabernet, still quite a light oakiness. Big characters. A big palate jam nose has a lightfruit flavours. The soft 2013 HHHH youthful with aromas powerful palate; oak with intense dark berry spicy oak edge. Greattannins build to a firm The bright fresh of cabernet fruit, a tad overt but has fruit flavours showing flavours across thefinish. $19.95 fruit nose has some tomato leaves and a pleasant underlying hints of forest floor-like palate with good acid complexity developing. dash of pepper which blackcurrant jam fruit elements and plenty line and lots of drying Full-bodied, drying, is all echoed on the and leathery age notes. of excellent tannins. tannins. $36.95 tannic palate has a very long palate with $24.99 simple flavour profile. dry tannic spine. $80 3-5 $30 3-5 $65 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 211

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 south australiaSaltram Vinrock Taylors St Shingleback Hazyblur KangarooWinemakers McLaren Vale Andrews Clare Davey Estate Island CabernetSelection Barossa Cabernet Valley Cabernet Reserve McLaren SauvignonValley Cabernet Sauvignon Sauvignon Vale Cabernet 2015 HHHHSauvignon 2015 HHHH1/2 2014 HHHH Sauvignon Slightly green characters2012 HHHH1/2 Ripe blackberry Nose is an interesting 2014 HHHH to the berry nose withA very ripe style that bouquet with a leafy combination of Varietal aromas a nice tight palate thatis a very generous and lift and a palate full of chocolate, Ribena, of olives and is rich with flavour,flavoursome mix of big sweet cassis fruit spices with some blackcurrants with has grippy tannins andred berry fruits, some flavours with black earthiness. Good great persistence of “green” acid. $25herbaceousness and olive elements and palate weight with vibrant Ribena-likelight spicy oak. Has layered with toasty excellent flavour flavours and the oak Kangarooplenty of tannins and a oak and firm tannins. intensity. $65 adding complexity. Island Tradinghigh level of acidity. $50 Co. Kangaroo 5+ $25 Reillys Wines 5+ $23.50 Island CabernetDandelion Dry Land Clare SauvignonVineyards Pride Haselgrove Wines Valley Cabernet Chalk Hill McLaren 2015 HHHH Andrew Peaceof the Fleurieu Protector McLaren Sauvignon Vale Cabernet Nose is a nice mix Wines Winemaker'sFleurieu Peninsula Vale Cabernet 2013 HHHH Sauvignon of ripe varietal fruit ChoiceCabernet Sauvignon Slight balsamic 2014 HHHH and charry oak. Good WrattonbullySauvignon 2015 HHHH1/2 character to the minty Red fruit/glace cherry powerful varietal palate Cabernet2015 HHHH1/2 Thick tarry aromas herbaceous nose. bouquet; light touch with a lovely flavour SauvignonMassive colour here with blackberry notes Good black and red of oak. Rich and ripe profile and a lingering 2015 HHHHwith dense lifted and a leafy edge to fruit flavours with in the mouth with finish. $35 Lovely freshblackcurrant aromas the sweet cassis/ grippy tannins and red berry fruit, nice False Cape blackcurrant aromasshowing a herbal-like blackberry flavours good acidity. $38 oak and fresh acidity. Unknown Sailor KI that show a hint ofnote. Palate offers a big with a seamlessly Cabernet Merlot mint. Delightful oak/mouthful of sweet ripe balanced palate that 3-5 $25 2013 HHHH berry fruit charactersfruit flavours and some has good vinosity. Appealing complexity on the well-integratedquite drying tannins. Bayliss Road Maxwell Lime of chocolaty jammy palate. $18$27.50 5+ $40 McLaren Vale Cave McLaren aromas with hints ofRichard Hamilton Cabernet Vale Cabernet herbs. A very classyHut Block McLaren Rymill Striking Sauvignon Sauvignon and elegant palate withVale Cabernet Colt Coonawarra 2015 HHHH 2014 HHHH heaps of flavour. $21Sauvignon Cabernet Cedary cassis A big lift of prune and2015 HHHH1/2 Sauvignon characters obvious cassis aromas withAn elegant lifted leafy 2015 HHHH1/2 on the nose and has a light mintiness.cabernet with light oak \"Unashamedly a big, rich and leafy Elegant palate; bright,nose showing hints of cabernet,\" according cabernet palate with greener, style ofmint and big vibrant to one judge. With its a powerful tannin flavours with a dashfruit-driven palate with lively crunchy cassis structure. 5+ of spice. 5+a good tannin structure cabernet fruit showing $20 $40 Katnook Estateand acid backbone. hints of tomato leaf. Founder's Block Good level of drying Ingoldby Lake Breeze Coonawarra 5+ $21 tannins adds definition McLaren Vale Wines Langhorne Cabernet to the wine. 5+ Cabernet Creek Cabernet Sauvignon $20 Sauvignon Sauvignon 2015 HHHH 2015 HHHH 2015 HHHH A good commercial Wolf Blass Gold Attractive mix of A good wine with a big wine with more oak Label Coonawarra plum and red currant earthy nose and a well- and less fruit. Quite Cabernet aromas with light rounded, well balanced inky on the nose with Sauvignon leafiness and good and very tasty palate dark fruit elements 2015 HHHH1/2 varietal flavours on showing attractive and a drying tannic Deep red wine. Lovely the fuller, richer style cigar box oak. $25 backbone. $20 freshness and intensity of blackberry aromas. of palate. 5+ Wolf Blass Grey Wood Block Wines Well-structured sweet $20 Label Langhorne Single Vineyard and spicy varietal fruit Creek Cabernet Coonawarra palate balanced by Mollydooker Sauvignon Shiraz Blickinstal Cabernet drying tannins with a Wines The Maitre 2014 HHHH Coonawarra Sauvignon lingering finish. $28 ‘d McLaren Interesting beefy/leafy Cabernet 2015 HHHH Vale Cabernet bouquet. Palate has Sauvignon Lovely seamless Leconfield Sauvignon plenty of flavour with 2015 HHHH integration between Coonawarra 2015 HHHH delicate use of oak and Big stylish wine the dark, well Cabernet Elegant minty cassis a good tannin structure showing seamless managed, varietal Sauvignon fragrances with with a rich finish. $45 balance and structure fruit, sweet oak and 2015 HHHH1/2 tomato leaf-like with the spicy berry fine tannins. Plenty of A well-made deep notes. Simple, soft fruit characters nicely length here. $30 red wine that is still palate; more dry red in check. Good drying tight and youthful than varietal with finish. $13 with an intense spicy good acid finish. red berry bouquet. Beautifully layered 3-5 $28 palate has very fresh fruity mouthfeel. $35212 W I N E S TAT E W ine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 south australiaJames Busby Punters Corner Pertaringa Saltram No 1 J & J WinesThe Tutor Reserve The Yeoman Barossa Shiraz Eminence McLaren570 Vines Coonawarra McLaren Vale 2014 HHHHH Vale ShirazCoonawarra Cabernet Shiraz Beautiful, clearly 2014 HHHHHCabernet Sauvignon 2015 HHHHH defined, black fruits Lifted violet aromaticsSauvignon 2013 HHHH Massive oaky aromas with just the right on this elegant blue2014 HHHH A big, rich, well-made sitting on top of dark amount of chocolaty fruit nose followed byComplex and slightly cabernet with a slightly cherry and plum fruit. oak to match. The an intense black tarrysavoury with \"honest\" closed nose and good Well-structured palate nose has a caramel palate with medicinalsweet, leafy, peppery peppery and spicy full of complex sweet element to it with good elements and powerfulcabernet characters characters to the fruit/oak flavours. Has persistence of flavours tannins. Good acidand some aged intensely flavoured plenty of cellaring on the nicely textured balance. 5+ $60secondary characters palate. $32 potential left in it yet. palate. $99.99developing. $14 Katnook Estate Coonawarra 5+ $250 Maxwell EllenOlivia Coonawarra Cabernet Berton Vineyards Street McLarenCabernet Sauvignon Winemakers Vale ShirazSauvignon 2013 HHHH Reserve The Black 2014 HHHHH2013 HHHH Nose is a mix of red Padthaway Shiraz A very pretty floralIntensely rich wine fruits and blackberries 2015 HHHHH nose with nice toasty/with good collection of with hints of the forest Spicy dark berry nutty oak leading tosmall berry aromas and floor. Nice combination aromas fill up the glass a complex vanilla oakflavours. Palate has of fruity and savoury with a palate that is dominated palatelovely \"apple crunch\" flavours. $40 big, rich and balanced with good flavourto it with high level of with lovely intensity persistence and Haselgrove Winestannins. $19 shiraz & blends and integration of a powerful tannin Catkin McLarenMcGuigan 2016 - 2014 varietal fruit, sweet structure. 3-5 Vale ShirazThe Pioneers oak and soft tannins. $40 2015 HHHH1/2Coonawarra Haselgrove Wines $14 Old school style.Cabernet The Lear McLaren Norfolk Rise Wolf Blass Grey Nose is chocolaty andSauvignon Vale Shiraz Vineyard Reserve Label McLaren Vale minty with a dash2013 HHHH 2015 HHHHH Mount Benson Shiraz of spices and a bitA vibrant, generous Big powerful malty Shiraz 2014 HHHHH of oyster shell. Niceand very flavoursome licorice nose with 2015 HHHHH A dense powerful weight of blueberrywine with gorgeous bright plum fruit and \"Fantastic varietal bouquet that’s all and malty flavoursdark fruit characters, some cloves. The intensity here,\" black fruits, violets with powerful tannins.very good use of bold yet supple palate enthused one judge and spices. Very good Mollydooker Winesoak and smart drying supports good jammy \"with great spicy Velvet Glove 5+ $40tannins. $24 fruit richness and has a peppery complexity\". varietal palate; strong McLaren Vale Pertaringa “prickly” tannic finish. Very lifted dark berry yet supple with more Over The Top fragrances and lovely of the black fruit Shiraz McLaren Vale 5+ $90 richness of sweet dark 2014 HHHHH Shiraz fruit flavours. $25 elements supported Big and bold and is 2015 HHHH1/2 Seppeltsfield by the oak. 5+ A lovely blend of Barossa Shiraz $45 dense, almost black, toasty oak and blue 2015 HHHHH in colour. Aromas of fruit aromas with A very stylish shiraz. Pepperjack Scotch ripe figs, nutty oak and a light minty note. The beautiful nose has Fillet Graded some toastiness. A Powerful palate that everything there and McLaren Vale complex flavour profile has plenty of poise and all kept nicely in check. Shiraz on the well-balanced, nice fleshiness with Huge palate with 2014 HHHHH tannic palate. 5+ seamless flavours. massive amount of The nose is ripe and $185 fruit, drying tannins and brooding with aromas 5+ $40 restrained acid with a reminiscent of the Kangaroo Island McLaren Vale III long warm finish. $38 forest floor. Intense Trading Co. Associates Squid Saltram Mamre oak-driven flavours Kangaroo Island Ink Reserve Single Brook Barossa but has balancing fruit Shiraz Vineyard McLaren Shiraz and powerful tannins. 2015 HHHHH Vale Shiraz 2014 HHHHH Needs more time. A rich and opulent 2015 HHHH1/2 A classy wine with nose; very ripe with Attractive aromas beautiful bright red/ 3-5 $50 spicy jubey fruit and of cedary oak, briary purple hues. The nose oak aromas. Big rich fruit and new leather. is inky and rich. The Mitolo G.A.M. and very flavoursome Well-structured palate palate is full bodied and McLaren Vale palate with loads that’s fleshy and very satisfying with Shiraz of chocolaty fruit flavoursome with good great length of bright 2014 HHHHH and some cola-like chocolaty varietal fruit. blackberry fruit, lots of Nose a lovely characters. $35 oak and long chewy complexity of 5+ $55 tannins. $37.99 blueberries and plums with a sprinkle of coffee grounds. Inky palate; ripe and supple with some fruit cake flavours, nice acidity and good tannins. 5+ $58 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 213

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 south australiaHaselgrove Wines Jacob's Creek Pepperjack Pepperjack Barossa Wolf BlassThe Ambassador Reserve Limestone Barossa Shiraz Shiraz Cabernet Medlands EstateMcLaren Vale Coast Shiraz 2015 HHHH1/2 Sauvignon Platinum BarossaShiraz 2016 HHHH1/2 A beautiful classic 2014 HHHH1/2 Valley Shiraz2015 HHHH1/2 A generous, youthful Barossa shiraz with an A complex blend 2014 HHHH1/2Powerful black fruit and well-balanced inviting jubey fruit nose with bright deep red Rich red purple wine;and licorice nose laced shiraz with excellent that has understated hues. Great balance great colour. Lovelywith cedary oak. An Rhone-like peppery spicy oak and very and length of lovely sweet raspberry lift toelegant yet powerful characteristics. Loads generous berry/plum varietal fruit, tannins the nose and excellentfruit/oak palate with of spicy dark fruits lift flavours with strong and oak. \"Very yummy,\" fruit weight andripe tannins and a off the nose and fill drying tannins. $29.99 according to one intensity on the silkyslight tang to the finish. the mouth with soft Wolf Blass judge! $29.99 smooth palate with its flavours. $17.99 Gold Label Thorn-Clarke Wines supple tannins. $199 5+ $85 Barossa Shiraz Ron Thorn Mr Riggs 2014 HHHH1/2 Single Vineyard Piebald AdelaideHaselgrove Wines A beautifully balanced Barossa Shiraz Hills SyrahCol Cross McLaren wine with a vibrant 2014 HHHH1/2 2015 HHHH1/2Vale Shiraz intensity of juicy black A big Barossa wine. Nutty nougat nose2015 HHHH1/2 fruits, some licorice Lovely perfumed oak with black olive notes.A pretty nose of blue notes and good use lifts off the fruit filled Excellent palate thatfruits with floral/violet of sweet oak all nicely nose and the oak has intense jubey redfragrances; nice light wrapped in soft drying driven palate is dark berry fruit flavours withoak lift. Obvious tannins. $28 and rich with generous hints of licorice andoak on the palate amount of old vine fruit aniseed and great oaksupported by sweet underneath. $95 integration. $30plum fruit and strong Kingston Estatetannins. 5+ $90 Limestone Coast Shiraz 2015 HHHH1/2 \"A wine that has it altogether,\" according to one judge. Good spicy fruit bouquet and a raspberry-like flavour profile with savoury nuances and excellent mouthfeel. $18.99 Where great Wines are made, Where great stories are told. the art of wine making is as old as time itself. at grandeur Wellington a glimpse of the future comes with what we have achieved in the past, “excellence in traditional wine making”. Address: 201 Blewitt springs rd, mclaren Flat sa 5171 Phone: (+61) 414 188 588 Email: [email protected] Web: www.grandeurwellington.com.au214 W I N E S TAT E W ine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 south australiaAnnie’s Lane d’Arenberg The 2 Mates McLaren 919 Wines Reserve Grant Burge FilsellThe Locals Footbolt McLaren Vale Shiraz Collection Old Vine BarossaWatervale Shiraz Vale Shiraz 2014 HHHH1/2 Riverland Shiraz Shiraz 2014 HHHH2014 HHHH1/2 2014 HHHH1/2 Dark fruit bouquet 2016 HHHH A big ripe, gutsy wineDeep purple wine Very attractive nose with a bit of chocolate Austere inky berry smelling of blackwith a charry oak nose of ageing plum and a dash of spice. aromas and deep dark fruits and sweet oaksupporting some nice fruit, malt and clove An elegant, soft and berry fruit intensity with simple jammyplum and mulberry fruit aromas. Ripe licoricey complex palate with on the well-structured fruit flavours nicelyaromas. Big hit of dark flavours on the nicely good level of acidity, palate with good integrated with the oak.fruit and spicy oak on balanced palate that lovely tannins and length of velvety High in alcohol. $36.95the palate with soft shows a good weight nice oak complexity. tannins. 3-5 $42tannins. $23.99 of tannins. 3-5 The Tutor 570 VinesPaulett Wines $18 3-5 $35 Doc Adams Wines Barossa ValleyPolish Hill River Haselgrove Black Label Shiraz 2014 HHHHClare Valley Shiraz J & J Wines Wines Catkin McLaren Vale A big \"thick\" richly2014 HHHH1/2 Rivers Lane McLaren Vale Shiraz 2015 HHHH textured wine withSpicy herbaceous McLaren Vale Shiraz Aged characters starting plenty of length andbouquet with a Shiraz 2014 HHHH1/2 to develop on the depth of \"chunky\"slight floral edge and 2014 HHHH1/2 Chocolaty nose with attractive fruit/oak nose. varietal fruit charactersbeautifully balanced, Dark chocolaty hints of plums, malt Oak dominant palate and some great qualityelegant and seamlessly bouquet laced with and cinnamon. Oak has juicy raspberry fruit oak. $10integrated palate with plums, violets and dominates the palate underneath. 3-5more of the spicy/ mint. An elegant but but doesn’t overpower $30 Blackstoneherbal elements. $25 complex palate with the bright fruit. Good Paddock Barossa good fruit weight well line of acid and tannins. Arakoon Clarendon Heirloom Vineyards Valley ShirazMollydooker Wines matched by the oak McLaren Vale McLaren Vale 2014 HHHHEnchanted Path and with “prickly” 3-5 $40 Shiraz 2015 HHHH Shiraz 2015 HHHH Slightly aged/leatheryMcLaren Vale tannins. 5+ $22 Vanilla oak tending to Satsuma plums on notes on the charryShiraz Cabernet Mollydooker Wines dominate this wine but the nose with hints of oak nose. Deep dark2014 HHHH1/2 Haselgrove Wines Carnival of Love there is plenty of ripe licorice. Good varietal brooding fruit/oakDelightful chocolaty/ First Cut McLaren McLaren Vale plum fruit characters presence on the flavours and mouthfruit cake bouquet Vale Shiraz Shiraz underneath. Good palate with balancing puckering tannins.with some leathery 2014 HHHH1/2 2014 HHHH1/2 length of tannins. oak and soft tannins. Warm finish. $19.99aged notes. Big, dark Powerful but easy Ripe licoricey aromasand brooding spicy with some mintiness. 3-5 $32 3-5 $40chocolaty/plum palate Good palate weightwith a firm oaky finish. drinking with pretty with masses of Wolf Blass Bromley Chalk Hill Thorn-Clarke Wines floral red/blue fruit oak but has good William Randell 5+ $75 fragrances and good complexity of varietal McLaren Vale Clarendon Barossa Shiraz fruit. Hot on the finish. McLaren Vale 2014 HHHH balance between Shiraz 2015 HHHH Shiraz 2015 HHHH A big wine that exhibits the fruit and oak and 3-5 $75 Subtle blueberry plenty of oak and fruit showing some ripe fragrances with a light An elegant varietal tannins but has enough nose with a light minty of the super sweet notes. Drying tannic floral/violet lift. Slippery lift and a fresh, ripe and varietal fruit to push finish. 5+ $23 smooth in the mouth through it all. $60 with rich ripe blue seamlessly balanced plum palate with grainy Beresford Classic fruit flavours. Drying tannins. 5+ $50 McLaren Vale tannins. 5+ $32 Shiraz Longview Vineyard 2014 HHHH1/2 Arakoon Doyen Grant Burge 5th Yakka Adelaide Excellent nose; McLaren Vale Generation Barossa Hills Shiraz slightly stemmy with Shiraz 2015 HHHH Shiraz 2015 HHHH 2015 HHHH nice integration of A very attractive Bright fresh lifted A classic oak-driven plums, blackberry and and elegant style of blackberry bouquet and shiraz with lifted charry oak. Slightly shiraz with plenty of a pleasant sweet/sour peppery blackberry austere palate with dark chocolaty oak black fruit palate with fruit aromas and fresh varietal fruit characters and hints of persistent flavours, intense sweet fruit and powerful tannins. blue fruits underneath. soft tannins and subtle varietal flavours coming oak. $17.95 through. $29.50 5+ $28.99 5+ $40 Grandeur Saltram 1859 Tomich Wines Wellington Bin Barossa Shiraz Woodside Vineyard 69 McLaren Vale 2015 HHHH Adelaide Hills Shiraz Inviting chocolaty berry Shiraz 2015 HHHH 2014 HHHH1/2 aromas and firm, rich Big ripe shiraz nose; A classic style with and generous fruit dark and chocolaty a very dense and flavours layered with and layered with powerful fruit/oak good use of oak and sweet cherry aromas. bouquet. Very well quite a high level of Powerful tannic palate integrated silky acid. $20.99 but has good fruit smooth palate with generous sweet plum weight. 5+ $30 and oak flavours. 5+ $30 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 215

