BY DI SNEDDON
Hunter Valley Wine Show marked its 50th year and the 2022 chair of judges Samantha Connew said it was a celebration of the resilience of the region.
“The excellent results demonstrate the fortitude of the wine makers, with, both the seasons and covid, it has been crazy, but the industry has kept on working and the outcome is truly a testament to the people in the community,” she told The Hunter River Times.
Chair of the Hunter Valley Wine Show committee, Craig Saywell, said entries were down but that did not stop the panel of judges kicking off at 9am and finishing off about 6:15pm, tasting some 100 wines per day with recognition given to the Verdelho and Rose classes, along with magical blends that showcase the capacity the region.
Mr Saywell thanked Lone Pine Barracks for once again hosting the judging, the 43rd year the judging has been conducted at the venue.
“The natural light and the support of the soldiers is always very much appreciated,” he said.
Medal and trophy winners were presented at a luncheon attended by over 350 industry professionals to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the Hunter Valley wine industry.
Former Commandant of the Singleton Army Base and Freeman of the Shire of Singleton, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove (Retd) and Lady Lynne Cosgrove were special guests at the luncheon where Sir Peter reflected on his involvement in the Hunter Valley Wine Show and the Army’s contribution to the show since its move to the Infantry Centre in 1980.
The judging panel tasted 639 wines across three days, awarding 14 Top Gold, 44 Gold, 121 Silver and 205 Bronze medals, plus 25 Trophies.
Samantha commented that the white varietals, especially Semillon, Chardonnay, and Verdelho, really impressed the judges this year, with the 2022 vintage a real standout.
The distinguished Best White Wine of the Show was awarded to Tyrrell’s 2013 Belford Semillon. Tyrrell’s also took out the coveted Iain Riggs Wine of Provenance with their Vat 1 Semillon 2006, 2013, and 2021 vintages and Best Museum White for their 2006 Vat 1 Semillon.
While the white varieties were a highlight of this year’s show, the Hunter Valley reds also performed strongly with the prestigious Best Red Wine of the Show being awarded to De Iuliis Wines 2019 Limited Release Shiraz for the second year in a row. De Iuliis Wines 2019 Limited Release Shiraz also took out the trophies for Best Shiraz and Best Mature Three-Year-Old and Older Shiraz and Best Other Red Trophy for their 2019 Shiraz Touriga. Brokenwood Wines celebrated their 2014 Verona Vineyard Shiraz as winner of the Best Museum Red Wine.
