Langhorne Creek’s Bleasdale Vineyards has won the coveted Max Schubert Trophy for Most Outstanding Red Wine in Show with their 2016 Generations Shiraz, also taking home the Best Shiraz in Show title. In a year that saw Shiraz dominate the competition – accounting for one quarter of all entries and 20 gold medals – it was fitting that the red variety claimed the top award. Chair of Judges Louisa Rose said the level of quality in the Shiraz entries showed the strength of the variety in Australia, and the range of wines and styles and diversity. “Pulling the absolute top wines out of such a group for each class and deciding the final trophy was a long and difficult process. A range of styles were rewarded but all were driven by purity of fruit and balanced by layers of complexity.” Shiraz also shined in the Most Outstanding Wine of Provenance category, with Leasingham’s Classic Clare Shiraz (2016, 2009, 2005) winning the trophy. Following their 2017 Wine Show success, taking home four trophies for a selection of their red wines, Shingleback was awarded the Best Cabernet Sauvignon in Show. Other wineries rounding out the red wine trophies include Majella Wines (Best Traditional Australian Red Blend), Jacob’s Creek (Best Other Red Blend), Sister’s Run Winery (Best Grenache or Grenache Blend) and Leconfield Coonawarra (Best Other Varietal Red). Ms Rose said the judging team evaluated 2,712 wines over four days, with lots of discussion to showcase the best wines in Australia. “The level of engagement and scrutiny ensured that not only the best wines on the day were given the chance to shine, but the associate judges had the best opportunity to learn and be mentored by the senior judges,” she said. The 2018 competition also saw a resurgence in Chardonnay entries, which was the largest white variety, with 17 gold medals awarded. Deep Woods Estate from WA was awarded the trophy for Best Chardonnay and the George Fairbrother Memorial Trophy for Best White Wine in Show. “Australian Chardonnay is certainly in a ‘purple patch’ at the moment, with diversity, charm balance and composure.” For more information: Greg Follett, Chair – Royal Adelaide Wine Show, ph: 0407 619 682 Kirrilee Hay, RA&HS, ph: 0499 773 512 OR Michelle Hocking, RA&HS, ph: 0419 185 314

After a week of rigorous judging, the results of the 2017 Royal Adelaide Wine Show are finally in – and South Australia has proven its claim as one of the great wine producing regions of the world. South Australian producers dominated the trophy tally, with 15 of the 25 trophies awarded to the home State at this morning’s presentation ceremony at the Adelaide Showground. McLaren Vale’s Shingleback Wine has won the coveted Max Schubert Trophy for Most Outstanding Red Wine in Show with their 2016 Red Knot Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre. Furthermore, Shingleback also took home the Tilbrook Rasheed Trophy for Best Grenache or Grenache Blend, the Montgomery Trophy for Best Red Wine Under $20 and the Radoux Australia Trophy for Best Other Red Blend, for their 2016 Local Heroes Shiraz Grenache. Chairman of judges Michael Brajkovich MW said the judging team evaluated 2,647 wines over four days, and highlighted the outstanding quality of Australian wine. “We are fortunate to have a very talented team of judges from a wide range of backgrounds associated with the wine trade, and they have maintained the judging standards of this Show to the very highest level,” Mr Brajkovich said. “Shiraz remains the largest varietal category in the Wine Show, with an ever-increasing range of regional and stylistic interpretations across all the vintages, from bright young wines to classically aged beauties. Cabernet Sauvignon, and blends based on it, have performed very well this year, especially from the 2015 vintage, as have the Grenache and Grenache blends which were vibrant, textural and very impressive. “South Australian grown wines also shone in the Provenance section, with Coonawarra’s Lindemans taking home the Most Outstanding Wine of Provenance, for their (2015, 2010, 2005) Limestone Ridge Shiraz Cabernet. “The 2016 Chardonnay class was very large this year, and were widely divergent in both style and quality, with Evans & Tate from Margaret River, WA awarded the trophy for Best Chardonnay and the George Fairbrother Memorial for Best White Wine in Show.” Four wine producers received back-to-back honours in the same classes in 2016 and 2017 - Yalumba (Best Shiraz), Tyrells (Best Semillon), d’Arenberg (Best Sweet White Table Wine) and St Agnes (Best Brandy). Members of the public can sample the trophy winning wines tonight at Taste of the Best – the Royal Adelaide Wine Show Public Tasting. For details visit www.thewineshow.com.au For more information: Andrew Hardy, Chairman – Royal Adelaide Wine Show, ph: 0419 677 239 Kirrilee Hay, RA&HS, ph: 0499 773 512 OR Michelle Hocking, RA&HS, ph: 0419 185 314 Download Full Media Release and Listing of Trophies

Philip Laffer AM has been named Life Member of the Australian Wine Industry – the first recipient to receive the new national award. The descendent of vineyard owners and the son of an agricultural scientist, some could argue wine is part of Philip’s DNA. So too are passion and vision as he has played a significant part in making Australian wines what they are today. Working in trade, marketing, winemaking, viticulture and management over the years, including being one of the architects of Jacob’s Creek, Philip has given a lot to the industry. When his career began, Australia table wine was just finding its feet. “How much things have changed,” said Mr Laffer AM, “but we also must continue inspiring the viticulturists and oenologists of tomorrow to keep industry on its game. “We need to keep attracting talented and driven people to the wine industry, people who are passionate about their wines, their brands and the future of an important and diverse Australian industry,” he said. “Receiving this award is an honour and I am humbled and proud to be recognised by my industry in this way. Thank you.” Click here to download full media release