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 south australiaSew & Sew Art Wine The Kelly Chalk Hill McLaren d’Arenberg Gilligan McLaren Beresford LimitedContour Series Surrender Single Vale Shiraz The Dead Arm Vale Shiraz Release McLarenAdelaide Hills Vineyard Clare 2015 HHHH McLaren Vale Mourvedre Vale ShirazSyrah 2015 HHHH Valley Shiraz The nose has some Shiraz 2014 HHHH Marsanne 2013 HHHHHAromas of blackberries, 2014 HHHH cherry fruit vibrancy A huge tannic wine, a 2014 HHHH Pretty blue fruitpepper and spices. Dark jammy fruit and the palate is fresh tad swamped by the Interesting complex fragrances with aIntense dark red berry nose with a spicy lift. and lively with good floral raspberry/cherry aromatics; a tad fruit slight mocha element.palate, some licorice- Bright and fresh in the weight and length fruit characters. Just cake-like. Unusual Slightly meaty shirazlike age. Excellent mouth. Good length of rich juicy fruit needs more time to meaty and sweet fruit flavours on thevelvety tannins. $39 of juicy sweet flavours flavours. $25 be at its best. characters on the well- palate that has aBird in Hand and slightly drying structured palate. $25 certain poise andAdelaide Hills tannins. $30 Beresford Bell 5+ $65 Zonte’s Footstep plenty more cellaringShiraz 2015 HHHH Mollydooker Tower McLaren Angus & Bremer Z-Force McLaren potential. 5+A well-made wine Wines Two Left Vale Shiraz Langhorne Creek Vale Shiraz Petite $79.99with attractive spicy Feet McLaren Vale 2014 HHHH Shiraz 2015 HHHH Sirah 2014 HHHHfruit aromas and a Langhorne Creek The nose is an Dense purple wine Dark brooding briary/ The Old Gentlemenlovely silky smooth Shiraz Merlot elegance of blue with rich concentration black fruit bouquet and McLaren Valepalate loaded with Cabernet fruits and violets of tarry/brambly/beefy rich flavoursome palate Shirazspicy sweet plum 2015 HHHH lifted by some light aromas. Palate has a with “prickly” tannins 2012 HHHHHflavours. $40 Some earthiness on mintiness. Has a dense core of sweet and warming, slightly Very dark red/blackAnnie’s Lane The the spicy plum nose. minerally character to fruit and ripe tannins. dry finish. $55 wine with tight blueLocals Watervale Soft in the mouth the oak-driven palate. $20 fruit aromas lacedShiraz Cabernet with plum flavours $18.99 Zonte’s Footstep shiraz & blends with cedar. Long andSauvignon and spiciness from Lake Doctor 2013 & older fleshy in the mouth2014 HHHH the oak. Nice tannin Shingleback Davey Langhorne Creek with a seamlessA fresh, vibrant and weight. $28 Estate Reserve Shiraz 2015 HHHH integration betweengenerous deep red Bird’s Eye View McLaren Vale A soft and complete the varietal fruit andblend. Slightly herbal McLaren Vale Shiraz 2014 HHHH nose and a palate well-handled oak.on the nose with silky Shiraz 2015 HHHH An aromatic complexity that’s elegant but alsofruit flavours on a A sweetness of of black fruits and has some richness of 5+ $80well-structured palate. mulberries and oak on olives tempered with ripe bramble-like fruit$23.99 the nose and plenty nutty oak and a full- characters. $25 Farmer's LeapAnnie’s Lane The of sweet fruit flavours flavoured dark brooding Lake Breeze Wines Padthaway ShirazLocals Sevenhill on the long soft palate peppery plum palate. Winemaker’s 2013 HHHHHShiraz Grenache with its drying finish. Selection \"Very shiraz,\" according2014 HHHH $14 3-5 $23.50 Langhorne Creek to one judge. AndSavoury balsamic- Shingleback Davey Shiraz almost black in colour.like characters lift off Brothers McLaren Clarence Hill Red 2014 HHHH The wine is layeredthe nose and some Vale Shiraz Label McLaren Vale Rich and chocolaty on and complex and hasberry fruit sweetness 2015 HHHH Shiraz 2014 HHHH the nose with some a generous amountevident on the big, Dark fruit nose with Olive tapenade/ light leafy notes. of plum and prunevibrant and juicy palate. subtle oak notes and menthol-like characters Gorgeous palate; it’s characters layered with$23.99 more of the dark fruit evolving on the nose rich, balanced and very licorice. $25Taylors Clare Valley characters on the and a big, developing flavoursome. $42Shiraz 2016 HHHH long lingering and and well-integrated Dudley Porky Flat Farmer's LeapPlum aromas with well-balanced palate. palate with strong Kangaroo Island The Bravelicorice characters and $16.95 tannins. 5+ $25 Shiraz 2014 HHHH Padthaway Shiraza floral lift. Smooth, Shingleback Complex aromas with 2013 HHHHHfresh and vibrant on Haycutters Hastwell & hints of coffee and Grandeur Another youthful,the mouth with juicy McLaren Vale Lightfoot Sands Of some green touches. Wellington Bin almost black, winestrawberry flavours. Shiraz Time McLaren Vale Medium-bodied palate 69 McLaren Vale with masses of$19 2015 HHHH Shiraz 2014 HHHH with cola and vanilla Shiraz fabulous primary fruitKirrihill Wines Aromas of plums and Very good integration characters. Good intensity, wrapped in aVineyard Selection spices with nice line of fruit and oak acidity. $38 complexity of peppery/Clare Valley Shiraz of jubey varietal fruit aromas. Fleshy in the The Islander Estate oaky characters and2015 HHHH flavours on the silky mouth with pleasant Vineyards Bark Hut lots of tannins andLovely purple hues and smooth palate that fruit flavours and Road Reserve KI acidity. $42attractive mulberry/ has an acidic finish. good tannin support. Shiraz Cabernetplum bouquet. Well- $17.95 Franc 2014 HHHH 2013 HHHHH Saltramstructured palate, nice Sabella Vineyards 3-5 $30 Plumy aromas with A delightful mélange Mamre Brookfruit weight and good McLaren Vale interesting savoury/ Barossa Shirazacid backbone. $25 Shiraz 2015 HHHH Dowie Doole Cali peppery elements. of chocolate, tar and 2013 HHHHH Spicy blackberry Road McLaren Vale Beautifully integrated, licorice aromas with A monster of a shiraz bouquet with a floral Shiraz 2014 HHHH medium weight some coffee grounds that according to one lift. Good red fruit Elegant ethereal nose; palate with jubey fruit thrown in! The judge has \"A real wow flavour intensity, juicy, some plums and oak. flavours. $50 delicious palate is still factor!\" Powerful, elegant, tannins and Long, lingering and fresh and elegant and dense, varietal fruit slightly drying finish. balanced palate with spicy and has bright characters, loads $24.99 nice juiciness and acidity. 5+ $30 of chocolaty oak good flavour profile. and massive mouth puckering tannins. 5+ $50 $37.99216 W I N E S TAT E W ine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 south australiaSaltram No 1 The Old Faithful d’Arenberg d’Arrys Haselgrove Wines SnowDragon WinesBarossa Shiraz Top of the Hill Original McLaren Catkin McLaren Kangaroo Island2013 HHHHH McLaren Vale Vale Shiraz Vale Shiraz Shalin’s Shiraz\"So good!\" enthused Shiraz 2012 Grenache 2013 HHHH 2013 HHHHone judge. A freshness HHHH1/2 2013 HHHH Cedary malty nose Big jubey blackberryof blackberries on the Perfumed blueberry The nose is dense, with red/blue fruits fruit nose layered withnose with hints of oak bouquet with nutty aged and layered pushing through. charry oak. Lovelyspiciness. Powerful yet notes coming from the with a well-balanced, Complex palate, a concentration ofsubtle palate packing oak. Complex palate full-flavoured, palate tad hot and tart with varietal flavours on themasses of flavour with good tertiary with hints of the pleasant chocolaty long dense and stillwithout being over development evident. forest floor and dusty plum flavours. $40 youthful palate. $46ripe. $99.99 Nice tannin length. tannins. $18 Saltram Moculta Hastwell & Wolf Blass Grey Road SingleOrlando Lawson's 5+ $60 Lightfoot 38 Days Label McLaren Vale Vineyard EdenPadthaway Shiraz Haselgrove Wines McLaren Vale Shiraz 2013 HHHH Valley Shiraz2012 HHHHH The Cruth McLaren Shiraz Cabernet A blend of toasty oak 2010 HHHHA very well crafted, Vale Shiraz Sauvignon and blue fruit aromas Big, ripe and jammy -strong and appealing 2012 HHHH1/2 2013 HHHH with a violet lift. Soft some age developingshiraz that's dominated Nice density of briary Aged nose smelling and rounded in the but still quite youthfulby oak with lovely fruit on the warm of mulberries, plums mouth with plum/oak for a 6-year-old. \"Andoak, berry and spicy spirituous nose. and toast. Powerful flavours. Hot finish. plenty of time left in itaromas and very Excellent palate palate, quite tannic yet,\" said one judge.rich concentration of weight, length and and brooding with dark 5+ $45 $94.99delicious sweet fruit balance with lovely notes and a chocolatyflavours. $64.99 vinosity and powerful Kopparossa end. $40 The Old Faithful sweet white tannin structure. Vintage Reserve Geoff Merrill Bush Café Block & fortifiedYalumba Coonawarra Shiraz Vine McLaren Vale McLaren ValeParadox Northern 5+ $150 2012 HHHH1/2 Shiraz Grenache Shiraz 2013 HHHH Saltram MrBarossa Shiraz Geoff Merrill A gorgeous, complex Mourvedre An attractive vibrancy Pickwick Barossa2013 HHHH1/2 Henley McLaren and beautifully aged 2012 HHHH of blue black Rare TawnyInteresting mix of Vale Shiraz wine with loads of dark Leathery Old Spice fragrances and nice NV HHHHHred and black berry 2006 HHHH1/2 sweet fruit, licorice aromas and aged presence of blueberry Quite spirity and hotcharacters on the nose Attractive complex/ elements and high complex fruit flavours fruit flavours with a even for a tawny.with hints of menthol. aged aromas with a level of tannins. Still with warming alcohol supple line of tannins. Good nutty rancioA big oak-driven palate rich chocolaty palate has plenty of years left and spirituous viscosity. characters on thebut has lashings of showing interesting in it yet! $95 Still attractive. 5+ $60 caramel/toffee nosefruits to match and lots tertiary development Pepperjack all of which is echoedof tannins. $43 and good example of Porterhouse 3-5 $25 d’Arenberg on the lovely hot and regionality. Give it food Graded Langhorne d’Arenberg The The Dead Arm spicy palate. $75 wine! $150 Creek Shiraz Laughing Magpie McLaren Vale 919 Wines 2013 HHHH McLaren Vale Shiraz 2013 HHHH Reserve CollectionShingleback D Kopparossa A good soft gentle Shiraz Viognier Powerful blueberry RiverlandBlock Reserve Coonawarra Shiraz wine made more in 2012 HHHH bouquet with nice use Pale Dry AperaMcLaren Vale 2012 HHHH1/2 a dry red style. Great Meaty plum fragrances of oak. The palate is NV HHHHHShiraz A big complex and colour, attractive with dried apricot complex and balanced “A beautiful aperitif2012 HHHH1/2 balanced style that's chocolaty nose and notes. Nice secondary with strong drying style”, said one judge.Elegant bouquet \"travelling well\". It soft spicy plum fruit aged characters on the tannins and lovely “Very, very good”,with a brightness of is still surprisingly palate. $50 plum palate with more vinosity. 5+ $65 agreed another.peppery plum aromas youthful with loads of Wolf Blass hints of apricot. $29 Sweet nuttiness onand a dash of spice. powerful oak but also Medlands Estate Hastwell & De Lisio Wines the nose with hints ofMore elegance on the a generosity of varietal Platinum Barossa Lightfoot The Covert apples. Palate is longpeppery palate with fruit underneath. $40 Valley Shiraz McLaren Vale McLaren Vale and creamy with aattractive complexity 2012 HHHH Shiraz 2013 HHHH Shiraz 2010 HHHH toasty finish and crispdeveloping. 5+ A big rich oak-driven Powerful chocolaty Interesting aromas acidity. $32$55 style - typical Barossan licorice complexity on of aged red fruits style. Generous fruit the nose which follows with oak addingThe Old Faithful on the nose with a through to a well- complexity. Full andCafé Block rich, ripe fruit palate structured palate that fleshy in the mouthMcLaren Vale showing a touch of has plenty of “poise”. with nice bottle age.Shiraz heat. $199 “Decant!” 3-52012 HHHH1/2 5+ $25 $25Powerful lifted plumaromas with vanillaoak sitting on top.Dense, oaky andsavoury in the mouthwith underlying fruitcharacters. Needseven more time. 3-5 $60 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 217

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 south australia919 Wines Reserve 919 Wines Limited Hazyblur Myambla STAR RATINGS Collection Release Riverland Kangaroo IslandRiverland Classic Vintage Fortified Late Picked Shiraz Three-, four- and five-star ratings are signs ofTawny NV HHHHH 2013 HHHH1/2 2015 HHHH excellence in fruit quality and winemaking skill.Bright amber/golden Sweetmeats, spices Lovely sweet All wines are judged ‘blind’ by wine industrycolour with a complex and ripe plums fill blackberry jam-like professionals and are compared in peernutty “pudding” nose. the nose. The palate nose and a rich, sweet classes by three judges.Flavoursome and well- is luscious and and nicely rounded CM Wine is exclusive to Cellarmasters,constructed palate with sweet - the spirit palate. Not too cloying a major mail-order business.great length, softness soft and warm. The and with good spirit CD Cellar door price.and balance and lovely wine has seamless notes. $25 CDO Cellar door only.warm clean spirit. $32 balance, intensity and 919 Wines SO Sold out. complexity. $65 Latin Collection $N/A Price not available at time of printing.919 Wines GMH Noble South Lambada Riverland  Contact information pg 264-265.Reserve Collection Eastern Australia White FortifiedRiverland Sweet White NV HHHH RECOMMENDED cellaring (years).Classic Muscat 2016 HHHH White port style BEST VALUE for $20 & under.NV HHHHH A golden wine with with marmalade-like For a complete list of what we tastedA powerful and attractive citrus/apricot raisined aromas and please refer to www.winestate.com.aubeautiful muscat that’s marmalade characters a syrupy/toffee palaterich and luscious with on the nose and similar with the sweetnessChristmas cake-like flavours on the sweet matched by the acidaromas and flavours. palate. $18 and spirit. $19Very good spirit and Skillogalee Winesbalancing tannins. True Clare Liqueurto style. 5+ $42 Muscat NV HHHH Lovely complexity of919 Wines poached pear, raisinReserve Collection and Christmas cakeRiverland aromas. Warm, syrupyClassic Topaque and very flavoursomeNV HHHH1/2 in the mouth. $57.50Obvious agewith aromas ofbutterscotch, carameland malt. Unctuouspalate has beautifullyevolving spicyChristmas pudding-likeflavours. 3-5 $42 Modern ItalIan CuIsIne 2017: Finalist Restaurant and Catering Awards 2018: Gault Millau Food Guide tradIng Hours Lunch Monday to Friday: 10 – 4 pm Dinner Wednesday to Friday: 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm 63 Flinders St Adelaide Phone: 82232777 Web: www.insieme.net.au InsiemeRistorante Book online: Now Book It218 W I N E S TAT E W ine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 south australia Lindsay Wine Estate is the vision of Matt and Will, two mates who share a passion for Music, Art and Wine. Matt and Will have combined all three of those passions into “LWE” – a new modern-yet-rustic cellar door that boasts private tasting and entertainment areas, art history, plenty of space for the kids to run around, and did we mention a vinyl collection of over 3,500 records? At Lindsay Wine Estate we encourage you to kick back and relax to some of your favourite tunes with a glass of our finest in hand. Address: 15 Vine Vale Road, Tanunda, SA, 5352 Email: [email protected] Phone: +61 8 8563 3858 www.lindsaywineestate.com.au“Proudly attending Vinitaly 2018” Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 219

Boynton's Feathertop vineyards in the Victorian Alps.victoria THE BEST WINES OF 2017 CONTENTS Includes: Sparkling, Other White Varietals & Blends, Chardonnay & Blends, Marsanne & Blends, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Grenache & Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends, Shiraz & Blends, Durif, Sweet Whites & Fortifieds.220 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

SEASONAL SWITCH The Victorian year in review, by Jeni Port. Winemakers reported only moderate yields, just 70 per cent of the 2016 harvest, but they talked up the quality of the fruit with good acid and excellent flavour.THE difference in the Victorian wine harvests between 2016 and 2017 of the strategy promises to provide wine growers with research,could not have been greater. development, extension and biosecurity support to help them “adapt” to climate change impacts. “In 2016 due to a very dry previous winter, the vines struggled unlike I’dseen in 18 years in Heathcote,” explains Greg Flynn, of Flynns Wines in It is hoped that the state’s geographic diversity across 22 regions willHeathcote. “They had stunted growth and very little fruit due mainly to the lack continue to support a broad range of wine styles in a changing climate.of ground water. Even the kangaroos started to eat the leaf and fruit whichhadn’t happened before. However, the very next year was the opposite.” Investment in the Victorian wine industry continued apace in 2017, especially in winery tourism which attracts an estimated 3.2 million For some vignerons in the Heathcote region it meant picking fruit in February domestic visitor nights (spent in wine regions) and 9 million internationalin 2016, compared to the middle or the end of April in 2017. visitor nights. On the Mornington Peninsula, winemaker David Lloyd describes the In April, the 46-room Jackaloupe Boutique Hotel opened on the Willow2017 vintage in one word, “cool”. The cold and, at times, wet conditions Creek Vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula. Owned by Chineseaffected flowering and fruit set which led Lloyd to make just two barrels businessman Louis Li who bought the vineyard in 2013, the hotel hasof chardonnay instead of the usual 16 or so. The small quantity made gained excellent reviews for its Doot, Doot, Doot restaurant and exclusivewill be released in 2019 under the name Wendy Chardonnay in honour winemaker tastings offered in the winery for hotel guests.of Lloyd’s wife and business partner who succumbed to cancer in 2014. A new 58-room hotel is also being built at Mitchelton winery outside Across the peninsula, winemakers reported only moderate yields, just Nagambie. It was expected to open in December and continues the70 per cent of the 2016 harvest, but they talked up the quality of the fruit considerable investment in the region, estimated at around $50 million,with good acid and excellent flavour. made by owner Gerry Ryan, businessman, racehorse owner, cycling enthusiast and founder of Jayco Australia. A micro-brewery and restaurant In North-East Victoria vintage started around 3.5 weeks later than most is also being built in the Nagambie township.years and Jen Pfeiffer, at Pfeiffer Wines, was happy with the slow andsteady development of sugar and flavour in grapes. The much-anticipated national $5.3 million shiraz project began in 2017, focusing on tastings in five Australian shiraz regions, including two in Generally, the cooler conditions were a welcome respite in a year where Victoria - Heathcote and the Yarra Valley.climate change was front and centre for so many wine producers. In 2017Australia experienced the hottest winter since records began in 1910. The project is being led by Wes Pearson, of the Australian Wine ResearchThe average maximum temperature of 23.7C was nearly 2C above the Institute, who will be using research gained in the project as the basislong-term trend. for his PhD. It has two main goals. One is to evaluate and describe the attributes that define regionality or terroir in shiraz-producing regions The Victorian wine industry contributes $7.6 billion to the Victorian across the country. The second is to evaluate new rapid sensory dataeconomy and employs around 13,000 people, mostly in rural areas. The collection methods.continuing viability of the industry will depend on its ability to addressclimate change. Pearson and his team plan to compare international tastings with sommeliers and media alongside local tastings with winemakers. “In the The challenge of a changing climate was addressed in the Victorian end, if we can better understand what makes a McLaren Vale shiraz aWine Industry Development Strategy, 2017-2021, launched in August, McLaren Vale shiraz or Yarra or whatever, we can begin to make wines thatwhich attracted $900,000 in state government funding. A key platform Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 221

