South Coast Wine Show 2009

All three judges praised the entrants in this year’s South Coast Wine Show. Chief Judge, David Morris, said that while the number of medals was on par with last year, the standard was actually better. He said even the entries that missed out on medals were sound, well-made and were good, solid, commercial wines.

The whites continued to dominate with more than 50% considered worthy of a medal. While the number of medals awarded in the red classes was lower, David said the standard of reds being produced in the local region continued to improve, particularly the Merlots, Cabernets and Chambourcins.

He said the Semillon class, in particular, had been a "pleasure" to judge and the entries in this class were ‘superb’ and of world class standard.

The judges enjoyed the opportunity to meet with exhibitors and to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of individual entries at the Public Wine Tasting.

David said local winemakers were all very professional in their approach . It was particularly pleasing that there was an extremely low level of wine faults seen in entries; far lower than in many other shows.

Results Summary:

144 entries from 21 Vineyards & Wineries.

7 Southern Highlands Wine Region, 10 Shoalhaven Coast Wine Region, 4 South Coast Zone.

Medals awarded: Gold - 7, Silver – 21, Bronze – 44.

Special Awards:

Best Wine of Show
Best White Wine
Best Wine Made from Grapes Grown in Shoalhaven Coast

Coolangatta Estate 2005 Semillon (Gold medal)

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Best Red Wine

SHW 2006 Merlot (Gold medal)
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Best Wine Made from Grapes Grown in Southern Highlands

Cuttaway Hill 2006 Chardonnay (Gold medal)

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Best Wine Made in a Shoalhaven Coast Winery

Crooked River 2007 Arneis (Bronze medal)

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Best in Class [at judge’s discretion & at least 10 entries]

Chardonnay - Cuttaway Hill 2006 (Gold medal)
Dry Red Wine - Blends & Other Varieties - SHW 2006 Merlot (Gold medal)

The outstanding class performance had to be:
Class 24.5 DRY WHITE WINE – SEMILLON (any vintage)
1. Coolangatta Estate 2000 Silver
2. Coolangatta Estate 2001 Gold
3. Coolangatta Estate 2002 Bronze
4. Coolangatta Estate 2003 Gold
5. Coolangatta Estate 2004 Bronze
6. Coolangatta Estate 2005 Gold and 3 Trophies
7. Coolangatta Estate 2006 Silver
8. Coolangatta Estate 2007 Bronze
9. Coolangatta Estate 2008 Gold

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The Presentation Wine Dinner, where medals and awards were handed out, was held at the Vineyard Kitchen Restaurant at Cupitts Winery, Milton and was as usual a sellout.

The menu together with its accompanying medal winning wines was:

Canapes on arrival
Oysters with Lime & Chilli Granita
Sweet Corn & Pea Cakes with Crab Salad
Fig Tartlet with Prosciutto & Gorgonzola Cream
Centennial Vineyards – Non Vintage Brut Rose`

Entree

Prawn & Scallop Ravioli with Buerre Blanc Ciboulette
Coolangatta Estate – 2004 Verdelho & 2005 Semillon
Cuttaway Hill – 2006 Chardonnay
Blue Metal Vineyard – 2008 Sauvignon Blanc
Main Course

Rack of Tableland Lamb with Potato Puree, Flat Beans & Green Olive Vinaigrette
Southern Highland Wines – 2006 Merlot & 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Cambewarra Estate – 2005 ‘Simon’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Coolangatta Estate – 2007 Chambourcin & 2007 Tannat
Dessert
Passionfruit Curd with Clyde River Berry Farm Blueberries & Almond Sable
Cambewarra Estate – 2005 ‘Louise’ Late Harvest Chardonnay
then
Unicorn Brie served with Marinated Figs & Lavosh
Tea & Coffee

So all in all, this year's show was extremely successful. The committee now takes a few months off to rest before the organization of next year's show starts.

More detailed show results can be found by clicking on the South Coast Wine Show link on the side bar.