MEDIA RELEASE
December 2013
Toasting the Top 50 wines for 2013
The Limestone Coast Grape and Wine Council (LCGWC) has come up with the ultimate tool to guide consumers through the festive season – a comprehensive list of the best performers at the 2013 Limestone Coast Wine Show. The Limestone Coast Top 50 features all trophy winners and gold medallists from the high profile show held in Coonawarra and Naracoorte from 29th October – 1st November. Several high scoring silver medallists are also included in the enticing selection of red, white, sparkling and sweet varieties, with the list offering the perfect blend of quality and style.
“The competition is open only to wines made from fruit grown within the Limestone Coast zone, and attracts entries from winemakers in Coonawarra, Padthaway, Wrattonbully, Robe, Mount Benson and Mount Gambier,” says LCGWC member Sarah Pidgeon. “These are the wines that our judging panel particularly loved, and whether you’re familiar with the regions or looking to sample some proven performers, this list offers a learned introduction to some exceptional wines and wineries within the Limestone Coast.”
Many of Coonawarra’s familiar names have made the grade, such as Wynns Coonawarra Estate, Majella, Rymill, Redman and Brand’s Laira. But the list also draws attention to some lesser-known companies achieving great things within the region, like the multi-award winning family-owned Malone Wines from Wrattonbully, Padthaway’s Henry’s Drive, and Mount Benson’s consistent performer Black Wattle. Recommended retail prices are included, and reflect the depth and variety of quality wines within this region.
“Several of the trophy winners fall below the $20 dollar mark, while the slightly more expensive cabernet sauvignon styles have a reputation which precedes them, and will be well worth the investment,” says Sarah. “The list really is the ultimate gift-giving guide, but it’s also going to be handy if you’re looking to stock your own wine rack ready for the holidays.”
The Barossa Valley’s Andrew Wigan, who is chief winemaker at Peter Lehmann Wines, chaired this year’s judging line-up, and was joined by one of Australia’s most respected wine writers, Jane Faulkner, independent wine consultant, educator, writer and speaker, Sophie Otton, highly decorated WA winemaker Virginia Willcock, and fellow Margaret River winemaker, Ed Tomlinson. China’s Fongyee Walker, co-founder of Beijing’s Dragon Phoenix Fine Wine Consulting, was this year’s international judge, bringing extensive judging experience from the London International Wine Challenge, the Hong Kong International Wines and Spirits Competition, the Annual Wines of Chile Awards, and several prestigious Australian shows.
A total of 401 entries were received from 77 exhibitors in 2013, and 39 gold medals, 42 silver and 143 bronze medals were awarded. Brand’s Laira was the most successful exhibitor for the second year in a row, with the 2010 Brand’s Laira Coonawarra One Seven One Cabernet Sauvignon collecting four trophies, including the David Wynn Trophy for ‘Best Red Wine of Show’, the HR (Ron) Haselgrove O.B.E. Trophy for ‘Best Cabernet Sauvignon’, the Bill Redman Trophy for ‘Best Wine of Show’, and the Arthur Hoffman Trophy for Viticulturalist of Best Wine of Show.
Interviews with a selection of winners and judges and the complete list of results can be viewed at www.limestonecoastwine.com.au. For further information, please contact Sarah Pidgeon on 0412 825 149.