Above: Gapsted vineyards in Victorian alps.tell the story of the place that they came from, and I think that is something and Alex Phillips of Billy Button Wines in the Alpine Valleys were winemakerwe haven’t done that well in the past,” says Pearson. of the year finalists in the 2017 AWIWA.) Coincidentally, in September cool climate Victorian shiraz was celebrated The year also, sadly, saw the death of two Victorian industry leaders,in a separate tasting with father-and-son winemakers John and Rob Ellis one in winemaking, one in wine retailing. Don Lewis was the long-timeat Hanging Rock Winery celebrating 30 years of Hanging Rock Heathcote winemaker at Mitchelton, responsible for the winery’s big reputation withshiraz. The Ellis family has overcome adversity, including the death of the Central Victorian shiraz and marsanne. He held the winemaking reignsoriginal vineyard from salinity as well as hot vintages and drought, to forge during the Victorian wine industry’s re-birth in the 1970s, its golden agea pioneering style of cool-climate shiraz. in the 1980s through to his departure from Mitchelton in 2004 after 30 vintages. He then moved on to co-found Tar & Roses, specialising in, With statistics revealing that many women wanting to study viticulture among others, Mediterranean varieties, namely tempranillo and pinotand wine production chose not to stay in the Australian wine industry and grigio. He died in April, aged 67, from cancer.are leaving it within a decade, the creation of a Yarra Valley Wine Womengroup in September was good timing. Melbourne wine retailer Philip Murphy carved out an impressive career in wine that started with retailing in 1971 and ended as a serious maker Nine winemakers representing some of the biggest as well as emerging of pinot noir on the Mornington Peninsula. He started with his father,names in the valley are involved in the group - Bird on a Wire, De Bortoli, legendary wine merchant, Dan Murphy, and after a much-publicised fallingGoodman Wines, Helen and Joey, Sutherland Estate, TarraWarra Estate, out in the 1980s he moved on to establish a rival Philip Murphy Wine &Wantirna Estate, Yarra Yering and Yeringberg. The group was formed Spirits empire, one that differentiated itself from his father’s discountingto attend the 2017 Australian Women In Wine Awards in London which mantra by looking to premium wines. He sold his chain to Coles Myer inincluded a tasting with leading wine writers and sommeliers. 2000 and retired to his vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula. He died in March after a long battle with cancer. He was 69. “The AWIWA is a great motivator and really the catalyst for the formationof the group,” says Caroline Mooney at Bird on a Wire Wines. The groupplans to hold tastings and host events in the future. (Victorians Jo Marsh222 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 victoriasparkling Anderson Seville Estate Yarra Scotchmans Hill Seppelt Drumborg Four Sisters Rutherglen Valley Chardonnay Bellarine Peninsula Vineyard Central VictoriaBlue Pyrenees Sparkling Durif 2016 HHHHH Chardonnay Great Western Sauvignon BlancEstate Luna 2006 HHHH Nose expresses 2015 HHHHH Chardonnay 2016 HHHHPyrenees A complex, dark and aromas of baked Apples, stonefruits and 2015 HHHH1/2 Fresh floral/grassyChardonnay Pinot earthy sparkling with apples with some melons on the nose Spicy oak-driven nose nose with someNoir NV HHHHH fine bubbles, spicy evidence of oak. layered with spicy oak. with fine pure varietal tropical complexity.Nutty marzipan-like sweet aromas and Creamy in the mouth The lovely complex fruit underneath. Tight Palate has nicecomplexity to the savoury chocolaty with subtle stone fruit palate has excellent lean lemon sherbert- level of sweetnesslifted nose. Rich and flavours with subtle flavours, good use of balance between the like palate with to balance thecreamy in the mouth tannins. $39 oak and long savoury varietal fruit and good beautiful fresh acid grassiness. $15.65with great length of finish. Delicious! oak and wrapped in and perfect oak use. Heathcote Wineryflavours sitting in the chardonnay acid. 5+ $35 Mail Coachsavoury spectrum. Has 3-5 $36 5+ $39.99 Heathcote Viogniera lovely fine mousse. Willem Kurt Seville Estate 2016 HHHH Beechworth Reserve Yarra Valley Morris Handpicked Nose has lovely hints 3-5 $26 Chardonnay Chardonnay The Percheron Collection Yarra of apricots and driedBlue Pyrenees 2016 HHHHH 2016 HHHHH Five Generations Valley Chardonnay wild flowers. VeryEstate Dry \"Excellent looking Bright stonefruit nose Victoria 2015 HHHH fresh, slightly closed,Pyrenees wine,\" commented one well framed by the Chardonnay A youthful, well made palate more in theSparkling Rosé judge. \"Some obvious spicy oak. Amazing 2013 HHHH1/2 chardonnay. Attractive savoury spectrum.NV HHHH winemaking artefact,\" length and intensity of Nose is a lovely spicy/almondA lovely wine with fine thought another. It is varietal fruit flavours mélange of stonefruit, fragrances, citrus 3-5 $28bead, good mousse, savoury in style with with a beautiful line of grapefruit, vanilla and flavours, mouth- Bittern Estatecomplex fruit/yeast toasty complexity acidity, some warmth some toastiness. Good watering acidity and Morningtonaromas and a fresh developing and good and a long finish. buttery lemon curd- good use of oak. Peninsula Arneislively palate with a crisp acidity. $34 like flavours with a 2013 HHHHconfectionery note. Seville Estate 3-5 $70 \"fantastic\" crisp clean 3-5 $44.99 Attractive The Barber Yarra acid line. $25 honeysuckle aromas 3-5 $21 Valley Chardonnay Boat O’Craigo with citrussy notes.Blue Pyrenees 2016 HHHHH Black Spur Yarra A pleasant mineralityEstate Pyrenees Well focussed with Valley Chardonnay drives the lengthSparkling Shiraz flinty stonefruit Rob Dolan Yarra 2016 HHHH of the flavoursomeNV HHHH fragrances laced with Valley Chardonnay palate. Great foodGood persistent bead spicy oak. Opulent 2016 HHHH1/2 The subtle nose shows wine. $20and a lifted spicy palate has tightly aromas of melons, Buller Winesblack fruit nose with wound structure, A leaner style with peaches and green Limited Releasenice florals and good excellent fruit flavour an intriguing nose; a King Valleydepth of savoury profile and a lovely complexity of baked apples. Tight palate Sauvignon Blancflavours with some long lingering finish. with minerally/orange 2017 HHHHtannic grip. $32 fruits and melons. rind flavours and racy \"Nice old fashionedT’Gallant Bright & 3-5 $24 Nicely textured palate style,\" said one judge.Zesty Mornington with moderate length acidity. 3-5 $28 A simple wine withPeninsula Prosecco grassy asparagusNV HHHH of stonefruit and oak other white varietal characters, aGrapey fruit nose with flavours. 3-5 $30 varietals & blends pungent note and goodsome nice florals. A acidity. $22generous dry savoury Yarravale Reserve Allinda Chrismont Kingpalate tasting of Yarra Valley Hand Crafted Valley Rieslingcut pears and apple Chardonnay Limited Release 2016 HHHHblossoms. Simple and 2015 HHHH1/2 Yarra Valley Subtle floral/citrusfresh. $20 “Wow! Heaps Riesling fragrances with someAnderson going on here”, 2016 HHHH1/2 age \"sneaking in\". GreatRutherglen enthused one judge. A clean bright nose purity of riesling fruitSparkling Chenin Oakdene Liz’s Gorgeous complex showing great lime on the palate withBlanc 2011 HHHH Bellarine Geelong varietal aromas with tangy lemony acidity.A pleasant, delicate Chardonnay herbaceous hints and a and lemon-like varietal $17sparkling with a floral/ totally mouth-watering definition. Excellent Gapsted Winescitrus fruit-driven 2015 HHHHH palate with intense Tobacco Road Kingnose and upfront racy fruits. $34 Valley Pinot Grigiosweet fruit palate with 2017 HHHHbright acidity. Very Bright and golden in Handpicked varietal fruit purity on A nose that shows aapproachable! $27 Highbow Hill the crisp dry palate nice lift of pears and the glass with intense Vineyard with a well focussed spices. The palate is complexity of spicy Yarra Valley zesty and crisp with oak and stonefruits. Chardonnay finish. 3-5 $27 depth of flavour and 2015 HHHH1/2 \"snappy\" acidity. $16 Big and warm in the A young elegant wine Mount Avoca mouth with plenty of that smells of grilled Vineyard Estate ripe fruit matched by nuts, spices and Ltd. Release spicy oak. A hint of stonefruits. It has light Pyrenees tannin. 3-5 $35 fruit flavour intensity, Sauvignon Blanc crisp acid that cleans 2016 HHHH1/2 up the rich palate and Pale bronze wine good oak balance. with lovely stonefruit aromas and a slight 3-5 $59.99 honeyed sweetness. Seamlessly balanced, silky textured palate with excellent array of varietal flavours. $25 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 223

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 victoriaZilzie Wines Rutherglen Harrison & Murray Harrison & Murray grenache & blendsRegional Collection Estates Shelley's Vineyards Bromley Vineyards BromleyMurray Darling Block Rutherglen Geelong Pinot Noir Geelong Pinot Noir Grampians EstateViognier Marsanne Viognier 2016 HHHH1/2 2015 HHHH GST Grampians2016 HHHH Roussanne Nose needs air to open A big, complex style; Grenache ShirazA lifted bouquet with 2016 HHHH up and show its dark needs more time to Tempranillomarmalade and spice A warm, rich, generous plum, berry and sweet settle. Dark cherry 2015 HHHH1/2characters evident. and nicely textured oak fragrances. Lovely aromas with subtle oak Cherry cola andSlight oiliness to the wine that's a touch mouthfeel to the palate and a fresh lively palate sweet oak aromaspalate with flavours sweet and cloying with with nice varietal bright with fruit and lift out the glass withof sweet peaches. obvious oak and good flavours, integrated acid. 3-5 $32 jubey grenache fruit$18 fruit intensity. $19 tannins and good dominating the flavour acidity. 5+ $32 profile and the oakmarsanne & blends rosé other red adding a nice level of Seville Estate Old varietals & blends complexity. $28 Vine Reserve Yarra St. Anne's Valley Pinot Noir Vineyards Tatalia 2016 HHHH1/2 HeathcoteTahbilk Nagambie Rutherglen Estates Raspberry and violets lift Grenache ShirazLakes Marsanne Rutherglen Boynton's Mourvedre2016 HHHHH Grenache Rosé off the nose with nice Feathertop Limited 2015 HHHHLovely tropical/ 2017 HHHH cedary oak complexity. Release Alpine Ripe floral fruit withhoneysuckle Pale pink wine Tightly wound palate Valleys Tempranillo dusty oak and hints offragrances with hints with fragrances 2015 HHHH1/2 violets. Well balanced,of tobacco. Great of raspberries and has lovely savoury fruit, A delightful fruit-driven rustic style of palate cherries. Fuller style good acidity and well style that doesn't rely that has good varietaltropical fruit flavours palate; confectionery Scotchmans Hill focussed tannins. Needs on oak. It has chocolaty/ definition. $36 fruit flavours and good Bellarine Peninsula licorice characters onon the nicely rounded, sugar/acid balance. Pinot Noir time. 5+ $70 the nose and lively full- cabernet sauvignonbalanced and complex $15 flavoured varietal palate & blendspalate. 3-5 Gapsted Wines 2015 HHHHH with a drying tannic Tobacco Road King A very appealing, Kings of Kangaroo finish. $30 Hirsch Hill$19.05 Valley Rutherglen slightly overripe, Ground Yarra Valley Chrismont La Estate Yarra Sangiovese Rosé Pinot Noir Zona King Valley Valley CabernetTahbilk Museum 2017 HHHH commercial style of 2015 HHHH1/2 Sagrantino Sauvignon A subtle, fine boned pinot. Smells meaty A very pretty, perfumed 2013 HHHH1/2 2015 HHHHHRelease Nagambie and lively strawberries and leafy with some and feminine style Balanced medium Tarry licorice nose;Lakes Marsanne and cream style with with its subtle sweet bodied wine. \"Hugely loads of brambly/2010 HHHHH light confectionery cedary oak evident fruit fragrances and drinkable,\" according blackcurrant fruit characters with plenty and has a lovely medicinal notes. Some to one judge. The characters and subtleA lovely elegant golden of bright acidity to mouthfilling array of astringency to the highly spicy varietal oak. Excellent varietalwine. Some typical balance. $16 complex palate. Slight fruit characters show fruit definition on thekero development flavours with good acid metallic finish. $25 an exotic element with tight lean palate. Well pinot noir spine. 5+ $35 some herbal notes. $30 integrated tanninson the honeysuckle Chrismont La Zona and high level of acid.nose. Silky smooth in King Valley Barberathe mouth with lovely Rob Dolan 2015 HHHH 5+ $20 True Colours Stalky blackberry All Saints Estatelong fresh toasty/floral Yarra Valley Seppelt Drumborg bouquet with loads Pierre Wahgunyahflavours. 3-5 Vineyard Great of spice and some Cabernet Merlot$24.85 Pinot Noir Western Pinot Noir sweetness and lovely Cabernet Franc 2016 HHHH1/2 2015 HHHH1/2 bright tight medium 2015 HHHHHAll Saints Estate Gamey aromas with Great Burgundian-like bodied dried herb/spice \"A winemaker's wine,\"Wahgunyah earthy leathery notes complexity here with palate. $26 according to one judge.Marsanne and a brooding, young red/blue fruit purity on Blue Pyrenees A very smart blend2015 HHHHH and well structured the nose. Very varietal Estate Pyrenees with excellent balanceA lovely, lively, palate with the tannins palate with nice hit of Merlot 2014 HHHH of bright black and redcomplex wine Rob Dolan Yarra well matched by fresh acidity and some Bright minty nose fruits, loads of spice,smelling and tasting Valley Pinot Noir earthy elements. $44.99 showing \"thoughtful well-handled oak andof honeysuckle and 2016 HHHHH the sour cherry fruit use of oak\". Great fine tannins. $36citrus zest with a weight. 5+ $24 texture and length tosmoky edge and An elegant wine with the dark berry palatea floral lift and is a clear bright nose with an oaky finish. $26wrapped up in bright showing nice intensity Boat O’Craigo McPherson Winecrunchy acidity. $25 Black Spur Company La Vue of cherry and red plum Yarra Valley Nagambie Pinot aromas and sweet Noir 2015 HHHH spices. The palate is Pinot Noir Lifted dark and spicy 2016 HHHH1/2 fruit fragrances.Tahbilk 1927 Vines fresh and lively and Pretty strawberry Good savoury varietalNagambie Lakes full of raspberry fruit flavours on a superMarsanne flavours. 3-5 $35 fruit nose lifted with fresh palate laced with2010 HHHH floral elements and spicy oak characters.Youthful honey some spiciness. $18.99sweet fragrances Seville Estate Sweet and savouryand still shows Yarra Valley fruit characters rolllovely freshness on Pinot Noir across the palate Seville Hillthe citrussy palate. 2016 HHHHH with its defined Yarra ValleyHas more cellaring A delightfully savoury, tannins and long Pinot Noirpotential in it. bright ruby red wine finish. 5+ $30 2014 HHHH that’s very young but A pleasant varietal 3-5 $45 has complexity and nose of sour cherries shows hints of bramble and spices with a fruit with attractive complex and grippy meaty/savoury notes genuine varietal palate and well integrated that has a warming tannins. $36 finish. $30224 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 victoria Allinda Hand Buller Wines Best's Bin No.0 Welshmans Reef Crafted Limited Balladeer Great Western Vineyards Black Release Yarra Valley Rutherglen Shiraz Knight Red Heart Cabernets Cabernet 2014 HHHHH Bendigo Shiraz 2014 HHHH1/2 Sauvignon An opulent wine that 2015 HHHH1/2 Developing savoury 2015 HHHH is ageing beautifully Nose is a melange of nose of dark fruits, Smells of blackberries and still has plenty of vibrant lifted spicy fruit, vanillin oak and leathery and licorice with a potential left in it yet. cherry cola and vanillin notes. Palate holding hint of mint. Attractive Good oak complexity oak. Nicely aged palate together very nicely toasty/vanilla oak on the nose with rich with sweet fruit sitting with some attractive obvious on the full ripe spicy fruit flavours underneath the chewy secondary characters. bodied palate with and fine tannins. $85 oak characters. $18 Big tannins - long grainy tannins. $28 finish. $45 Morris of Heathcote Winery McPherson Wines Rutherglen Basket The Origin Single Family SeriesRob Dolan McPherson Press Rutherglen Maygars Hill Vineyard Andrew McPhersonYarra Valley Wines MWC Cabernet Central Victoria Heathcote Shiraz Nagambie ShirazCabernet Victoria Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2014 HHHH1/2 2015 HHHH1/2Sauvignon Sauvignon 2012 HHHH 2015 HHHHH Nose is lightly green Subtle fragrances of2015 HHHHH 2015 HHHH1/2 Black fruit and licorice Beautiful perfumed and herbal with red fruit and vanilla-An intense definition A big, dense, dark strap nose with spicy characters to obvious oak. Lovely like oak. Great palateof dark chocolate and fruit style offering Bonox nuances. Well- the sweet oak nose. ripe rich palate with structure with fresh plenty of potential. structured palate with Lovely vibrancy and good flow of flavour pure varietal fruit A mix of mint, black \"rustic\" tannins and intensity of sweet fruit across the length of flavours supported olives and leather dried herbs an added that fills the mouth the palate with nice by super fine tannins. on the nose and a feature. $25 with flavour and has line of acid. $55 $10.99 somewhat simple but a charry/resinous-like Blue Pyrenees McPherson Wines very attractive minty shiraz & blends finish. $30 Estate Dry Grown Don’t Tell Gary chocolaty palate. Grampians Estate Pyrenees Shiraz Nagambie Shiraz Best's LSV Garden Gully 2013 HHHH1/2 2015 HHHH1/2 5+ $21.99 Great Western Vineyard Barrel A very good wine Nicely aged shiraz with Shiraz Viognier Block Grampians with pretty vibrant a spicy/cedary bouquetcapsicum-like aromas Rob Dolan 2015 HHHHH Shiraz floral elements to the and good length andwith leathery touches. Floral fragrances with 2014 HHHHH dark fruit nose. Nicely persistence of livelyA classic peppery blue True Colours attractive spicy lift and A vibrant nose of jubey evolved palate that is fruit with good use of Yarra Valley gingery complexity. blue fruits with some rich with fleshy fruit oak and some ripe andfruit varietal palate Cabernet Shiraz Good volume and lovely spiciness. The and has a ripe tannin chewy tannins. $23.99with soft tannins and vibrancy of spicy fleshy palate is plush and background. $25lovely acid/tannin ratio. Merlot 2015 HHHH flavours. \"Has great rich with great texture A lovely blend drinkability,\" according and length and has an“Yum!” 3-5 $35 showing a lovely bright to one judge. $35 abundance of complex Grampians flavours. $50Seville Estate fruit profile with herbal Estate MafekingOld Vine Reserve characters and plenty Grampians ShirazYarra Valley of weight and texture. 2015 HHHHH Sanguine EstateCabernet Lifted nose and fleshy \"An awesome wine,\" Estate HeathcoteSauvignon palate. 3-5 $24 enthused one judge Shiraz2015 HHHHH with its brooding 2013 HHHH1/2A complex and Boat O’Craigo dark cherry/spicy oak Nose is warm and ripebrooding style with Braveheart Yarra fragrances and super with dark berry aromas,lifted earthy/leathery Valley Cabernet fresh palate that has coconut oak andblue fruit varietal Sauvignon excellent mulberry- some nice spiciness.aromas. Lovely 2014 HHHH like fruit purity and Lovely palate, richlypalate; engaging from The savoury nose is interest. $25 textured with plenty ofbeginning to end with mature and earthy and length and dense fruitvarietal purity and a flavours. $39.95finish that goes on andon. 5+ $70 is showing nice bottle Seppelt Mount Ida development. Very Heathcote Shiraz lean and dry palate 2013 HHHH1/2 with savoury varietal Dark, brooding and flavours. 3-5 $30 fleshy fruit fragrances laced with spicy oak. Yarravale The generous super Sanguine Estate Reserve Yarra ripe fruit flavours are Inception Valley Cabernet ageing nicely and has Heathcote Shiraz Sauvignon plenty of oak and acid. 2015 HHHH1/2 2013 HHHH $54.99 A big, rich and still very Savoury aromas with Four Sisters youthful wine with slight leathery maturity. Central Victoria lots more cellaring A blackcurrant palate Shiraz potential. Chocolaty that’s still very lively 2015 HHHH1/2 oak and soft fruit for a 4-year-old. Some Excellent wine - very characters lift off the obvious oak. $36 northern Rhone with nose and flow the a super, vibrant violet length of the palate. and rose petal bouquet $39.95 and a somewhat brooding peppery fruit palate layered with fine tannins. $15.65 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 225

