The Limestone Coast Wine Show committee has put together an enticing list of winning options from the recent wine show for those looking to embrace the community spirit and buy local this festive season. Celebrating the Top 40 wines from the 20th anniversary event, the selection begins with ‘Bubbles’, with Best Sparkling Wine trophy-winner, the 2018 Eliza Blanc de Blancs from Padthaway Estate, considered a must. “Judges were full of praise for the complexity and balance of this sparkling wine, with Woodsoak Wines’ Zaahira Sparkling another crowd favourite worth considering,” says the committee’s Lauren Hansen.
White wines were strong performers at this year’s show – especially Wrattonbully’s Eight at the Gate. The family-owned winery’s 2019 Family Selection Chardonnay collected two trophies, with judge Corey Ryan describing it as a beautiful example of modern-style Australian Chardonnay; tight and steely, with lovely intensity of flavour.
For a light & refreshing white to kick off the celebrations, party (or beach!) goers should try the 2021 Kongorong Riesling from DiGiorgio Family Wines, which won the Karl Seppelt Trophy for Best White (excluding Chardonnay). “DiGiorgio also has your Rose needs covered, with the delightful 2021 Dolcetto Rosé another trophy winner – their 2018 Botrytis Semillon is worth popping aside for festive cheese platters too,” Lauren says.
There are some lovely lighter style reds which are bound to impress guests looking for something new, and Mount Benson’s Wangolina is leading the way with the 2021 A Series Mencia. This grape variety from the north-west of Spain is rarely seen in Australia, but just happens to be growing well in Mundulla. “We are delighted to have been able to get our hands on it,” says winemaker Anita Goode. There’s also exciting things brewing in Coonawarra, where Ottelia’s Matilda Innes has launched her own label Taschini. Her debut release, the 2020 Taschini, was announced the ‘Wine to Watch’ by chief of judges Corrina Wright: “It’s just a really juicy and modern style that the next gen are all drinking at the city bars – super fresh, bright, easy drinking, likeable, a go-to” Corrina says.
From the newest kids on the block to the old favourites, Wynns Coonawarra Estate’s 2016 O’Deas Single Vineyard Dry Red is a delicious blend, while you also can’t go wrong with Rymill Coonawarra’s 2019 Classic Release Shiraz. Any vintage of Orlando Wines’ Lawson’s Padthaway Shiraz will also serve you well – the 2016, 2010, and 2005 vintages out-performed the traditional Cabernet for The Red Wine of Provenance Trophy.
When it comes to Cabernet, connoisseurs are really spoilt for choice – as would be expected from the Limestone Coast. The St Hugo 2019 Private Collection Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon will be a guaranteed success with the winery winning Best Wine of Show for two years in a row. The Wynns Coonawarra Estate 2018 Johnsons Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, named Best Individual Vineyard Wine, is also well worth adding to the list. “There’s some real blockbusters that will sit well with any Christmas feast – but they would also make the perfect gift to cellar for another special occasion” says the wine show committee’s Ulrich Grey-Smith. If you simply can’t wait, then Majella Wines’ 2010 Cabernet or Wrattonbully’s 2014 Malone Cabernet are cellared and ready to go, but understandably, a little harder to find.
For further information, please contact Lauren Hansen from the LCWS Committee on 0409 090 598. limestonecoastwine.com.au