Bob Derrick and Will Rikard Bell bring Orange shiraz to the fore at Royal Sydney Wine Show

Owned by Bob and Jennifer Derrick, Montoro's 2016 Pepper Shiraz scored 95 points to win gold in the 2016 or older shiraz category while its 2018 Pepper Shiraz won a bronze in that vintage category, scoring 87 points.

Mr Derrick said the couple were delighted with the result.

"We are chuffed, we didn't expect it really - you put your wines in to see how they compare to the other wines, winning is wonderful."

Several Orange vineyards scored medals at this year's Royal Wine Show, with Colmar Estate earning bronze for its Block 5 Riesling (2019 riesling and older), and a bronze each for its Sparkling Pinot Noir (2015) and Brut Rose (2017).

Ross Hill claimed a silver for its 2019 Pinnacle Shiraz.

At about 900 metres, Montoro's five-and-a-half acre vineyard is dedicated to various shiraz clones and Mr Derrick said the gold medal "illustrated our belief that cool climate shiraz has a strong future in the Orange wine region."

The Montoro vineyard was established in 1993 when it was planted with the PT23 clone of shiraz.

The 2016 Pepper Shiraz was produced by winemaker Will Rikard Bell who was also delighted with its success.

"It's a beautiful wine with lovely savoury characters, pepper and spices. It is an elegant, aromatic wine and I was not surprised by its gold medal win," he said. Mr Rikard Bell added Orange wines can compete on the national and international stage and have good longevity.

Tasting notes say the 2016 Pepper Shiraz will continue to develop during the next 10 to 15 years.

The 2021 Sydney Royal Wine Show is recognised as Australia's largest and longest-running wine show, assessing 1700 wines across 67 classes during four days of judging.

Almost 30 trophies were awarded along with 118 gold medals, 260 silver and 619 bronze.

Entries were called in March before COVID-19 thwarted a number of attempts to stage the show, which finally went ahead in December.

"You just have to admire the determination of the organisers to succeed," Mr Derrick said.

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