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 victoriaAllinda Baileys of Taltarni Pyrenees Silver Spoon durif Brown BrothersHand Crafted Glenrowan Organic Shiraz 2015 HHHH Estate Hallmark PatriciaLimited Release Glenrowan Shiraz A pretty perfumed Heathcote Shiraz Scion Single Milawa NobleYarra Valley Syrah 2015 HHHH1/2 berry bouquet and 2014 HHHH Vineyard Riesling 20132016 HHHH1/2 A lovely youthful very good depth and A beautifully aged wine Rutherglen Durif (250ml) HHHHHSmells of plums and light to medium- weight of ripe shiraz with chocolaty oak 2015 HHHHH \"A fine boned wine.\"sweet Christmas bodied wine with fruit on the palate, aromas and a palate \"A most elegant example Still youthful andspices with smoky oak fine, simple and very supported by a good dense with dark fruit of durif.\" Big dense fruit lively. Lovely crèmecharacters. Very more- attractive varietal fruit line of acid. $35 characters and some compote of a nose with brulee-like nose withish palate with opulent characters. Some fruit St. Anne's solid tannins. $55 hints of licorice, earth attractive apricotspicy blue fruit flavours. cake notes on the Vineyards Tatalia Seppelt St. Peters and tar. Glorious ripe fruit botrytis characters.Nicely focussed nose and fruity rich on Heathcote Shiraz Grampians Shiraz and subtle oak palate Great citrus peelfinished. Needs time the juicy palate. $28 2015 HHHH 2014 HHHH with tannins kept well intensity to the Seppelt Chalambar A big rich fruit Flinty and floral on the under control. $42 balanced palate with 5+ $45 Grampians dominated shiraz nose with a big ripe Buller Wines vibrant acidity. $36.70Hirsch Hill Estate Heathcote Shiraz with lots of dark fruit varietal fruit palate that Balladeer Morris ofYarra Valley Shiraz 2015 HHHH characters on the nose is layered with cedary Rutherglen Durif Rutherglen Cellar2015 HHHH1/2 Nose is a complexity and interesting brambly oak and quite chewy 2015 HHHH1/2 Reserve RutherglenRuby coloured, of floral fruit with fruit complexity on the tannins. $79.99 Lots of lovely spicy Grand Liqueurmedium bodied, wine lovely oak and it has palate. $36 Blue Pyrenees The blue fruit characters Tokay NVwith bright berry an opulent chocolaty Mitchelton Richardson Series here. Has spicy/ (500ml) HHHHHbouquet laced with palate with sappy oak Crescent Central Pyrenees Shiraz licorice aromas Gorgeous bouquetspicy oak. Slightly and chewy tannins. Victoria Shiraz 2012 HHHH and flavours of that's all fig paste andaustere, dry and $26.99 Mourvedre A refreshing style! blackcurrants with a jam with walnuts andsavoury palate that is Heathcote Winery Grenache Nice red fruit, spicy medicinal element golden syrup. Intenselystill very young and Mail Coach 2014 HHHH and musky fragrances and attractive dusty pleasurable flavoursvery fresh. $20 Heathcote Shiraz Nicely developing and generous ripe tannins. $28 move like treacle in 2015 HHHH dark fruit aromas fruit palate with good the mouth with a goodScotchmans Hill A great wine sitting in with a lovely long tannins and an oaky sweet whites level of freshness. $50Bellarine the richer spectrum. and textured palate finish. $62 & fortifieds Morris ofPeninsula Shiraz Sexy choc mint aromas that is rich with plum Oakdene Bellarine Rutherglen2014 HHHH1/2 and flavours with a fruit flavours and soft Peninsula Shiraz Morris of Old PremiumSome suggestion juicy and seamlessly tannins. $28 2016 HHHH Rutherglen Cellar Rutherglen Rareof bottle age to the balanced palate. $35 Best's Bin No.1 Dark bramble bouquet Reserve Rutherglen Liqueur Tokayspicy dark berry nose Tudor Central Great Western with a suggestion of Grand Liqueur NV HHHHHwith rich mouthfilling Victoria Shiraz Shiraz 2014 HHHH oak. Soft and rich in Muscat NV A super syrupy andflavours and the 2015 HHHH A lovely wine the mouth; lots of (500ml) HHHHH intensely concentratedalcohol warming the A great wine with lifted with very floral oak and acid but has \"A rich and yet lifted tokay that has an extraback palate. Soft floral fragrances and dark dense fruit sweet fruit in there ethereal wine of level of complexitytannins. Drinking well good weight of spicy characters, some too. 3-5 $24 class and elegance,\" and wonderfully thicknow. $35 blue fruit flavours on perfumed elements enthused one judge. unctuousness of the palate with chewy underneath, spicy It has an intense treacle/fig paste and tannins in support. oak and very ripe sweetness of spicy/ dark chocolate. $90 $12.99 tannins. $25 figgy aromas with Baileys of Sanguine Estate Mitchelton a floral lift and thick Glenrowan Founder Progeny Heathcote Heathcote Shiraz syrupy flavours. $50 Series Glenrowan Shiraz 2015 HHHH 2014 HHHH Morris of Classic Topaque Slightly rustic and Quite a subdued Rutherglen NV HHHH1/2 savoury style of shiraz nose with some oak Old Premium Rich, beautiful and with a nice lift and complexity. Smooth Rutherglen Rare balanced with a mix of complexity to the spicy mid-weight savoury Liqueur Muscat light molasses, licorice dark berry nose and still palate filled with NV HHHHH straps, caramel toffees fresh, silky rich palate. dark chocolaty fruit \"Excellent style!\" Thick, and a dash of Chinese $24.95 characters. $40 generous and super spices. The intense Sanguine Estate syrupy with apparent fresh spirit adds great Kindred Heathcote youthful fragrances on freshness. $30 Shiraz 2015 HHHH the nose and a palate Baileys of A very good silky that according to one Glenrowan Founder soft wine that is judge, \"Coats the Series Glenrowan balanced, fresh and mouth and gums!\". $90 Classic Muscat very approachable with NV HHHH1/2 sweet fruit and spicy A nice chocolaty/ oak on the nose and golden syrup rancio on palate. $17.95 the nose with charry toastiness. Simple, well balanced palate. \"Perhaps could use some freshening up,\" thought one judge. $30226 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 victoriaVOLUME CONTROL 126 LITRE CAPACITY SMEG THERMOSEAL WITH FIVE TRUE SHELF HEIGHTS ATMOSPHERIC CONTROL & DYNAMIC AIRFLOWFOR LARGE FAMILIES & ENTERTAINERS FOR PERFECT RESULTS smeg.com.au Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 227

Hunter's Dream cellar door, Hunter Valley.new sowuatlhes THE BEST WINES OF 2017 CONTENTS Includes: Sparkling, Pinot Gris/Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc & Blends, Riesling, Semillon & Blends, Chardonnay & Blends, Other White Varietals & Blends, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends, Shiraz & Blends, Sweet White & Fortified.228 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

UNDERSTANDING THE WAY FORWARD The New South Wales year in review, by Winsor Dobbin. We will remember 2017 for its searing heat in February followed by some unwelcome rain during harvest, but in theend we somehow managed to pick a decent sized crop with surprising quality.THE signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the instrumental in the direction of McWilliam’s Wines shifting to a premiumNew South Wales Wine Industry Association and the state government offering and building a national portfolio of brands in key wine regionssignalled a positive step forward for the state’s wine industry in 2017. to showcase the diversity and quality of Australian wine.The MoU has been signed by NSW Wine Industry Association presidentTom Ward, Primary Industries minister Niall Blair and Tourism and Major He was involved in establishing the McWilliam’s Maurice O’Shea AwardEvents minister Adam Marshall. in 1990, an award that celebrates an individual, brand, institute, activity or entity that has brought the same passion and drive for the wine industry “This document represents much hard work done behind the scenes that he was so well known for. McWilliam was active within a numberand a much closer working relationship between us and the government,” of key associations within the industry, including Australian Wine andWard said. “It is vital for an industry that not only provides regional Brandy Corporation, Australian Wine and Brandy Producers’ Association,communities with sustainable employment and boosts their economic the Australian Wine Board and the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia.activity but also contributes $1.6 billion to the total NSW economy andplays an important role in our state’s $38 billion tourism sector.” Minister At the New South Wales Wine Awards, Richard Sheldrake, AM wasBlair said: “This government knows the value of the wine industry presented with the Graham Gregory Award for services to the NSW wineto our state and especially to the regional communities it supports. industry. Dr Sheldrake stepped down as director general of the NSWWe’ve signed this MoU to ensure the NSW wine industry is in the best Department of Primary Industries in 2013 after 38 years in the NSW publicpossible position to capitalise on trade opportunities, tourism initiatives service. Prior to this appointment he had been director general of theand research and development, while growing at home and abroad.” departments of industry and investment, natural resources and agriculture.Commitments in the MoU also cover using and promoting NSW wines Dr Sheldrake has led various departments in service delivery, policyat NSW government functions and venues, and showcasing NSW wine development, compliance and regulation, research and development, andduring any overseas ministerial trade missions. The Hunter Valley, still technology transfer across a broad range of fields. Wine tourism continuedthe state’s major premium producer, reported a more than satisfactory to be a major industry driver in 2017 with Ward announcing at the NSW2017 vintage. A wet spring in the growing season saw excellent canopy Wine Awards that: “The Hunter Valley is leading the way with the numbergrowth and, as it turned out, a generally better than expected crop load. of visitors at a record level of 1.8 million”. There was also plenty of activityEarly summer rains were enough to get the vines through most of their in both Mudgee and Orange. The Mudgee drinks scene was enlivened byveraison. Overall the 2017 vintage was an outstanding one with great the opening of Clitie Murdoch’s Wellstead Shrubs tasting room and thequality and reasonable quantity. Mudgee reported a fourth consecutive First Ridge cellar door. The former Frog Rock cellar door has been givenvintage with excellent fruit and wine quality after a wet winter followed by a makeover and will be shared by Elephant Mountain Wines and Lazya summer with a warm start and minimal rainfall allowing grape growers Oak Wines. Ernest Schultz, who occupied the space, is moving to open ato concentrate on fruit quality. Overall, the 2017 vintage in the Riverina vineyard cellar door. In Orange, Soirée by Faisan, a wine bar/cellar door,was average to good, with whites producing the stand-out varieties. opened in Lords Place in November, following in the footsteps of the newOrange, meanwhile, reported an increase in tonnage over 2016 but “we Swinging Bridge cellar door a few kilometres outside town. Also new iswill remember 2017 for its searing heat in February followed by some Zona, a bar and restaurant in Summer St. Two well-known wine industryunwelcome rain during harvest, but in the end we somehow managed to figures have also launched new labels - former Cumulus winemaker Mattpick a decent sized crop with surprising quality,” Brangayne Wines’ David Tallah and Will Rikard Bell, while Montoro Wines is also set to unveil a newHoskins said. There was sadness in the Hunter and Riverina late in the tasting facility. Wine Communicators of Australia named Clive Hartley asyear following the death of industry pioneer Don McWilliam. An icon of the 2017 winner of the NSW Legend of the Vine, announced at the WCAthe Australian wine industry and a driving force behind the McWilliam’s Sydney Royal Wine Show Awards Lunch. A seasoned author, wine writer,Wines Group, McWilliam died at the age of 83. He was a passionate sommelier, wine judge and professional wine educator and Winestate'sadvocate of Australian wine and for over five decades dedicated his life own Wine Tutor, Hartley has been a prominent figure in the Australian wineto the development of the Australian wine industry both domestically and industry for more than 20 years. He was instrumental in the developmentinternationally as well as the development of the Hunter Valley. He was of the wine education program at the Northern Sydney Institute and in 2008 established The Sydney Wine Academy at Ryde College. Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 229

