TASTE TEST: The 2012 Orange Wine Show attracted a record number of entries this year. Associate judge Phil Kerney was on the job sampling wines yesterday. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 1004sgwines1
PHILIP Shaw Wines was the big winner from the 2012 Orange Wine Show judging this week.
The Orange vigneron scored three wins in the prestigious show including best wine, best white wine and best chardonnay, all for their Philip Shaw Wines No 11.
Printhie Wines also scored well in judging with wins for best red and best shiraz.
Now in its 11th year, the show attracted a record 282 entries from 40 vignerons across NSW.
Official master of wine and judge Toni Paterson said Orange produced wines were well reviewed by show’s four judges
Ms Paterson sampled, swirled and tasted the top drops over the two-day judging session and said Orange has a definite advantage.
“Across the board they’re a very good standard ... we’re thrilled with the quality,” she said.
Ms Paterson, along with fellow judges Fran Austin, Andrew Koemer and associate judge Phil Kerney, said Orange is a diverse region for wine.
“Orange is a bit of a flavour of the month at the moment, it’s a region that’s been a bit of a sleeper,” she said.
Ms Paterson said Orange is a relatively new wine region but is producing some great wine varieties, in particular chardonnay and shiraz.
Wet weather has not impacted on recent vintages, according to Ms Paterson, despite some vignerons’ concerns.
The show reflected the advantage Orange wines had in the market, however Ms Paterson said this needed to be built upon.
“Orange is enjoying good success at the moment but it’s not the time to rest on your laurels,” she said.
“Don’t overcomplicate because the inherent fruit quality is very good here ... keep your point of difference.”
Winning at the show can help vignerons in several ways, according to Ms Paterson, including marketing their product to consumers and the industry.
She said having an award-winning wine could also assist with being included on the wine list at top restaurants.
Wine show committee chief steward Lucy Maddox said it had been a very successful show.
“The number of awards the judges are giving is very encouraging,” she said.
Ms Maddox said even if winemakers did not win at the show, it was an opportunity to receive feedback on how your product could be improved.
nadine.morton
@ruralpress.com