Xanadu Dragon Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Gold, Class 15) This is the only Margaret River winery in our selection this year, and shows how good the region is for Cabernet Sauvignon as well as their highly regarded white wines. Has lovely blackcurrant and berry fruits balanced with some toasty oak. Is drinking very nicely now or will reward cellaring for 3-5 years.
Leconfield Richard Hamilton Gumprs Shiraz 2008 (Gold and Trophy, Class 18) Collecting the Trophy for Best Shiraz in Show, this is a lovely Mc Laren Vale beauty made by Paul Gordon. Rich plum fruit and black pepper, this is a style which has always been very popular in our selections. Can be consumed as a young wine, but will also benefit from up to 8 years in the cellar.
Brands Laira of Coonawarra Cabernet Merlot 2008 (Top Gold, Class 21) Another superb vintage of this wine, the Brands label has enjoyed consistent wine show success. Showing ripe plum and cherry flavours, this is also drinking well now; but as with previous vintages it will easily handle another 5 years in the cellar.
Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Ridge Barossa Quartage 2007 (Gold, Class 21) We first discovered this wine back in 2004, and it has always been highly sought after when we have included previous vintages in our Wine Show dozens. A rich blend of Cab Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec, once again this wine shows lovely ripe plum and blackberry flavours and perfectly balanced oak integration. Drink to 2016 with any full flavoured meat dish .
Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz Cabernet 2008: (Gold, 18.5,Class 22) Renowned winemaker Ben Riggs has made some excellent wines under this label. This wine is a 55/45% blend from estate grown fruit at Morambro Creek near Padthaway; and was the only Gold Medal in this class . Has excellent upfront fruit, and would be best consumed over the next couple of years.
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Shiraz Viognier 2008: (Gold and Trophy, Class 23) Having collected the Red Winemaker of the Year at the most recent International Wine Challenge, Wolf Blass has now also collected a swag of medals and trophies here. This wine was voted “Best Red Wine in Show’ with their first ever vintage of this blend, and is a superb example of how well these two varieties can work together. Although not made to be a long cellaring proposition, this is drinking very well now - 2012.