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 new south walessparkling Robert Black Wines Colmar Estate Gartelmann Scarborough Andevine Hunter Black Mudgee Orange Riesling Benjamin Hunter Hunter Valley Valley SemillonSee Saw Balance Pinot Gris 2016 HHHH Valley Semillon Semillon 2017 HHHHOrange Prosecco 2013 HHHH Smells of lemons and 2011 HHHHH 2016 HHHH1/2 Bright citrussy2016 HHHH Light honeyed notes grapefruit with light A classic, well-aged, Lots of citrus, nose followed byVery fruity aromas to the nose. Upfront lime and lemon flavours Hunter semillon. The grapefruit and white delicate, but simple,with lemon overtones. fruit richness on on a balanced palate nose is all toasty/ peach on the intense fruit flavours on theFresh, bright and light the palate showing with a good crisp acid stonefruit with nutty nose. Phenolics classically structuredin the mouth. Very reasonable length presence. $28 notes and honeysuckle- add interest to the Hunter semillon palate.refreshing; a good and good varietal Robert Stein like sweetness. The refreshing lemon citrusexample of style. $25 expression. $27 Reserve Mudgee beautiful honeyed palate with nutty/toasty 5+ $17.99 Riesling toasty flavours are the complexity. $23 Tempus Twopinot gris/grigio sauvignon 2016 HHHH highlight. $40 Tyrrell's Wines Pewter Hunter blanc & blends A cool climate style Stevens Single Valley SemillonCooks Lot with a light, bright Mount Pleasant Vineyard Hunter 2017 HHHHAllotment 666 Logan Orange appearance, citrussy Elizabeth Hunter Valley Semillon An interesting andOrange Pinot Gris Sauvignon Blanc aromas, lemon juice- Valley Semillon 2011 HHHH1/2 refreshing complexity2016 HHHH1/2 2016 HHHHH like flavours and lots of 2009 HHHHH Masses of citrus of citrus fruit, whiteVery appealing powerful \"A standout wine.\" acidity. Time! A poised, elegant and green apple peaches, yoghurtvarietal aromas of Striking floral tones to and \"charming\" characters with hints and honeysuckle allgreens peas with the nose and a long 5+ $50 semillon. Nose has of peaches and a balanced by good linesavoury notes. Very crisp palate with very retained fruit weight tropical lift. Starting of acidity. $34youthful palate with pronounced upfront semillon & blends for further ageing. to show some Andevine Reservecrisp fruit and a firm fruit impact. Good level Great honeyed/toasty development but is Hunter Valleyfinish. Good with food, of acidity to balance. A flavours. \"Still has acid still a teenager! Semillonespecially oily fish! $22 real crowd-pleaser. $25 crispness after all this 2017 HHHHSee Saw Orange Cumulus Estate time.\" 5+ $30 5+ $35 Simple citrus nose butPinot Gris Rolling Central Coolangatta Estate Drayton's Family the classic semillon2015 HHHH1/2 Ranges Sauvignon Wollstonecraft Wines Hunter palate offers lots more;Lifted fruit aromas with Blanc Semillon Shoalhaven Coast Valley Semillon pears, red apples,appley-like notes. Great 2016 HHHH Semillon 2017 HHHH1/2 yeasty complexity andlength of fresh varietal Lightly coloured with 2011 HHHHH A fuller fruit-driven hints of honeysuckle.flavours. Nice palate tight, slight appley, Very good fragrant style with delicatetexture with a gentle fruit fragrances. Gentle lemon varietal bright lemon 5+ $35acidic grip and a tight flavour expression on expression to the fragrances and a Margan Hunterfinish. $25 the palate with a crisp nose. Opens up on lovely refreshing and Valley Semillon acid follow through. the palate to fruit balanced spicy pear 2016 HHHHSee Saw Orange pastille-like flavours palate. Drink now or A gorgeous complexityPinot Gris 3-5 $19 with touch of honey. keep for ten years! of green fruit,2016 HHHH Gentle finish. Has honeysuckle, toastBright green apple riesling many more years left 5+ $20 and hazelnut aromas.bouquet with light in it yet. 5+ $35 Vinifera Organic Supple fruit palatehints of pears. Fresh Robert Stein Mudgee Semillon balanced by crispappealing palate; Half Dry RS10 Coolangatta Estate Saddler's Creek 2016 HHHH acidity and showsgood varietal fruit Mudgee Riesling Wollstonecraft Classic Hunter A slightly closed lighter great toasty nutty age.impression. An 2016 HHHH1/2 Shoalhaven Coast Valley Semillon style. It's light andenjoyable drink. $25 A very well-made light Semillon 2005 HHHHH bright on the glass, 5+ $20 and delicate aperitif 2009 HHHHH Lovely toasty, richly smells of green apple Tamburlaine style in a German Rich honeyed citrus developed aged skins and is fresh and Reserve Hunter Kabinett style. The bouquet and a semillon that's all flavoursome in the Valley Semillon soft, semi-dry, palate beautifully balanced secondary and tertiary mouth. $24 2016 HHHH has some slight fruit palate with powerful characters. A great Coolangatta Estate Grapefruit aromas sweetness and good toasty honeyed varietal example of an aged Estate Grown with a nutty/smoky fruit/acid balance. fruit expression. Still Hunter semillon and Shoalhaven Coast expression. Good amazingly young and still has a few years Semillon upfront citrus/apple-like 5+ $40 lively. \"Has another 10 left in it yet! $46 2016 HHHH flavour component. Cooks Lot years in it yet.\" $45 Delicate fruit Plenty of potential. Allotment 333 fragrances and lovely Orange Riesling Coolangatta Estate green apple flavours 5+ $33 2016 HHHH Alexander Berry still too young to be at Tempus Two Good hit of riesling Shoalhaven Coast its best. \"Wait awhile,\" Pewter Hunter aromas. A light, Semillon advised one judge. $25 Valley Semillon simple citrus palate 2005 HHHHH 2015 HHHH with flavours filling Tight, compact smoky A classic citrussy nose the length of the lemon/grapefruit with more of those palate. Will improve characters on the nose zesty fresh citrus with age. $22 that carries through on characters flowing to the long lingering through on to the palate. Excellent age slightly sweet palate. complexity makes for a really lovely drink. $50 5+ $34230 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 new south walesTwo Rivers Cooks Lot RidgeView other whiteStones Throw Allotment Impressions Single varietals & blendsHunter Valley 168 Orange Vineyard HunterSemillon Chardonnay Valley Chardonnay2014 HHHH 2016 HHHH 2016 HHHHA fuller toast and Light caramel/oak nose A light grassy stylehoney style with with a tropical tinge. with delicate floral/ Cassegraindelicate floral notes Tight upfront tropical citrus fragrances and Edition Noirto the nose and fruit palate will open up intense but delicate Orangeinteresting smoky further with time. Crisp stonefruit flavours Gewurztraminercomplexity to the finish. 3-5 $22 with a surprisingly long 2016 HHHHHpalate. \"Needs more finish. $30 Very good Gewurtztime.\" 3-5 $25 Cumulus Orange aromatics; very Chardonnay Tamburlaine appealing, veryTempus Two Pewter 2016 HHHH Reserve Hunter powerful lychee/Hunter Valley Aromas of ripe Valley Chardonnay Turkish DelightSemillon peaches; hints 2016 HHHH characters. Palate is2013 HHHH of ripe bananas. Delicate honeyed firm and balanced withVery delicate citrussy Delicious flavours tropical aromas with bright fruit flavours andbouquet with floral on a beautiful, finely a crisp and refreshing good acidity. Alsace-hints. Very youthful textured, palate with palate showing subtle like. $28crisp citrus palate good fruit weight. $35 secondary flavours.with attractive Lots of cellaring Gartelmannphenolic notes adding Robert Stein promise. $33 Jessica Hunter Glandore Regional The Collectivecomplexity. Mudgee Valley Verdelho Series Hunter Wine Company Reserve Mudgee Tempus Two 2017 HHHH Valley Rosé It's Pronounced 5+ $34 Chardonnay Pewter Poppy's Delicate floral 2017 HHHHH Mudgee Mudgee 2016 HHHH fragrances with a green A lovely vibrant Rosé 2016 HHHHTyrrell's Wines Rich peachy aromas Block Hunter Valley fruit edge. Refreshing bright pink wine; a A lovely light pinkVat 1 Hunter Valley with vanilla overtones. Chardonnay steely green apple good Provence style wine with a slightlySemillon Upfront oak on the 2016 HHHH palate with a touch that is a mélange of closed nose and2012 HHHH palate with tropical fruit Pronounced smoky of honey and some cherry and strawberry very soft palateHerbaceous/capsicum lurking beneath. \"Great oak aromas and warmth. $22 confectionery fruit impression; gentlyaromas; delicate florals with rich seafood.\" $50 a pleasant palate Tempus Two Copper with sweet spices sweet with a lightunderneath. A lovely with good flavour Label Vegan Hunter adding complexity. tannic finish. $16classic aged semillon profile and plenty of Valley Verdelho Needs food! $23 Dindima Orangepalate that's still Cooks Lot well handled oak in 2017 HHHH Cooks Lot Rosé 2015 HHHHyouthful with years Allotment 3 support. 3-5 $50 Attractive Turkish Allotment 365 A powerful plum andahead. 5+ $80 Handpicked Orange Delight/musky- Orange Rosé berry bouquet with a Chardonnay McGuigan like aromas and a 2016 HHHH1/2 bigger and somewhatchardonnay & 2015 HHHH Personal Reserve good green apple Bright pink colour drier, style of palate.blends Smells a little like HV Hunter Valley flavour profile with with some ripe \"More salmon needed green mangoes with Chardonnay mouth-watering acid pomegranate-like here!\" $18Cooks Lot oak sitting on top. 2015 HHHH freshness. $30 aromas. Palate is soft Saddler's CreekAllotment 3 Soft and rounded A balanced and and delicate and has Wines HunterHandpicked Orange in the mouth with interesting style that's rosé very light red flavours Valley RoséChardonnay more of those mango a complex mix of with gentle tannin 2016 HHHH2014 HHHH1/2 characters. $35 varietal fruit, toasty Margan Hunter structure. \"Needs A very youthful wineThe light gold tinge oak and crisp acidity Valley Rosé smoked salmon!\" $35 with a light earthinesssuggests some age Colmar Estate with good winemaking 2015 HHHHH to the nose andand the ripe tropical Block 1 Orange skills. $50 Meaty savoury aromas red cherries andwarm caramel aromas Chardonnay with mushroom-like strawberries on theconfirm it! Rich 2015 HHHH Trentham development and palate. Not too tannic.concentration of tropical A powerful, but still Estate Estate complexity. Refreshing Good food wine. $24fruit flavours enhanced very youthful, wine Murray Darling palate well integratedby the oak. $35 with plenty of soft Chardonnay red fruit elements andTyrrell's Wines Vat tropical fruit aromas 2016 HHHH some meaty notes47 Hunter Valley and flavours, chunky A long, complex with spicy nuances.Chardonnay oak and grippy traditional style with $202013 HHHH1/2 tannins. 3-5 $38 light toasty/nutty/citrusA poised and elegant aromas and toastychardonnay that's still Dindima Barrel charry oak palatevery young with light Aged Orange with citrus flavourshoneyed citrus and Chardonnay underneath. $16cedary oak lifting off 2014 HHHHthe nose and a juicy, The tropical fruitfleshy fruit palate. Nice nose is rich and verynuttiness. $70 appealing with lots more of the ripe tropical fruit characters on the palate. Good food wine. $40 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 231

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 new south wales232 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 pinot noir Cassegrain Edition Margan Hunter Noir Central Valley Merlot Ranges Pinot Noir 2015 HHHH1/2 2016 HHHH Plums and tobacco Complex savoury on the nose and aromas with faint mouthfilling savoury cherry notes. Nice tannins on the upfront fruit on the intense plum palate soft palate. Some with refreshing complexity beginning acidity and slight to develop. $32 smokiness. Another good varietal. $25 other red varietals & blends Colmar Estate Ross Hill Pinnacle The Collective Block 3 Orange Series Griffin Road Wine Company Pinot Noir Vineyard Orange It's Pronounced 2015 HHHH1/2 Cabernet Franc Mudgee Mudgee Light ruby coloured 2015 HHHHH Sangiovese wine with sweet A solid fruit driven 2016 HHHH earthy strawberry wine - \"It's different!\" The nose is spicy, aromas and a complex, Very attractive fruit floral and perfumed. savoury, but still aromas with hints The surprisingly light, youthful, palate. Lovely of pomegranate and grippy, savoury palate soft fruit flavours carry licorice. Long elegantly has flavours of cherries across the length of structured palate and marzipan. $16 the palate. $45 with delicious varietal Cassegrain Edition Gooree Park flavours. $45 Noir Central Mudgee Pinot Noir Heslop Handcrafted Ranges Sangiovese 2016 HHHH Mudgee Touriga 2016 HHHH Powerful cherry Nacional Big black olive bouquet with hints 2014 HHHHH bouquet and a very of plums. Has rich Brooding ripe plum firm palate structure strong varietal aromas with a savoury with a mouthful of expression on the element. The palate fresh cherry and front and mid-palate is rich, powerful and tobacco-like flavours. with a firm tannic quite chocolaty and Good tannins. $28 finish. $20 porty with exotic fruit Tamburlaine flavours and generous Organic Single ripe tannins. $35 Vineyard Orange Margan Hunter Malbec Valley Barbera 2016 HHHH 2014 HHHHH A vibrant, slightly leafy True to style with green style. Delicate aromas of plums varietal fruit characters and cherries, some and a firm grippy meatiness and a little palate. \"A nice package Hunter \"sweaty saddle\" - true to style.\" $30 note. Lots of black cherries and plums on a nicely ageing palate with silky tannins. $40 Berton Vineyards Metal Label Riverina Durif 2016 HHHH1/2 Typically huge jammy fruit nose with masses of mouthfilling juicy plum/prune flavours, but it’s not over-the- top. Has good level of very fine drying tannins. 5+ $12

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 new south walesVinifera Organic Heslop Handcrafted cabernet sauvignon Drayton's Family Ross Hill Isabelle Robert Stein WinesMudgee Mudgee Zinfandel & blends Wines Vineyard Orange Cabernet Reserve SingleTempranillo 2014 HHHH Reserve Hunter Merlot Cabernet Vineyard2016 HHHH Smells like crushed Gooree Park Valley Cabernet Franc 2015 HHHH Mudgee ShirazToasty jammy fruit cranberries and has Crowned Glory Sauvignon A dark purple and 2015 HHHHHnose. Firm in the a ton of jammy fruit Mudgee Cabernet 2014 HHHH1/2 typical cool climate Lovely plum andmouth with good on a simple, firmly Sauvignon A fuller, solid wine with style. Subtle plum cherry fruit charactersbalance between the structured, palate with 2015 HHHHH an abundance of intense and cherry fragrances. on the nose withfruit and tannins. \"It warming alcohol. $30 Very deep purple savoury/chocolaty Tight grippy palate delicate smoky oakcalls for tapas,\" said wine with promising fruit, a touch of earthy with concentrated fruit notes which followsone judge. $35 Glandore Regional dark berry aromas and complexity and great flavours. $25 through on the softLogan Weemala Series Hunter a palate that delivers! tannin support and a Walter Wines palate. Good drinkingMudgee Valley Tempranillo Lots of rich berry fruit long lingering finish. Federation Hill now or cellar forTempranillo 2014 HHHH flavours, olive notes Mudgee Cabernet years! 5+ $502015 HHHH A delicate primary and lovely chocolaty 3-5 $30 Shiraz 2011 HHHHRich plum fruit aromas fruit-driven wine. oak. Firm on the Cooks Lot A berry bouquet with Gartelmann Jessewith a perfumed Smells of earthy/spicy finish. $35 Iconic Barrique a tinge of eucalypt. Mudgee Shirazoverlay. Solid tannic blackberries and has a Ross Hill Orange Cabernet Very elegant palate 2014 HHHHHpalate has firm grippy velvety soft, savoury The Griffin Orange Sauvignon structure with aged A solid red still young,fruit flavours. Great palate with good fruit Cabernet Merlot 2015 HHHH1/2 earthy cedary flavours tight and slightly closedwith rich meat dishes. sweetness. $30 Cabernet Franc Smoky plum and berry and strong tannin with years ahead of$20 Margan Hunter 2013 HHHH1/2 nose with savoury profile. $22 it. Spiciness on theRoss Hill Dos Valley Tempranillo Lots of minty/ black bean edges. A Dindima Orange nose and great varietalSalchichas Orange Graciano Shiraz eucalypt characters ripe palate bursting Cabernet Cabernet characters on theTempranillo 2014 HHHH on the nose. Some with dark chocolaty Franc Merlot palate. \"A beef wine,\"2015 HHHH Simple mixed berry rich chocolaty fruit flavours. Will 2010 HHHH said one judge. $35Dark purple wine; aromas with a touch flavours on the palate improve further with Smells of blackberriesaromas of plums. A of spice and a cherry/ well carried by the more cellaring. with minty hints.well balanced palate plum fruit-driven fine tannins. \"Be great Soft, light palate withwith pleasing structure palate with well with lamb.\" A keeper. 5+ $50 attractive cedary/cigarand attractive fruit; well integrated tannins. Cumulus Climbing box characters. Plentyintegrated tannins. $25 \"Authentically 5+ $95 Orange Cabernet more life in it yet.Gartelmann Hunter!\" $40 Cooks Lot SauvignonRylstone Mudgee Allotment 8989 2015 HHHH1/2 5+ $32Petit Verdot Orange Cabernet Spicy red berry Ross Hill Pinnacle2015 HHHH Merlot bouquet and Series GriffinTouch green on the 2015 HHHH1/2 seamlessly balanced, Rd Vineyardnose with some A very well balanced medium weight palate Orange Cabernetpeppermint touches. blend with both with pleasing fruit and SauvignonSolid tannins surround varieties showing lovely oak. Drinking 2015 HHHHobvious berry fruit 'equal billing'. Smells well now with the Attractive deep purpleflavours. Well balanced. of plums. Lovely best yet to come. hues and fresh plum complexity of upfront and berry aromas. 3-5 $38 fruit flavours with 5+ $24 Tight, complex style ofVinifera Organic well-handled oak. Gartelmann palate with excellentMudgee Graciano Jonathon varietal fruit. Good2015 HHHH 3-5 $22 Mudgee Cabernet oak. $45Generous plum fruit Sauvignonaromas; a touch of 2015 HHHH1/2 shiraz & blendsspice. Soft in the Juicy blackberry nosemouth with lovely with Wintergreen- Thistle Hillelegant fruit flavours like notes and hints Preservative Freeand a long lingering of leather. Very well Mudgee Shirazfinish. $40 balanced but simple 2016 HHHHHTamburlaine palate with bright fruit A very appealingReserve Orange across its entire length. wine with loads ofMerlot spicy mulberry fruit2015 HHHH 5+ $35 expression withToasty plum aromas the oak carrying itwith smoky oak well. Possibly someovertones. Palate viognier charactersis soft and elegant showing through onwith light berry fruit the palate. $22but showing somecomplexity. $44 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 233

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 new south wales Saddler's Creek Wines Single Vineyard Hunter Valley Shiraz 2014 HHHH1/2 Beautiful bouquet - all blackberries, plums and sweet spices with pronounced chocolaty/ cherry flavour profile and smoky oak adding complexity. 5+ $65 Tempus Two Copper Series Hunter Valley Shiraz 2016 HHHH1/2 Gorgeous shiraz characters reminiscent of fresh cherries, leafy blackberries, hints of rose petals, a touchMidnight's Promise Tyrrell's Wines Gooree Park Don Robert Stein Tamburlaine of licorice and sweetHunter Valley Vat 8 Hunter Valley Eduardo Mudgee Wines The Kinnear Reserve HunterShiraz Shiraz Cabernet Shiraz Cabernet Mudgee Shiraz Valley Syrah spicy notes. Great2013 HHHHH 2014 HHHHH Cabernet 2016 HHHH1/2 potential. 5+ $30\"Ticks all the boxes,\" An excellent example 2015 HHHH1/2 2014 HHHH1/2 Blueberry aromassaid one judge. Great of style that's still Rich red berry aromas Closed nose, some laced with vanillavarietal components young and powerful. and a fine, somewhat earthiness mingling and spices with a Gooree Parkof berries, chocolate, \"A good 10 years left tarry, palate with elegant with a hint of plums dash of pepper. Well Crowned Glorytruffles and spices and in it yet,\" according fruit expression across and berries. Good integrated fruit-driven Mudgee Shirazshowing great meaty to one judge. Great the length of the palate palate length, soft in flavours enhanced by 2014 HHHH1/2development with concentration of black and a long lingering the mouth giving a sweet spices and firm The rich chocolatygood oak complexity. fruits, chocolate and finish. Offers balanced lasting impact of good tannins. Built to last! plum nose promises a licorice. $80 drinking. 5+ $38 clean fruit flavours. $80 wine with substance 5+ $36 5+ $44 - and it delivers! Lovely generosity and complexity of fruit flavours edged with vanilla-like notes. $32 New Release Mudgee | Hunter Valley | Rylstone Gartelmann Wines - made from NSW’s premier wine growing regions.234 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018



WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 new south walesThistle Hill Organic Drayton's Family Follow us and keep up toMudgee Shiraz Wines Joseph date with all our latest2015 HHHH1/2 Hunter Valley wine info, tastings andAnother wine with Shiraz 2011 HHHHyears ahead of it. This A big dense solid events on facebook,deep purple shiraz wine; still amazingly twitter and instagram.has mixed berry youthful with attractivecomplexity on the fragrant aromas Connect on social withnose and palate with and a silky smooth, Winestatesome plum-like notes flavoursome palate.and a warm finish. \"Lots to offer.\" $90 www.facebook.com/Winestate- Magazine 5+ $25 sweet white & fortified twitter.com/winestateedTamburlaine www.instagram.com/winestate/Reserve Orange Gooree ParkSyrah Mudgee Late www.winestate.com.au2015 HHHH Harvest SemillonAn attractive bright NV HHHHpurple wine. Plenty of A delicate style withplums and berries on lemon pastille-likethe nose leading to a aromas and sweet,lovely smooth berry but not too syrupy,palate. Good flavour light apricot botrytislength. 3-5 $44 characters on the rich The Collective fruit palate. $22 Glandore Regional Wine Company Series HunterLogan Ridge of It's Pronounced Valley Late HarvestTears Altitude Mudgee Mudgee Viognier564M Orange Shiraz 2014 HHHH 2017 HHHHShiraz 2015 HHHH \"A solid young thing,\" Gorgeous complexityA youthful and balanced commented one judge. of sweet tropicalwine with plenty of Has a subtle sweet fruits, honeysuckle-potential left. A lovely red fruit bouquet and like floral elements'controlled' mix of a tight palate with a and refreshing citrusraspberry fruit and dark firm finish. 3-5 components with greatchocolaty elements. $16 acid line to balance the sweetness. $23 5+ $45Vinifera Gran Tinto Walter WinesOrganic Mudgee Federation HillShiraz Garnacha Mudgee ShirazTempranillo 2012 HHHH2015 HHHH \"The exotic spicy fruitLovely bright aromas really capturepurple hues with a your attention,\" saidperfumed, spicy berry one judge. And thesenose and a long, tight, characters continue ontotannic palate; some the palate. 5+ $25upfront fruit flavours. Margan Hunter 3-5 $24 Valley Shiraz 2015 HHHH Savoury, earthy and complex on the nose and tasting of sour cherries with a suggestion of sweet spices and balancing drying tannins. $25 Scarborough Hunter Valley Shiraz 2011 HHHH Old fashioned style- savoury and oaky with an earthy berry bouquet and nice red/ black fruit flavour profile. A few years in it yet. $25236 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

Aerial shot of Perth and the Swan River.waeustsetrranlia THE BEST WINES OF 2017 CONTENTS Includes: Sparkling, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc & Blends, Semillon & Blends, Other White Varietals & Blends, Chardonnay, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Cabernet Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz. Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 237

