Bream Creek’s 2023 Pinot Noir won Best in Show at the 2024 National Cool Climate Wine Show, as well as at the Sydney Royal Wine Show earlier this year. Image courtesy Royal Agricultural Society of NSW
The 2024 National Cool Climate Wine Show concluded with what judges described as “outstanding” results.
The “exceptional” quality of the wines submitted was attributed to the impact of cooler vintages over the past three years.
Champion Wine of Show was awarded to Bream Creek Wines Tasmania for their 2023 Pinot Noir, which also claimed the titles of Champion Pinot Noir and Champion Dry Red, affirming its place as a standout in a competitive field. The judging panel was unanimous in their praise, noting the wine’s complex structure, vibrant fruit, and “impeccable” balance.
There were 491 exhibits in total, with 31 gold medals awarded, 78 silver, and 167 bronze.
“The 2024 National Cool Climate Wine Show is one of the most gratifying shows I have been involved with for many years,” said Russell Cody, chief judge and winemaker from McWilliam’s Wines.
Cody reported that the Pinot Noir classes were a particular standout, with an exceptionally high standard of entries. Cody noted that winemakers and growers of this variety have become increasingly adept at crafting high-quality wines, a trend that has seen significant improvement over the last decade.
Wines such as Malbec, Aglianico, and Tempranillo also impressed the judges. Cody was optimistic about the future of these varieties in Australia’s cool climate regions.
He also noted that the sparkling wine class was fiercely competitive, with the top sparkling wine coming close to winning the Wine of Show.
Very few faults were found in the wines, with only occasional issues such as microbial problems and sulphides noted. The primary criticism for non-medal-winning wines was the overuse of oak or a lack of fruit intensity.
The champions
Champion Wine of Show
Bream Creek Vineyard 2023 Pinot Noir
Don Anderson Perpetual Champion Central Ranges
Tamburlaine Organic Wines 2024 Reserve Orange Riesling
Champion Dry White Table Wine
West Cape Howe Wines 2023 Styx Gully Chardonnay
Champion Dry Red Table Wine
Bream Creek Vineyard 2023 Pinot Noir
Champion Riesling
West Cape Howe Wines 2024 Mt Barker Riesling
Champion Cabernet Sauvignon:
Brand & Sons 2021 Sanctuary Cabernet Sauvignon
Champion Chardonnay
West Cape Howe Wines 2023 Styx Gully Chardonnay
Champion Shiraz
Kaesler Wines Saint & Scholar 2022 Graduates Shiraz
Champion Sauvignon Blanc
Sidewood Estate 2024 Sauvignon Blanc
Champion Pinot Noir
Bream Creek Vineyard 2023 Pinot Noir
Champion Pinot Gris / Grigio
Hahndorf Hill 2024 Pinot Grigio
Champion Italian Variety (red or white)
Mercer Wines 2023 Barbera
Champion Other White Varietal
Artwine 2024 The Real Thing Albarino
Champion Other Red Varietal
Ferngrove Wines 2022 Estate Reserve Malbec
Champion Rosé
West Cape Howe Wines Cape to Cape Rose
Champion Sparkling Wine
Cuvee-Co Wines Ivy Elliot Rosé NV Pinot Noir
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