MEDIA RELEASE

9 September 2011. For immediate release.

SOUTH AFRICAN WINES STRIKE GOLD

BUT AUSTRALIA WINS THE CHALLENGE.

The wine Gods of the Southern Hemisphere have truly poured gold paint over the grape farms of South Africa this year awarding that nation eight of the available 20 trophies. Strong in most classes, Australia won NATION OF SHOW including trophies for Paringa Estate’s Pinot Noir and Peter Lehmann’s Semillon.

Since 2003 the Tri Nations Wine Challenge has awarded a small haul of trophies to South Africa. However this year EIGHT MAJOR TROPHIES – the lion’s share of what was awarded – including WINE OF SHOW and WHITE WINE OF SHOW were won by the South African entries.

The South African individual class winners were: Jordan Winery 2009 Riesling; Paul Cluver Wines Chardonnay 2009; Bellingham, The Bernard Series Roussanne 2010; Tokara Director’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009; Eagle’s Nest Shiraz 2009 and Nederburg Wines Private Bin Eminence Noble Late Picked Muscadel 2009.

The Prestigious Wine of Show was won by Nederburg Wines for their famous Muscadel and to complete the haul the trophy for White Wine of Show was won by Paul Cluver’s Chardonnay 2009.

Red Wine of Show was won by New Zealand’s Kidnapper Cliffs Cabernet Sauvignon 2009.

The two new comers to the Challenge Chile and Argentina both took off two trophies each being Chile’s Cono Sur Merlot and Santa Ema’s Red blend. Argentina’s Salentein Malbec and Pulenta Estate’s Cabernet Franc won for their country.

New Zealand had a strong result with five trophies: Hawkesbridge Sparkling, Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc, Forrest Estate Rose, Craggy Range Bordeaux Blend and Kidnapper Cliffs Cabernet.

Judges Huon Hooke (Australia) [Chairman], Michael Fridjhon (South Africa), Bob Campbell (NZ) Fabricio Portelli (Argentina) and Eduardo Brethauer (Chile) awarded a total of 17 Class trophies, 38 Double Gold medals and 55 Gold medals.

Full details of all trophies and medals also go to http://www.boutiquewines.com.au

Read the ILLUSTRATED RESULTS BOOK

Media and photos: kennedy@boutiquewines.com.au