DELUGE DELIVERS TROPHY BONUS The West Australian year in review, by Mike Zekulich. It is amazing what a vineyard can withstand to recover and produce quality fruit.SOME called it a national disaster, others the worst vintage in 50 years. felt they had “dodged a bullet” with no serious weather damage. “It was aThen there has been the call: “Never seen such high-water flooding even more classical cooler Frankland vintage especially for the whites,” he said.in winter.” This was the unprecedented situation in early 2017 in the Swan A severe hail storm in 2015 wiped out 90 per cent of the Alkoomi vineyardValley - West Australia’s historic heart of viticulture - when heavy summer rains so that vine rehabilitation has been on restructuring such as trellising andcaused widespread severe flooding and crop damage. Some producers were pruning for stronger shoots in the regrowth to try and limit future damage.inundated. Declaring the area and other flooded parts of the state a natural Further east in the Porongorup Ranges Robert Diletti, of Castle Rock, said thedisaster zone, premier of the day Colin Barnett said it meant commonwealth vintage was about a month later than 2016 after a late, cool winter and spring.and state funds would be available for those in need and to repair damage. “Rain in mid February resulted in the rejection of some fruit by wineries,” heThird-generation winemaker James Talijancich said he had never seen such said. “But where the fruit has been clean, some excellent whites have beenSwan River flooding. “But it is amazing what a vineyard can withstand to produced. I believe some good reds have also been made, though theyrecover and produce quality fruit,” he said. “We made our first vintage port in may lack the intensity of earlier years.” Back in the Swan Valley growers felt35 years which I would not thought possible given the year we have had. Yet early in the season they could well be heading for the best vintage in years,I now regard it as one of our best.” “Older, unirrigated shiraz and grenache with warm dry days and no extreme heat. However, deteriorating weathervines can handle such severe conditions really well and recover, and there forecasts indicated very heavy rain was on the way so some producers suchis plenty of demand for the fruit, two-three times what is available.” Upper as Mandoon Estate picked chardonnay and verdelho early to avoid damage.Reach owners Derek and Laura Pearse were shocked and disappointed to It was a good move for the forecasts proved correct and rain it did - morewake up and find much of their prized shiraz on the river’s floodplain under than 100mm from January 31 until February 11. “The river did not copewater. Almost half was lost. Colby Quirk, senior winemaker at Sittella Wines, and it burst its banks causing devastation to any adjacent vineyards,” saidestimated crop and property damage at about $300,000. However, prompt Mandoon winemaker Ryan Sudano. “But from the very first crush it was clearpicking managed to save valuable white grapes. “The floods have been that we had something special with the verdelho. Wonderful aromatic lift anddevastating,” Quirk said. “It is quite sad that we’ve lost so much of our year’s distinctive and powerful flavours were in abundance.” Fortunately the redswork.” Guests at a wedding at the property were ushered out just ahead of were in an early development stage so the fruit in many well-drained blocksrising floodwaters. The offset to Sittella’s bitter seasonal pill has been the survived and potentially the wines looked very good. Cool conditions remainedtremendous show successes in 2017 with 13 trophies won at events around and extended the grape ripening period by four weeks. Flavour and tanninthe country. Other WA vineyards, some in the Margaret River region, also development were slower than usual but created wonderful intensity. Coloursuffered from the extensive out-of-season rainfall. One producer said bunch also benefited from the longer season. Shiraz was the star for the reds androt and botrytis were so bad on his property he would have no chardonnay to shone from early days in the fermenters. Amazing colour and flavour intensitybottle from the vintage. David Watson, of Woodlands Wines, said had they left was apparent immediately. “The reds had terrific structure and flavour, andcabernet on the vine for another week the crop would have been wiped out. an obvious soft tannin ripeness,” said Sudano. “Considering the tumultuous“Hang time on cabernet means the development of soggy characters in the nature of the vintage it was a truly outstanding result and a testament to manywines,” he said. “You have about a week of picking time when it is at its best of the old blocks and well-drained gravely sites in the valley.” So when wineand acid levels are still rising. Water from rain dilutes the acid (and sugar) lovers look back at the vintage in a few years, what will be remembered?flattening out the taste so it loses its zestfulness, and is not glowing with life Floods, loss, devastation, disappointment? “These memories will be dilutedas Jack Mann would say. Then you have to acid adjust which is not good.” by some outstanding verdelho and shiraz wines that have shone through,”At Alkoomi in the heart of WA’s Great Southern, winemaker Andrew Cherry Sudano said. 238 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 western australiasparkling Trevelen Farm Harewood Estate Trevelen Farm Miles from Palmer Margaret Estate Great Porongurup Great Great Southern Nowhere Margaret River SauvignonUmamu Estate Southern Riesling Southern Riesling Riesling River Sauvignon Blanc SemillonMargaret River 2016 HHHH1/2 2016 HHHH 2005 HHHH Blanc 2016 HHHH 2016 HHHHSparkling Lifted floral/citrus/ Sweet citrus bouquet Developed toasty/ Good lift of passionfruit Nice grassy lift to theChardonnay orange blossom with a pleasant floral/ cumquat bouquet to the nose; nice funky tropical/passionfruit2005 HHHH aromas with a bit musky lift. Nice citrus with a light peppery notes. The palate is nose and an elegantPowerful and complex of funk. Long clean length to the palate - note. Great flavours fresh and flavoursome palate with goodaromas with some palate with floral fruit it's slightly sweet but of lemons and limes with well-balanced weight of passionfruit/obvious yeasty flavours, some ripe is in balance. $25 with a slight smoky acidity. A crowd green melon flavours.autolysis. Complex melon notes and nice Rockcliffe Third element. $60 pleaser. $15 Good acidity. $25creamy palate with punchy acidity. $25 Reef Greata mouthful of toasty Rockcliffe Southern Riesling sauvignon blanc Brygon Reserve semillon & blendsaged flavours. $63 Single Site Great 2016 HHHH & blends Lion's Lair Reserve Southern Riesling Musky confectionery Western Australia Harewood Estateriesling 2016 HHHH1/2 fragrances with a Vinaceous Sauvignon Blanc Reserve Great A delicate pale green lemony lift. Palate is light Divine Light 2016 HHHH Southern SemillonAlkoomi Frankland wine with great and tight with delicate Margaret River Lovely passionfruit Sauvignon BlancRiver Riesling intensity of lifted floral flavours and Sauvignon Blanc aromas with just a 2016 HHHHH2016 HHHHH honeysuckle aromas lingering acidity. $28 2016 HHHH1/2 hint of green grass Beautiful floral\"Loved the nose,\" and a tighter lemony Alkoomi Frankland Pungent tropical notes characters. Light and fragrances minglingenthused one judge. palate with a lovely River Riesling on the nose leading to simple in the mouth with pungentIt's all lifted limes line of acid and good 2009 HHHH a lovely elegant palate with fresh melon passionfruit characters.and floral fragrances. length of flavour. $35 Developed toasty with lots of flavour, flavours. $18.99 Great flavour intensityTight palate with a marmalade nose with a some sweetness and on a fresh crisp palatereally good structure dash of pepper. Palate lively acidity that gives that has good weightand loads of citrussy is a touch drying but the wine plenty of and rich semillonflavours. Clean fresh holding together well length. $21.99 texture. $27finish. $24 and still has appeal. $38 “Passionate Australian winemaking families working together”3 DROPS CONTENTIOUS CHARACTERS CRITTENDEN WINES HARVEY RIVER ESTATE BROKENBACK VINEYARDLEOGATE ESTATE LILLYPILLY WINES MITOLO WINES MOORES HILL ZAPPA WINES seDekiwscinoave.etcrommo.raeuOTTELIA SOUL GROWERS ZONZO FISHBONE WINESSEEKWINE Australia is about real, passionate winemaking families across Australia, making their own wine for their own brands and their own businesses for consumers to enjoy. Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 239

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 western australiaApricus Hill Single other white Harewood Rockcliffe Brygon Reserve roséVineyard Denmark varietals & blends Estate Reserve Third Reef HummingbirdSemillon Great Southern Great Southern Series Margaret Brygon Reserve Bin2016 HHHH1/2 Paul Conti Tuart Chardonnay Chardonnay River Chardonnay 808 Margaret RiverVery varietal with Block Western 2015 HHHHH 2016 HHHH 2015 HHHH Rosé 2016 HHHHa fresh green and Australia Chenin Muted lemon A lovely bouquet of Funky stonefruit Lifted berry bouquetgrassy bouquet. A Blanc 2016 HHHH fragrances with well spices, oak, melon and fraqgrances and a nicely and a creamy palatereally nice palate with A pungent, lifted, integrated oak. Lovely peaches. Great palate textured palate that has with lifted fruit flavourswell-handled phenolics perfumed nose and a powerful palate weight and texture great complexity and and a creamy palateand some great acid. fresh lifted palate with seamlessly balanced with ripe fruit flavours mouthfilling flavours. with lifted fruit flavours\"This wine will age very highly perfumed citrus with generous layered with 'roasted' Good oak balance. and crisp acidity.well,\" suggested one fruit flavours and nice flavours. Despite oak. $30 $24.99 $24.99judge. $27 green acidity. $18 being a big wine it has Saracen Estates Byron & Harold Sandalford Estate elegance. $35 Margaret River Rose & Thorns pinot noirFuddling Cup Reserve Margaret Kracker Jack Chardonnay Great SouthernMargaret River Verdelho Margaret River 2016 HHHH Chardonnay Castle Rock EstateRiver Semillon 2016 HHHH Chardonnay \"Some real elbow 2015 HHHH Great SouthernSauvignon Blanc Fresh and complex 2014 HHHH1/2 grease has gone into Citrus/lemon bouquet Pinot Noir2016 HHHH with great aromatics An elegant chardonnay. this wine,\" commented with a spicy hit. 2015 HHHHA simple subdued of tropical fruit and Ripe stonefruit bouquet one judge. Lots of Elegant palate; clean Spicy cherry nose withtropical fruit bouquet fresh herbs. Loads with nice grapefruit-like solids, lots of work, and fresh with good a savoury influence.with a pleasant mid- of fruit concentration notes. Silky smooth, lots of oak and lots of weight of citrus fruit Good generosity ofweight palate that and complexity on the seamlessly balanced acid! $35 characters and lemony black cherry flavourshas soft tannins and a palate. $25 palate with a cleansing Forester Estate acidity. $28 and a balance betweencrisp and drying finish. line of acid. $33 Margaret River Mandalay Road oak and tannin.$18 chardonnay Heydon Estate The Chardonnay GeographeMillbrook Barking Willow Margaret 2016 HHHH Chardonnay 5+ $35Owl Margaret After Hours River Chardonnay Elegant aromas of 2015 HHHHRiver Semillon Margaret River 2013 HHHH1/2 lemons with a lovely Nutty candied other red varietalsSauvignon Blanc Chardonnay A very good wine with floral edge. Nice fragrances with zesty & blends2016 HHHH 2015 HHHHH powerful ripe buttery spice/citrus/biscuity lime and pine notes.Some oak ferment A lovely buttery style melon integration of characters on the The palate goes Brygon Reserveevident on the nose with toasty notes to the aromas. Good balance palate with a beautiful from upfront rich Lion's Lair Reserveand a nice tight citrussy/herbal bouquet. of oak and acid on the acid line. $37.99 characters to a long Western Australiapalate driven by good Silky smooth in the lovely long lingering tight finish. $30 Merlot 2015 HHHHsemillon flavours of mouth with loads of citrussy palate. $60 Thompson Estate Credaro Kinship Slight mintiness togreen melons, hay and lees and oak complexity Willow Bridge Margaret River Margaret River the blackcurrant nose.lemons. $18 and a strong backbone Estate Geographe Chardonnay Chardonnay Nicely rounded palate;Palmer Margaret of acid. $30 G1-10 Chardonnay 2016 HHHH 2015 HHHH generous fruit flavours,River Semillon 2016 HHHH A medium weight Lemony aromas soft tannin presence and2014 HHHH A nose of classy oak, wine but has a laced with spices and a little oak. 3-5An interesting and spices and stonefruit. good spectrum of herbs. Linear palate. $18.99compelling wine. Nice palate weight grapefruit, lemon Nice complexity andGrassy hints to the with intense citrus/ and spicy aromas balance of fresh citrus Vinaceous Voodoonose. Long soft palate peach flavours and and flavours with and mixed spice Moon Margaretwith citrus flavours and tight oak. Good acid cleansing acidity. $50 flavours. $32 River Malbecgood drying acidity. $25 balance. $30 Fermoy Estate 2015 HHHH Deep Woods Estate Margaret River Generous amount Margaret River Chardonnay of mulberry fruit Chardonnay 2014 HHHH characters with a spicy 2016 HHHH A developing leesy/ edge; very varietal. Slatey lemon aromas funky bouquet Great palate texture with the oak \"poking with intense lemon and quite drying out\". Nice tight and preserve-like flavours tannins. $25 linear palate with on the lengthy palate plenty of oak and a that's layered with nice \"kick\" of acidity. spicy oak. $30 $20 Harewood Estate Great Southern Chardonnay 2016 HHHH Talc/baby powder characters on the perfumed nose. Complex flavours-like lemon pies and vanilla on the nicely textured palate. $25240 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 western australiacabernet blends Flametree Margaret Brygon Reserve cabernet sauvignon Peccavi Margaret Franklin Tate River Cabernet Hummingbird River Cabernet Estate Alexanders Sauvignon Merlot Series Margaret Brash Vineyard Sauvignon Vineyard Margaret 2014 HHHH1/2 River Cabernet Margaret River 2012 HHHHH River Cabernet Bright sweet red Merlot 2015 HHHH Cabernet A beautiful example Sauvignon berry bouquet with a Smells of plums and Sauvignon of a cool climate 2014 HHHH1/2 cinnamon-like edge. berries with dusty 2014 HHHHH cabernet. Some Upfront blackcurrant Soft and approachable notes. Lots of oak on Excellent varietal fruit lovely sweet notes aromas with earthy palate with generous the palate but plenty weight and length to the black berry characters and savoury fruit flavours and a of dense fruit and nice here that sits in the fruit characters. Has notes. Strong, firm good tannin 'kick'. $30 tannins all sitting well dark berry spectrum. well-handled spicy oak tannin profile on the Mandalay Road together. $24.99 Beautiful balance and and tannins softening palate with bright sweet Lindsay's Folly Brygon Reserve integration between nicely. $68 fruit flavours. Slightly Geographe Flying High the fruit, oak and Woody Nook funky finish. $22 Cabernet Shiraz Margaret River tannins. A lovely wine Gallagher's Trevelen Farm 2014 HHHH1/2 Cabernet Merlot drinking well now. Choice Margaret The Tunney Great Prominent oak 2015 HHHH $39.95 River Cabernet Southern Cabernet characters here with A fresh and lively nose Sauvignon Sauvignon intense spicy forest with a capsicum-like 2013 HHHH1/2 2014 HHHH1/2 fruit sitting in the lift. Nice berry/plum Very varietal with Lovely dark red wine background. Drinking flavour intensity on the subtle dark berry and with a nose that's well with slight formic weighty palate with violet fragrances. Great a mix of sweet red acid elements from the good tannin structure. palate structure; a berry fruit, spices cabernet. $30 $24.99 touch lean with strong and chocolate with herbaceous characters a leafy touch. TheseThompson Estate and savoury notes. $65 characters are echoedFour Chambers Saracen Estates on the well-structuredMargaret River Reserve Margaret palate. $25Cabernet Shiraz River Cabernet Aravina Estate2015 HHHHH Sauvignon Wildwood RidgeStill young but 2012 HHHH1/2 Reserve Margaretapproachable. Subtle Very well made and River Cabernetlifted red berry bouquet elegant wine that has Sauvignonwith a hint of oak. Light a savoury edge to 2014 HHHH1/2plum fruit flavours the mellow perfumed Some marzipan-likeand firm tannins and fruit nose and lovely characters to the redinteresting custard balance of retained, berry nose and longpowder-like notes. $25 sweet fruit and soft intense sweet fruit tannins. $56 palate with good balance and use of oak. $55 a unique wine experience, japanese inspired dining with award winning wines, located in the heart of margaret river. www.fishbonewines.com.au422 Harmans Mill Road, Wilyabrup WA | Open Daily for Tastings and Lunch Phone: 08 9755 6726 | Email: [email protected] Distributed Australia Wide by Accolade Wines Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 241

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 western australiaBrygon Reserve Gilberts Reserve Trevelen Farm SUBSCRIBE TO OURBin 8888 Margaret Mount Barker Frankland Reserve COMPLETE PACKAGERiver Cabernet Shiraz 506 FranklandSauvignon 2013 HHHHH Shiraz 2014 HHHH which includes hard-copy and digital versions plus full2015 HHHH A lovely mellow Christmas cake nose on-line access to Winestate’s web site and reviews.The chocolaty/ chocolaty bouquet with meaty notes and Available only through online order, www.winestate.com.aublackberry nose has a with a herbal/red fruit more of the samepleasant spicy edge. lift and beautifully obvious on the very GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONGenerous red berry balanced flavours drying palate withfruit intensity on a of soft red fruits plenty of toasty oak to Tel: 08 8357 9277lovely long soft palate. and cedary oak with match. $40 www.winestate.com.au$24.99 good level of drying Howard ParkBarton Jones tannins. $30 Leston MargaretThe Top Drawer River ShirazGeographe Fermoy Estate Fe 2014 HHHHCabernet Western Australia Nice spicy lift to theSauvignon Shiraz 2015 HHHH 'fruits-of-the-forest'2015 HHHH A pleasant, varietal characters.Pretty minty notes to easy drinking It has balance andthe dark berry bouquet. lightweight style integration withGood palate length and with confectionery some complexitystructure with sweet raspberry fruit aromas developing. $46chocolaty fruit flavours and flavours nicely Downderryand long tannins. $29 balanced by the oak. Western AustraliaSandalford Estate $19 Shiraz 2013 HHHHReserve Margaret Generous upfrontRiver Cabernet Credaro Kinship fruit that's very liftedSauvignon Margaret River and Christmas cake-2015 HHHH Shiraz 2015 HHHH like. Nice complexityVery aromatic and Juicy Ribena/ of savoury meatyintense blackcurrant blackcurrant fruit characters. Good linearomas with leafy characters overlaid of acid. $22blackberry flavours, with attractive, well Woody Nook Singleyoung vibrant tannins managed, toasty oak. Vineyard Margaretand great line of acid. Some lifted peppery, River Shiraz$45 spicy notes. $32 2013 HHHHHoward Park Showing its age butScotsdale Great Sandalford Estate still has well retainedSouthern Cabernet Reserve Margaret fruit characters. LovelySauvignon River Shiraz mocha overtones to2014 HHHH 2015 HHHH the nose and silkyThe ripe fruit nose has Overt cedary oak smooth tannins. $65a savoury element with slightly overwhelming Lange's Franklandpersistent varietal fruit the fruit aromas but is River Shirazflavours on the lovely well integrated with 2012 HHHHbright, clean and well the spicy fruit on the A big and very ripebalanced palate. $46 palate. Drying tannic jammy fruit style of finish. $35 shiraz with warmingshiraz alcohol and complex Forester Estate cedary notes. DrinkingPeccavi Margaret Margaret River well now. $35River Shiraz Shiraz 2014 HHHH Umamu Estate2014 HHHHH Light bodied - almost Margaret RiverA very well balanced gamay-like according to Shiraz 2009 HHHHwine that has lovely one judge. Nice lift of Spicy dried fruit-likeelegance but also sweet raspberry fruit, fragrances and aplenty of complex silky tannins and light dense rich palate withvarietal fruits eucalypt notes. $23.99 beautifully integratedseamlessly balanced juicy sweet red berrywith nice cedary oak Brash Vineyard flavours. $34and excellent leathery Margaret River Umamu Estateaged characters. $52 Shiraz 2014 HHHH Margaret River Interesting spicy after Shiraz 2008 HHHH shave-like characters A lovely complex to the nose with a bouquet - smells of seamless integration plum cake. Loads of of black cherry dark fruit flavours and fruit and toasty oak some complex aged flavours. 3-5 notes developing. $34 $35242 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

Moores Hill winery and cellar door. tasmania THE BEST WINES OF 2017 CONTENTS Includes: Sparkling, Other White Varietals & Blends, Pinot Gris/Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Sweet Whites. Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 243

