Much is said and written of the Australian Show system. On the plus side, one can argue that it elevates the overall quality of wine made in this country and helps eliminate or at least reduce the incidence of faulty wines. Some suggest that it can lead to a homogenisation of wine, and a ‘bigger is better’ approach, arguing that more elegant, backward wines don’t show well when assessed en masse. Then there is the point that many of the very best producers don’t enter their wines in competition.
With this in mind, what does it mean to be the Stodart Trophy winner? Second in importance to the Jimmy Watson Trophy (from a commercial stand-point), the Stodart Trophy is awarded to the best one-year old dry red wine submitted for judging at the Royal Queensland Wine Show. Winner of the Stodart Trophy in 2012 was the 2011 Three Bridges Cabernet Sauvignon from Riverina-based producer Westend Estate.
As to the wine, it is no blockbuster, rather an elegant and very classic expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. A blend of Riverina (60%) and Hilltops (40%) fruit, it is archetypal Cabernet Sauvignon. At this early stage in its life it displays at best moderate complexity, but there is upside for further development. All in all, it’s a well made, stylish wine.
What does this say of the show system? For one, it’s clear that wines are being judged on more than just raw power; consideration is being given to varietal integrity, elegance, purity and how the wines perform on the dinner table. If that reflects an overall shift in the consciousness of the Australian wine industry, then it is no bad thing.
2011 THREE BRIDGES CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Producer: Westend Estate
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon et al
Vintage: 2011
Region: Multi-regional (Riverina and Hilltops)
ABV: 14%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $26.00
Date tasted: 24 October 2013
Tasting Note:
Deep crimson. Nose is initially driven by cassis and blackberry coulis, opening with air up to reveal classical Cabernet Sauvignon dusty and earthy notes as well as menthol and charcoal. Dry, medium bodied, a model of elegance, very varietal and ‘classical’, sweet fruited up-front. Not overly complex at present, but there is genuine varietal integrity and excellence balance here. Should develop well over the medium term.
Score: 16+/20
With this in mind, what does it mean to be the Stodart Trophy winner? Second in importance to the Jimmy Watson Trophy (from a commercial stand-point), the Stodart Trophy is awarded to the best one-year old dry red wine submitted for judging at the Royal Queensland Wine Show. Winner of the Stodart Trophy in 2012 was the 2011 Three Bridges Cabernet Sauvignon from Riverina-based producer Westend Estate.
As to the wine, it is no blockbuster, rather an elegant and very classic expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. A blend of Riverina (60%) and Hilltops (40%) fruit, it is archetypal Cabernet Sauvignon. At this early stage in its life it displays at best moderate complexity, but there is upside for further development. All in all, it’s a well made, stylish wine.
What does this say of the show system? For one, it’s clear that wines are being judged on more than just raw power; consideration is being given to varietal integrity, elegance, purity and how the wines perform on the dinner table. If that reflects an overall shift in the consciousness of the Australian wine industry, then it is no bad thing.
2011 THREE BRIDGES CABERNET SAUVIGNONProducer: Westend Estate
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon et al
Vintage: 2011
Region: Multi-regional (Riverina and Hilltops)
ABV: 14%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $26.00
Date tasted: 24 October 2013
Tasting Note:
Deep crimson. Nose is initially driven by cassis and blackberry coulis, opening with air up to reveal classical Cabernet Sauvignon dusty and earthy notes as well as menthol and charcoal. Dry, medium bodied, a model of elegance, very varietal and ‘classical’, sweet fruited up-front. Not overly complex at present, but there is genuine varietal integrity and excellence balance here. Should develop well over the medium term.
Score: 16+/20
No comments:
Post a Comment