Five stars a Shaw thing

Mr Shaw said it’s a credit to the local wine industry that 13 wineries were awarded 5 or 4.5 stars in the companion’s annual list of the country’s top wineries.

“It’s a great endorsement for our family and other winemakers in the region,” Mr Shaw said.

“What’s important is that all the restaurants and wineries bring people to Orange, once they get here it’s up to them to go where they want to go.

“We’ve just got to keep bringing people to the region.”

Philip Shaw Wines was one of four local wineries, including Printhie Wines, Ross Hill Wines and Bloodwood, awarded a coveted five red star rating in Mr Halliday’s publication .

Wineries in this category are considered “outstanding,” producing wine of “exemplary quality”. 

To be considered wineries must have at least two of their wines rated at 94 points or above by Halliday’s judges, and they need to have had a five star rating for the previous two years.

Five star ratings were given to Belgravia Wines and Tallavera Grove/Carillion Wines with 4.5 stars awarded to Angullong, Borrodell, Brangayne, Cumulus, Mayfield Vineyard, Moody’s Wines and Sons & Brothers.

Mr Shaw said a high rating in the companion not only helped winemakers benchmark their product against competitors, it was also good for business.

“It’s a globally recognised publication and some people who drink our wine are looking for that sort of thing,” Mr Shaw said.

“The trade or retailers also use it [the companion] as a guide for what they buy.”

Mr Shaw said being awarded five stars in consecutive years also helped a winery prove consistency although there’s no room for complacency.

“You can’t sit back, this is something you do 365 days, 24 by seven,” he said.

“We’ve still go many, many stories to tell to many, many people.”

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au