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 tasmaniasparkling Arras E.J. Carr Spring Vale Salute Tasmanian Icon Roaring Beach Drew Wines Late Disgorged Freycinet Coast Tasmania Pinot Tasmania Coal River Tasmania Methode Sparkling Gris 2015 HHHH1/2 Sauvignon Blanc Valley Riesling Traditionelle 2015 HHHH Intense green/gold 2015 HHHH 2014 HHHH1/2Radenti Tasmania 2003 HHHHH A very attractive colour and perfumed Developing tropical/ Quite Germanic inChardonnay Pinot A rich toasty/figgy fruit toasty roasted tropical/lemon apple aromas and style with its intenseNoir 2011 HHHHH bouquet with loads of cashew bouquet and fragrances. Lengthy very ripe, simple and inviting toasty limeDelicious nose; interest and complexity great persistence of palate, great texture palate with ripe and orange aromas.“Smells of freshly and more of that lovely simple sweet fruit and good persistence canned vegetable Tastes of freshlybaked bread and cut complexity evident flavours that linger on. of mouthfilling and corn-like flavour squeezed citrus fruitapples,” noted one on the fantastic nutty/ citrussy flavours. profile. 3-5 with a ‘good whack’judge. A rich palate fruited palate with a 3-5 $35 $18 of slatey minerality.with mouthfilling red perfect acid balance. 3-5 $19fruit flavours showing Barringwood Bay of Fires 5+ $22some Vegemite 5+ $170 Classic Tasmania Eddystone Point Thicket Hilltouches. Persistent Cuvée 2013 HHHH Tasmania Pinot Tasmania Chartley Estatefinish. $60 Arras Brut Elite Lifted honeyed fruit Gris 2016 HHHH Sauvignon Blanc Tasmania Riesling Tasmania Methode aromas and lots of A bright, juicy and 2015 HHHH 2016 HHHH Traditionelle stonefruit-like flavours refreshing style with Bright wine with Light lifted noseArras Grand NV HHHH1/2 with hints of pineapple. perfumed pear-like aromas of snow smelling of lime jellyVintage Tasmania Very stylish aperitif Palate a touch sweet varietal fruit characters peas and passionfruit crystals! Good balanceMethode type of sparkling with and toasty. 3-5 and attractive line of and intense varietal of refreshing limeTraditionelle interesting green $45 minerally elements. $25 flavours. Some residual marmalade flavours2007 HHHHH pineapple characters Barringwood sugar with balancing with slight greenishRich golden hues on the nose and long, Tasmania Pinot acidity. $17 notes. 5+ $30and restrained slatey elegant and beautifully other white Gris 2016 HHHHlemon bouquet. focussed palate with varietals & blends A classic gris style riesling Gala EstateThe velvety palate great interplay of fruit with perfumed aromas Tasmania Rieslinghas great elegance and yeast. $50 laced with pear drops 2016 HHHHand finesse and and baked apples. Musky perfumedhas lovely Granny Heemskerk Spring Vale Good presence of Third Child 3 Tea elements to theSmith apple and Tasmania spicy fruit on the fresh Tree Ella Mae nose and goodcitrus-like flavours. Chardonnay Pinot Freycinet Coast palate. $32 Tasmania Riesling presence, length“Awesome!” Gewurztraminer 2014 HHHHH and persistence of Noir 2011 HHHH1/2 2016 HHHH sauvignon blanc Intense green tinged the slatey lime-like 5+ $77 A light golden wine that colour with rich lime varietal flavours. An enticing perfumed Bream Creek oil aromas. Fuller smells like lemon curd. lychee/rose water Tasmania richer style of palate 5+ $30Arras Tasmania Excellent freshness Sauvignon Blanc that has persistence,Blanc de Blanc bouquet with 2016 HHHH1/2 length and good to the palate with lychee-like flavours Intense green/gold line of flavours2007 HHHHH slightly green citrus-like hues and appealing reminiscent of freshly Devil’s CornerAppealing mix of dominating a palate varietal aromas of squeezed limes. fruit elements and that has a high level gooseberries, snow Tasmania Rieslingglacé lemon, honey good yeast autolysis peas and hint of mint 5+ $25 2016 HHHHand brioche-like of acidity. 3-5 which is all echoed Bream Creek characters. 3-5 $28 on the slightly sweet Tasmania Riesling Germanic in style witharomas with a lovely $60 palate. Good flavour 2016 HHHH1/2 a slight slatey/minerallycomplexity and profile. $28 Estery floral fragranceslength of rich toffee, pinot gris/grigio Gala Estate and a pretty citrus palate citrus bouquet and light Chartley Estate Tasmania that is delicate and toned lime-like fruitroasted cashew and Lavinia Tasmania Sauvignon Blanc simple with texture and flavours on the soft,citrussy flavours. Well 2016 HHHH persistence and somesupported by the Pinot Noir Grassy, green herb residual sweetness gentle palate. 5+ Chardonnay bouquet with a balanced by racy acidity. $20acidity. 5+ $83 2010 HHHH1/2 White Rock passionfruit note. Lovely Vineyard Tasmania light fresh varietal 5+ $28Arras Tasmania Lovely grilled Pinot Gris characters on the well Bay of Fires chardonnayMethode nut-like aromas 2016 HHHH1/2 balanced, slightly drying, Eddystone PointTraditionelle Rosé mingle with ripe Bright green tinged palate. $30 Tasmania Riesling2006 HHHHH citrus notes. Lovely wine with nice spicy/ 2015 HHHH1/2Both perfumed and nougat and lemon floral aromatics. Has Intense and evolvedtoasty on the delightful pudding flavours with a lengthy palate with tropical fruit characters Bay of Firesnose with a drier style additional complexity some pleasant and on the nose; some Tasmaniaof palate that has from time spent on delicate pear flavours citrussy elements. Chardonnaylovely complexity, good cork. 3-5 $35 on the mid-palate. Has Bold lime/orange fruit 2015 HHHH1/2structure and some length and balance. flavours on the bigger A rich old fashionedgreat figgy/apple-like Roaring Beach style palate. Nice style. Big butteryflavour persistence. Tasmania Sparkling 3-5 $27 balance and length. bouquet with toasty Cuvee NV HHHH Heemskerk Abel’s touches and a 5+ $83 Nose shows hints of Tempest Tasmania 5+ $25 powerful complex apple and restrained Pinot Gris buttery palate with yeasty notes. Lovely 2016 HHHH1/2 rich fruit seamlessly red apple and Restrained aromas of integrated with the rhubarb-like flavours dried pineapple-like oak. 5+ $45 on the harmonious characters with more palate. $18 of those dried fruit characters echoed on the palate that’s layered with pear and aniseed elements. $32244 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 tasmaniaFreycinet Vineyard Heemskerk Abel’s pinot noir Bangor Captain Home Hill Kelly’s Bream CreekTasmania Tempest Tasmania Spotswood Reserve Southern Tasmania PinotChardonnay Chardonnay Tasmania Pinot Tasmania Pinot Noir 2014 HHHH2015 HHHH1/2 2015 HHHH Noir 2015 HHHH1/2 Noir 2015 HHHH Dense oak-driven“An easy summery Lightly coloured wine Dark plum and rich Big inky fruit-driven aromas; some nicestyle,” said one with restrained grassy cherry bouquet with nose and lovely silky dark fruit underneath.judge. Big oak bouquet and fruity hints of oak and some smooth palate with Attractive oak andinfluence on the nose notes. Tight, simple clove-like notes. Silky powerful sweet red ripe cherry fruit on thewith attractive fig and green fruit varietal blackberry palate, cherry varietal fruit palate with cola-liketinned peach aromas. palate that’s long and concentrated and firm and chocolaty coffee complexity. $37Ripe complex palate clean. 5+ $32 with a high level of notes. 3-5 $60 Gala Estatetasting of spicy baked acidity. $30 Reserve Eastapricots. 5+ Spring Vale Roaring 40’s Coast Tasmania$45 Freycinet Coast Kate Hill Tasmania Tasmania Pinot Pinot Noir Chardonnay Pinot Noir Noir 2015 HHHH 2014 HHHHHeemskerk Coal 2015 HHHH 2013 HHHH1/2 Slightly raisined Restrained, slightlyRiver Valley Slightly honeyed fruit/ An interesting style characters to the porty-like aromas withChardonnay oak aromas and a of pinot with a pretty dark cherry nose; hint a lean, savoury, blue2015 HHHH1/2 simple lightweight chocolaty nose with of mint. Generous fruit/herbal palate.Very bright green/gold tropical/citrus fruit a perfumed lift. The red fruit on the well- Good acid length andcolours and lovely ripe palate, nice oak and oak-driven palate has structured palate some astringency. $45nectarine/oak aromas tight acidity. A good silky smooth fruit, layered with oak.with rich stonefruit wine. 5+ $45 chocolaty tannins and sweet whitesflavours and some some decent acidity. 5+ $27grapefruit elements Waterton Tasmaniawith well-handled spicy other red 3-5 $42 Emilia Tasmania Botrytis Rieslingoak characters. $50 varietals & blends Pinot Noir 2010 HHHH Derwent Estate Bay of Fires 2015 HHHH Perfumed apricot/ Tasmania Pinot Eddystone Point Cedary, new ‘splinty’ honeyed nose.Moorilla Muse Noir 2015 HHHHH Tasmania Pinot oak aromas with a Long, thick, intenseTasmania Dark dense wine. Noir 2015 HHHH1/2 lengthy oak-driven palate. Plenty ofChardonnay Combination of Rich red fruit palate layered with attractive varietal fruit2011 HHHH1/2 Freycinet Estate citrus rind, floral and fragrances with toasty sweet rich varietal flavours. Nice level of Louisa Tasmania coffee aromas with fruit and some sweetness. $25Mealy figgy fragrances Cabernet Merlot green stalky notes. oak to support and medicinal notes.showing nice secondary Chewy sweet red hints of eucalypt.development. 2013 HHHH and black fruit flavour Rich dark fruit on the 3-5 $36 Inky blackcurrant concentration on theGenerous lemon, aromas; lots of oak lusciously rich palate. silky smooth palate.melon rind and A nice style, simple Spring Valegrapefruit flavour profile sitting on top. Intense 5+ $39 but delicious and very Freycinet Coast ripe plum/raspberryon the long, weighty fruit flavours and more-ish. 5+ $35 Pinot Noirand nicely textured 2015 HHHHpalate. 5+ $65 some smoky oak Bay of Fires Elegant restrained notes. 5+ $40 Bream Creek Southern Tasmania minty/dark cherry Tasmania PinotJosef Chromy rosé Noir 2013 HHHHH Pinot Noir bouquet and silkyPepik Tasmania 2015 HHHH1/2 brambly/rose hip palateChardonnay Great concentration Attractive raspberry with some funky2016 HHHH of dark cherry fruitSubdued nose with fragrances with a and cream nose - notes. Good buildup ofhints of lees and great fruit; great oak. tannins. 3-5 $45nectarines and lengthy Gala Estate slight stalky green Excellent raspberry fruitpersistence of ripe pear Tasmania Pinot edge. Generous plumand melon flavours. Rosé 2016 HHHH fruit flavours on the flavour presence on Thicket HillGood acid backbone. Very dry savoury style. the fresh, vibrant and Tasmania Pinot Fresh strawberry lengthy palate. Good enticing palate. Very Noir 2014 HHHH 5+ $38 ripeness on the nose complexity here but and quality plum skin/ still fresh and lithe. more-ish. 5+ $45 Dense dark garnet-like rosehip-like fruit on wine with some lovely the palate. Good Potential! 5+ $37 Chartley Estate stemmy plum-like phenolics. $30Barringwood Stefano Lubiana Tasmania Pinot varietal fruit, goodTasmania Noir 2015 HHHH1/2 supporting oak and bigChardonnay Tasmania Pinot Vibrant crimson wine ripe tannins. 5+2016 HHHH Noir 2015 HHHHHCreamy oak nose rich Dense crimson with unusual light $22with stonefruit. Lovely cherry chocolategenerous varietal fruit wine with distinctive liqueur-like fragrances.palate with nicely Burgundy-like aromas.handled spicy oak and Weighty spicy oak/dark Interesting complexslightly grippy finish. palate with lots of oak fruit palate layered with to balance the sweet 5+ $34 interesting characters of cloves, cinnamon and varietal fruit. 5+ $29 cherries. 5+ $34 Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 245

Seifried's vineyards, Nelson.n ezwealan d THE BEST WINES OF 2017 CONTENTS Includes: Sparkling, Other White Varietals & Blends, Sauvignon Blanc & Blends, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Other White Varietals & Blends, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Merlot & Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon & Blends, Other Red Varietals & Blends, Syrah, Sweet Whites.246 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

DETERMINATION DESPITE DELUGE The New Zealand year in review, by Jane Skilton MW. As the vintage drew nearer, Cyclones' Cook, Debbie and Donna wreaked havoc across the South Pacific in April and May and though their power had weakened by the time they reached NZ, winemakers could only watch in horror as epic levels of rainfall combined with winds of over 100kmh battered their vineyards.THE start of 2017 saw New Zealand Winegrowers organise a series of Having spent a good deal of 2017 offshore, and seen the proliferation of NZevents to showcase the best of NZ to invited overseas guests. The Aromatics wine bottled under fabricated labels, I can fully understand why a group of highSymposium in Nelson kicked things off, with masterclasses on riesling, pinot gris, profile Marlborough producers (Forrest Wines, Cloudy Bay, Mount Riley Wines,gewurztraminer and alternative varieties followed by Pinot 2017 in Wellington, Dog Point Wines and Nautilus WInes) has suggested the idea of an, as yet toa four day seminar where attendees listened to presentations by a number of be named, scheme to protect the reputation of the region. Through adherenceeminent industry figures and tasted some of the best that NZ wine had to offer. to a code of quality (wines must be made from 100% Marlborough grapes,The non-stop Wellington rain provided a backdrop to the celebrations but maybe yields restricted and wines bottled in NZ) it is hoped that the reputation of theshould have been seen as a forewarning of things to come. region can be safeguarded. Still in the planning stages, this type of initiative can only benefit the industry. Though the short flight from Pinot 2017 to Napier took less than 50 minutes, bythe time the guests disembarked for the Classic Reds Symposium, memories It may only be planted on 443ha of the country’s 37,000 hectares but judgingof the Wellington deluge were forgotten and guests were greeted by blinding by the attention it has received from critics both in NZ and overseas, syrah is thesunshine and temperatures nudging 30C. hot topic right now. In November, a group of 13 syrah producers convened to host a round table discussion, titled “We Say Syrah” on the future of the variety. Local Hawke’s Bay winemakers could hardly contain their joy at the prospect Invited wine writers, sommeliers, retailers and distributors were all unanimous inof another magical harvest. Following the standout 2013 and 2014 vintages their praise of the excellent quality and value of NZ syrah (though one contributorall the signs were for another magnificent year. But those of us who call the described syrah as ‘appealing mainly to men’ which drew raised eyebrowssmall landmass in the centre of the Pacific Ocean home, know how fickle the from the talented female producers in the room). Aaron Drummond, Generalweather gods can be. Manager of Craggy Range Vineyards shared his perspective, “Despite amazing reviews for syrah, I think we are pricing our wines too cheaply. With only 443 As the vintage drew nearer, Cyclones' Cook, Debbie and Donna wreaked havoc ha, there should be a level of scarcity and my message to NZ syrah producersacross the South Pacific in April and May and though their power had weakened is to focus on quality and price the wines accordingly.”by the time they reached NZ, winemakers could only watch in horror as epiclevels of rainfall combined with winds of over 100kmh battered their vineyards. In October Kelsey Daniels from Vinlink Marlborough won the 2017 Tonnellerie de Mercurey NZ Young Winemaker of the Year whilst Tim Adams, Assistant But NZers aren’t given to hyperbole and with typical reserve Philip Gregan, CEO Vineyard Manager for Waiheke’s Obsidian was awarded the 2017 Bayer Youngof NZ Winegrowers, described Vintage 2017 as, “generally summer weather Viticulturist of the Year.was very positive but there were some challenges as the season progressed.” Whilst, in Winestate’s Annual Wine of the Year Awards (see pages …), the top The term ‘some challenges’ could be regarded as the understatement of the awards for NZ Winemaker of the Year and NZ Wine Company of the Year wereyear and is a testament to the determination, skill and knowledge that producers awarded once again to Saint Clair and their chief winemaker Hamish Clarkmanaged to salvage in what could have been a disaster year. Though there are making it a hat-trick for both respectively (Saint Clair won the honour in 2010undoubtedly some dilute and weaker 2017 wines on the market, most producers and 2014 and Hamish in 2012 and 2014).did their best in this most demanding of seasons and although volume is down(almost 10% on 2016), there are some commendable wines. Alastair Maling So what does 2018 have in store? “The consensus to date indicates a La NinaMW, Group Winemaker for Foley Family Vineyards; “it was challenging for weather pattern through to January then moving to normal weather conditions.some but there are great wines coming out. Personally, I’m really happy with Currently vineyards are a week or so ahead of normal however like most yearsour sauvignon blanc and pinot gris and potentially pinot noir too. Those that this will balance itself out come harvest. What we all would love is a long dryput time and focus at the front end of harvest – managing picking decisions autumn. 2018 may bring about a change in our immigration laws and we alland juice prior to ferment probably resulted in a positive outcome. I have been know the challenges faced with vineyard labour at key times of the year. Justlooking at our 2017 pinot barrels in both Martinborough and Marlborough and how this pans out we’ll have to wait and see. My wish for 2018? Increasingthey show a lot of promise”. focus and export of NZ’s other varieties such as chardonnay, pinot gris, pinot noir and syrah,” said Alastair Maling MW. Export is vital to the NZ wine industry with almost 90% of production destined foroverseas, making it the country’s fifth largest export. Accordingly, the introduction Irving Berlin famously penned the lyric “there may be troubles ahead” andof the New Zealand Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration with the fear that Brexit may disrupt imports into the UK, the uncertain politicalAct, which came into force in July was welcomed by all. Jeffrey Clarke, General situation in the US and general unease worldwide who can foretell what willCounsel of NZ Winegrowers stated, “Our ‘Geographical Indications’ (GIs) - the happen in 2018. But New Zealand benefits from a youthful and dynamic winenames and places where our wines come from - are at the very heart of the New industry who, as it proved in 2017, can rise to any challenge. Alexandra, reportedZealand wine story and this new law provides an additional level of protection for one of its “very best vintages”. them. It is especially important for overseas markets, allowing wine producersto protect the GI names from misuse overseas.” Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 247

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 new zealandsparkling Deutz Marlborough Terrace Edge sauvignon blanc Vavasour Pegasus Bay Cuvée Rosé Albarino & blends Marlborough SauvignonDeutz Marlborough 2014 HHHH 2016 HHHH Sauvignon Blanc SemillonCuvée Blanc Pink hued, with fresh, Very perfumed, almost Brancott Estate 2016 HHHHH 2015 HHHH1/2de Blancs lively, berryish aromas muscat notes combine Letter Series ‘B’ Classic Awatere Valley This wine created2013 HHHHH and flavours, good with lemon peel and Marlborough style. Highly aromatic plenty of discussion.Scented, complex, delicacy and an off-dry, lime. The palate has a Sauvignon Blanc and tightly structured, Red grapefruit, kaffirtoasty bouquet, lingering finish. $33 chalky texture and the 2016 HHHHH with fresh, pure, lime leaf and freshleading into a crisp, Palliser Estate crisp acidity is firm and Powerful, weighty citrusy, herbal flavours, soft green herbs sitcitrusy, lively wine, Methode carries through to the wine, richly scented, threaded with mouth- alongside pungentvery generous and Traditionnelle finish. $25 with excellent watering acidity, a gunflint, struck matchfinely balanced. Full 2013 HHHH Brennan Trio concentration of ripe, minerally streak and a and smoky notesstyle on the palate, Finely scented, this is a 2016 HHHH tropical fruit flavours. lasting finish. $21 (A, fusing together toweighty, rich and Martinborough blend of An appealing, lightly Slightly ‘sweaty’, with UK, US) create a powerfullycomplex, while still chardonnay (56%) and aromatic white; rose peach and passionfruit Greenhough flavoured wine.showing restraint and pinot noir (44%). Very petal, gingerbread and characters, intense and Sauvignon Blanc Semillon gives a smokyharmony. $33 crisp and lively, it has honeysuckle. This isn’t lingering. $26 2016 HHHHH richness mid-palateQuartz Reef citrusy, appley, yeasty a powerful wine but Brancott Estate A really delightful leading to a long andMethode flavours, showing a very pretty, softly Terroir Series sauvignon blanc. sustained finish. WithTraditionelle excellent freshness, textured, just off dry Marlborough Aromas of jalapeno a few years bottle age,2012 HHHHH complexity, harmony white, uncomplicated Sauvignon Blanc chilli, freshly mown this will evolve into anPowerful aromas of and length. $48 yet with enough 2016 HHHHH grass and red capsicum intricate, layered wine.freshly buttered brown flavour to hold one’s Fresh, strong, intensely are heady yet the wine $31bread and pastry crust other white interest. $29 varietal wine, with still retains a degree Brightwaterconfirm this wine spent varietals & blends Montana Reserve penetrating melon of subtlety. The palate Lord Rutherfordan extended time en Pinot Gris and green capsicum has concentration Barriquetirage. The palate is Villa Maria Single 2016 HHHH flavours, woven with but again there is a Sauvignon Blancconcentrated, focused Vineyard Braided Textbook pinot gris; appetising acidity. lightness of touch. 2016 HHHH1/2yet beautifully delicate Gravels Albarino plenty of apple and Powerful, rich wine Dry and crisp with a Oaked sauvignon blancwith a creamy, fine 2016 HHHHH pear tree fruits with with a lasting finish. lingering, persistent can be a difficult stylemousse. Strong acid This is delicious; a touch of blossom $20 finish. $23 to get right. This wineline keeps the whole excellent varietal too. Ripe generous Saint Clair Pioneer Villa Maria Reserve succeeds; the ripeshow on the road and character with lemon flavours yet restrained. Block 20 Cash Wairau Valley citrussy palate is richlythe finish is taut and peel, fresh green apple Lovely thread of acidity Block Marlborough Marlborough textured with somedry. A super example of and a touch of salinity. running through. Nicely Sauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc leesy, oak notes addingcool climate sparkling Mouthwatering acidity judged, exuberant 2016 HHHHH 2016 HHHH1/2 interest. A distinctivewine. $50 keeps palate bright but not over the top. Intensely aromatic, Richly scented, wine. $30Deutz Marlborough and fresh. Strong $16.99 appetisingly crisp style, fleshy wine with Catalina SoundsCuvée NV HHHH wet stone character. Mission Estate packed with vibrant, concentrated, ripely MarlboroughHighly fragrant, Not really about the Gewurztraminer herbaceous flavours. herbaceous flavours Sauvignon Blancvivacious wine with fruit but all about the 2016 HHHH Very fresh and zingy, and a dry, rounded 2016 HHHHfresh, gently yeasty texture. $30 Very pretty, sitting with penetrating finish. Weighty and Fleshy, generousflavours, showing Esk Valley Verdelho firmly in the bourbon gooseberry, fresh sweet-fruited, in the wine, estate-grown inexcellent delicacy 2017 HHHH1/2 rose petal, white cut-grass and green classic sub-regional the Waihopai Valleyand length. Crisp and Vivid aromas of lemon blossom spectrum, capsicum characters, style. Enjoyed by all (50%) and at otherrefreshing, with a and lime with some rather than the big some riper fruit panellists. $27 (A, UK) sites in the Wairaucitrusy, refined finish. quinine too. Almost like musky end of town. flavours, and excellent Villa Maria Valley, and partlyEnjoyed by all judges. drinking gin and tonic. Light on its feet, concentration. $27 Cellar Selection barrel-fermented.$27 A delightful textural not too extracted Saint Clair Marlborough Aromatic and sweet-Deutz Marlborough wine with a strong with a gentle hint of Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc fruited, with a touch ofPrestige Cuvée acid spine that keeps sweetness. Good Marlborough 2016 HHHH1/2 complexity and good2012 HHHH the flavours pristine persistence. $15 Sauvignon Blanc A wonderful buy. acidity and length.Tight, elegant style and focussed. Really 2016 HHHHH Richly aromatic, this $23 (A, UK, US)with citrusy, yeasty, attractive. $20 Fragrant and fleshy, blend of Wairau Valley Esk Valleygently toasty flavours, Villa Maria Cellar rich wine, very fresh and Awatere Valley Marlboroughfine acidity, and Selection Viognier and lively, with grapes is very fresh, Sauvignon Blancexcellent intensity and 2016 HHHH1/2 concentrated, ripely lively and herbaceous, 2016 HHHHharmony. One judge An appealing herbaceous aromas and with excellent Energetic, full-bodied,scored it five stars. $33 concentrated viognier sweet-fruit flavours of concentration and ripely herbaceous with plenty of musk, passionfruit and lime. length. (One judge blend of Wairau Valley honeysuckle and just- Pungently aromatic scored it five stars.) (75%) and Awatere ripe apricot. Light and and full-bodied, with $18 (A, UK, US) Valley (25%) fruit. bright on the palate; delicacy, poise and a Crisp, dry and lingering. with great depth of long finish. $34 $20 (UK, US) flavour and length. Excellent value. $18248 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 new zealandGoldwater Spy Valley Villa Maria Single Johanneshof Greystone Sea Star Palliser EstateMarlborough Marlborough Vineyard Southern Cellars Riesling MartinboroughSauvignon Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Clays Marlborough Marlborough 2016 HHHH Riesling2016 HHHH 2016 HHHH Sauvignon Blanc Riesling Medium- An interesting take on 2016 HHHHMouthfilling, dry, ripely Mouthfilling and ripely 2016 HHHH Dry 2016 HHHH riesling and a wine that Tight, youthful,herbaceous wine, herbaceous, with a Weighty and finely Scented, youthful, needs time to reveal medium-dry wine,grown in the Wairau pungent bouquet and textured, with strong, vibrantly fruity wine in its personality. It slowly with lively, ripeValley. Weighty and crisp, finely balanced ripe, tropical fruit - a distinctly medium, opens up in the glass lemon/lime flavoursfinely textured, with flavours that linger well. rather than herbaceous slightly honeyed style, and reveals white showing excellentfresh, strong flavours, Fine value. $18 (A, - flavours that linger showing very good peach and satsuma depth. Already quiteshowing excellent UK, US) well. $30 (UK) freshness, balance and flavours. A textural expressive, it’s alsoripeness and depth. Stoneleigh Rapaura Villa Maria length. $25 wine that builds across well worth cellaring.$21 (UK, US) Series Marlborough Cellar Selection Saint Clair Pioneer the palate. $27 $23 (UK)Peter Yealands Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Block 9 Big John RockburnMarlborough 2016 HHHH Sauvignon Gris Marlborough Tigermoth Riesling pinot grisSauvignon Blanc Mouthfilling, ripe and 2015 HHHH Riesling 2016 HHHH2016 HHHH rounded, with good Aromatic, mouthfilling 2016 HHHH Pungent aromas of Spy ValleyBargain-priced, this weight and generous, and dry. Fruit-driven, Crisp, lively, gently citrus, blossom and Marlborough Pinotfresh, aromatic, tropical fruit flavours, with a touch of sweet style with green apple. Medium Gris 2015 HHHHHmouthfilling wine has fresh and sustained. $27 complexity from a appetising, citrusy, dry, with a touch of Delicious now, this winestrong, ripe, tropical Vidal Reserve small percentage of appley flavours, grapefruit pith and was mostly hand-pickedfruit flavours, some Marlborough barrel fermentation showing very good wet stone texture and and partly barrel-grassy notes and a Sauvignon Blanc and strong, ripely freshness and plenty of juicy acidity fermented. Weighty,smooth finish. Weighty 2016 HHHH herbaceous flavours, intensity. $27 too. $39 it has pure, rich pearand well-rounded, it Fleshy, with strong, crisp and refreshing. Two Rivers Juliet Valli Waitaki and lychee flavours,was praised by one ripe, tropical fruit $18 (UK) Marlborough Riesling slightly biscuity notesjudge as ‘invigorating flavours to the fore Riesling 2016 HHHH adding complexity, andand moreish’. $15 and a smooth finish. riesling 2016 HHHH A riper style, the fruit an invitingly perfumed(A, UK) Fresh, vibrant and Floral, lively, finely edging towards white bouquet. $23 (A, UK, US)Saint Clair Pioneer scented, with some Domain Road balanced wine with fleshed nectarine and VavasourBlock 1 Foundation herbaceous notes, Vineyard Duffers fresh, citrusy, limey apricot rather than Marlborough PinotBlock Marlborough good acidity and Creek Riesling flavours that linger citrus. A fleshy wine, Gris 2016 HHHHHSauvignon Blanc length. $20 (UK) 2015 HHHHH well. Youthful and medium sweet with Floral, very fresh and2016 HHHH Thornbury A really delicious tightly structured, with excellent depth of lively, partly barrel-Weighty and sweet- Marlborough wine; vivid citrussy good potential. $24 flavour and a lovely fermented wine,fruited, with fresh, ripe, Sauvignon Blanc aromas of freshly (UK, US) persistent finish. $30 estate-grown in thetropical fruit flavours, 2016 HHHH squeezed limes Vidal Marlborough Domaine lower Awatere Valley.showing excellent Lively, with fresh, and lemons, some Riesling Rewa Riesling Vibrant, with pure, ripedepth, and a rounded, strong, ripely orange blossom 2015 HHHH 2014 HHHH lychee, pear and spicelengthy finish. $27 herbaceous flavours too. Off dry with a Great value wine, Just starting to show flavours, some leesy,Saint Clair Pioneer of passionfruit, limes mouthwatering, nervy drinking well now some bottle developed nutty complexity, and aBlock 3 43 Degrees and capsicums, crisp, acid spine. Good but also worth aromas of toast and finely textured, dryishMarlborough dry and lingering. Top length. Plenty of cellaring. Grown in biscuit that sit nicely finish. $23 (A, UK)Sauvignon Blanc value. $15 density and interest the Awatere Valley alongside those of Villa Maria Single2016 HHHH Vidal Marlborough yet retains a delightful (42%), Waihopai citrus and red apple. Vineyard SeddonAromatic and lively, Sauvignon Blanc lightness. $25 Valley (42%) and Lovely and sweet with Marlborough Pinotwith crisp, strongly 2016 HHHH Pegasus Bay the central Wairau a delightful thread Gris 2016 HHHHHvarietal melon, lime Great value blend of Riesling Valley (16%), it is very of acidity that keeps Floral, luscious wine,and capsicum flavours, Wairau Valley (60%) 2015 HHHH1/2 fresh and lively, with everything in balance. estate-grown andshowing very good and Awatere Valley A complex riesling that good weight, crisp, $27.50 hand-picked in thefreshness, delicacy and (40%) fruit. Fresh, crisp has talcum powder, medium-dry flavours, Ostler Blue House Awatere Valley andlength. $27 and sweet-fruited, citrus peel and freshly citrusy and limey, and Vines Waitaki barrel-fermented. SoftSaint Clair Pioneer with dry, tropical fruit squeezed lime aromas a persistent finish. Riesling and ripe, with vibrant,Block 18 Snap flavours that linger to the fore with a little $16 (UK) 2012 HHHH rich stonefruit flavours,Block Marlborough well. $16 (A, UK) toast and marmamlade Thornbury Good to see a wine gentle acidity and aSauvignon Blanc Villa Maria too. A sweeter style Waipara Riesling with some age. long, finely textured,2016 HHHH Reserve Clifford beautifully balanced with 2016 HHHH Definitely moving into dry finish. $30 (UK)Refreshing, medium- Bay Marlborough mouthwatering acidity. Fragrant white the tertiary spectrum; Stoneleigh Latitudebodied style, pungently Sauvignon Blanc Great length. $30 blossom and fresh kerosene and wet Marlborough Pinotaromatic, with citrusy, 2016 HHHH green apple aromas. stone. Fairly sweet but Gris 2016 HHHH1/2limey, grassy flavours, Pungently aromatic, Quite sweet on held tight by a pretty Freshly scentedshowing excellent this is a full-bodied, the palate, this is a firm acid spine and a and weighty, withspine, delicacy and generous, lively bright fleshy style saline, chalky finish. generous, ripe,length. $27 Awatere Valley wine of riesling, full of $25 stonefruit flavours with appetising acidity rockmelon and peach and an off-dry, well- and ripe gooseberry, flavours. Finishes rounded finish. Slightly melon and lime crisply. $15 oily texture, with flavours, dry and leesy, biscuity notes lingering. $27 (UK) adding complexity. $24 (UK, US) Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018 W I N E S TAT E 249

WINESTATE’S BEST WINES OF 2017 new zealandTerrace Edge Pinot Yealands Estate chardonnay Esk Valley Esk Valley Saint ClairGris 2016 HHHH1/2 Single Vineyard Winemakers Chardonnay James SinclairPowerful ripe pear, Marlborough Pinot Church Road Reserve 2016 HHHH1/2 Marlboroughgolden peach and Gris 2016 HHHH McDonald Series Chardonnay Gently aromatic with Chardonnaybaked apple aromas Aromatic, full-bodied Chardonnay 2016 HHHHH an edge of nutmeg 2015 HHHHlead to an opulent and vibrantly fruity, 2016 HHHHH A more restrained and cinnamon Generous, citrusy,palate where a good with very good A definite note of take on the reductive spice. Creamy and slightly buttery anddegree of sweetness weight and depth of gunflint, struck style of Chardonnay. concentrated, oak mealy wine, medium-fleshes out the ripe peach, pear and match reduction with Charming aromas comes through bodied, with a subtleflavour. A flamboyant, almond flavours, gentle some ripe, white of melting butter, alongside a mealy, seasoning of oak,generously fruited pinot acidity, and a finely fleshed fruit lying toasted cashew and leesy note. Not a fresh acidity and agris. $25 textured, lingering beneath. Attractive nougat with a touch big wine but lovely long finish. $24Rockburn Pinot finish. $23 (A) red grapefruit too. of flinty struck match persistence of flavour. Saint ClairGris 2016 HHHH1/2 Martinborough Mouthwatering thread underneath. Plenty $20 Omaka ReserveA slightly sweeter style Vineyard Te Tera of acidity balances of citrus and just-ripe Villa Maria Reserve Marlboroughwith some blossom Pinot Gris the creamy texture. stone fruit on the Hawkes Bay Chardonnayand talcum powder 2016 HHHH Excellent length. Very palate with a beautiful Chardonnay 2015 HHHHaromas and a nice Perfumed, mouthfilling impressive. $26.60 acid line. Really very 2016 HHHH1/2 Powerful, weightybaked apple crumble wine with generous, Villa Maria Single lovely. $32 Pungently aromatic; wine with generous,flavour. There is a ripe, peachy flavours Vineyard Keltern Villa Maria Reserve nougat, struck match, ripe, grapefruit-liketouch of savoury pith and a rich, smooth Chardonnay Marlborough and a wee hint of flavours, a smoky,that gives the wine finish. (Partly barrel- 2016 HHHHH Chardonnay gunflint reduction. spicy oak influencetexture. Pretty smart fermented.) $22 (A) There is so much 2015 HHHHH There is some adding complexity andstuff. $30 Te Kairanga going on in this wine; Elegant, fully barrel- attractive white a lingering finish. $38Brancott Estate Martinborough aromas of acacia fermented wine, with fleshed nectarine Saint Clair PioneerTerroir Series Pinot Gris flower, nougat, concentrated, citrusy and apricot fruit too. Block 11 CellMarlborough Pinot 2016 HHHH melting butter and flavours, showing Definite note of struck Block MarlboroughGris 2016 HHHH Fragrant and fleshy, cashew sit alongside excellent texture and match continues on ChardonnayAttractively scented, with generous those of gunflint and complexity, integrated the palate, enough 2015 HHHHfleshy and soft, with stonefruit flavours, smoke. A definite oak (French, 30% new), to maintain interest Fragrant, with rich,strong, stonefruit showing excellent note of reduction with and a fragrant, slightly without becoming vibrant, sweet-fruitflavours, showing a varietal character and some smoky bacon bready and chalky offensive. Long flavours, showingtouch of complexity, harmony. Weighty, edging in. Masses bouquet. $32 (UK) mineral, wet stone good complexity.gentle acidity, a slightly ripe style, with a of flavour but kept Villa Maria Reserve finish. $40 Peachy and biscuity,oily texture and a long, distinctly creamy from becoming too Gisborne Barrique Vavasour Anna’s in a subtle, veryharmonious finish. Fine texture. (Partly barrel- overwhelming by the Fermented Vineyard Awatere harmonious style. $33value. $20 fermented.) $25 (A) floral edge. Lovely line Chardonnay Valley Marlborough Saint ClairCatalina Sounds Quartz Reef Pinot of acidity and a long 2015 HHHHH Chardonnay PremiumMarlborough Pinot Gris 2016 HHHH persistent finish. $50 Highly fragrant, mealy, 2015 HHHH1/2 MarlboroughGris 2016 HHHH An attractively textured Vidal Legacy smoky bouquet. Rich, weighty, well- ChardonnayAttractively scented, subtle wine that has Chardonnay Mouthfilling and integrated wine 2015 HHHHwith mouthfilling plenty of poached 2016 HHHHH concentrated, with with a fragrant, Fresh and lively, withbody and strong, ripe apple and pear on the A complex, intricate excellent drive through complex bouquet and grapefruit-like flavourspeach and pear-like nose. Uncomplicated aroma that weaves the palate, strong, ripe concentrated, peachy, to the fore. Fruit-flavours. Fresh and with a delightful vibrant toasty new oak, struck stonefruit flavours, mealy flavours, finely driven, with subtle,finely textured, with lifted flavour. Just a match reduction toasty, biscuity textured, delicate and mealy, nutty notesslightly mealy notes. teensy bit off dry. $30 and masses of red nuances adding lingering. $41 (A) adding complexity and$25 (A, UK) Ostler Audrey’s grapefruit and white complexity, lively Palliser Estate a well-rounded finish.Grove Mill Waitaki Pinot Gris nectarine fruit flavours acidity and a poised, Martinborough $21Marlborough Pinot 2015 HHHH together to give a wine long finish. $37 Chardonnay Vavasour AwatereGris 2016 HHHH “Chocolate of real complexity. The Domaine Rewa 2015 HHHH1/2 Valley MarlboroughFloral, full-bodied and digestives,” oak is quite dominant Chardonnay Very elegant, youthful Chardonnayfleshy wine, grown in commented one judge. at this stage but the 2015 HHHH1/2 wine. Fragrant, full- 2015 HHHHthe Wairau Valley and Maybe not a classic concentration and Tight and lean, a great bodied and finely Rich, generous,partly (15%) barrel- pinot gris note but one persistence of flavour example of cool climate poised, with generous, toasty, mealy winefermented. Stonefruit that seemed to capture suggest that with time chardonnay that citrusy, slightly spicy with a freshly scentedflavours, showing very the combination of in bottle, this wine will allows minerally fruit flavours and a well- bouquet and plentygood ripeness and biscuit, creamy fruit evolve into something flavours of wet stone, integrated, toasty, of oak in evidence.depth, and a slightly flavours. $35 very special. $60 crisp apple and pear nutty oak influence. Already very open andsweet, finely balanced to shine. Savoury and “Lovely wine,” expressive. $31 (A, UK)finish. $20 focused, just a hint of enthused one judge. oak. Great length. $40 $39 (UK)250 W I N E S TAT E Wine of the Year Awards Annual Edition 2018