Thomas Wines are no strangers when it comes to trophies, but even they were amazed at their jaw-dropping eight trophy haul at this year's Hunter Valley Boutique Wine Show.
"We certainly weren't expecting that," delighted owner-winemaker Andrew Thomas said.
"We're thrilled because this region is brimming with excellent winemakers and wonderful vineyards. The standard just seems to get better every year, so it means a lot."
While Thomas semillons won a couple of trophies, it was their reds that dominated, including winning the coveted Best Red Wine of Show for the outstanding 2018 Kiss Shiraz.
It was described as "a wine that impressed with its depth, complexity, and bold character, a true representation of the region's premium shiraz offerings".
Not surprisingly, Thomas was named Most Successful Exhibitor.
Colvin Wines, tucked away up a dirt road with their prized De Beyers vineyard, produced the Best White Wine of Show for their 2013 De Beyers Vineyard Semillon.
"This stood out for its elegance and precise expression of the Hunter Valley's renowned semillon," the judges wrote.
It was one of two trophies Colvin semillons collected, also winning the Best Museum Dry White Varietal or Blend Five Years or Older for their 2009 semillon.
There were a number of other wineries that picked up two trophies.
They were Gartelmann, Tinklers, RidgeView and John Wallace.
For the full list of winners go to newcastleherald.com.au
WINE LISTS OF THE YEAR
The Newcastle Club has been recognised at the 31st annual Australia's Wine List of the Year Awards.
The Newcomen Street establishment won the award for Australia's Best Listing of NSW Wines.
French restaurant Monopole in Sydney's CBD was the star for NSW taking home Best NSW Wine List, and Australia's Best Wine Bar List.
The overall winner of Australia's Wine List of the year 2024 went to Gimlet at Cavendish House in Melbourne.
"Never has the scene been more vibrant with a wide range of choices facing consumers; better-educated sommeliers and waiting staff, more thoughtfully curated lists, or more carefully assembled cellars," Chairman of Judges Peter Forrestal said.
"Nor more delicious wines from a wider range of countries, as well as fantastic offerings from Australia. While the density of population means that it is scarcely surprising that the capital cities dominate, wining and dining in country areas has never been better than it is now."
GOING BROKE
Broke launches its bicentennial celebrations with three days of activities from Friday to Sunday.
There's something for everyone - from dinner at Margan Restaurant to free stagecoach rides around the village, and a fun run for everyone to the colonial Broke v Bulga cricket match, which will be followed by live music.
All this with the backdrop of some of the finest boutique Hunter wineries.
The full list of activities at brokerca.com.au/bicentennial-2024
HUNTER VALLEY BOUTIQUE WINE SHOW WINNERS
Best 2023 Shiraz - Briar Ridge 2023 The Gatherer Single Vineyard Shiraz.
Best 2023 Dry Red Other Varieties or Blends - Thomas Wines 2023 DJV Shiraz Pinot Noir.
Best 2022 Shiraz - Thomas Wines 2022 Elenay Shiraz.
Best 2022 Dry Red Other Varieties or Blends - Peter Drayton Anomaly 2022 Barbera.
Best Open Vintage Shiraz 2021 or Older - Thomas Wines 2021 Kiss Shiraz.
Best Museum Dry Red Varietal Five Years and Older - Thomas Wines 2018 Kiss Shiraz.
Best 2024 Semillon - Krinklewood 2024 Semillon.
Best 2024 Dry White Other Varieties or Blends - John Wallace 2024 Maggie White Vermentino.
Best 2023 Semillon - Thomas Wines 2023 The OC Semillon.
Best 2023 Chardonnay - Tinklers 2023 Poppys Chardonnay.
Best 2023 Dry White Other Varieties or Blends - Savannah Estate 2023 Viognier.
Best Open Vintage Semillon 2022 and Older - Tinklers 2017 Reserve Semillon.
Best Open Vintage Chardonnay Five Years and Older - David Hook 2022 Chardonnay.
Best Museum Dry White Varietal or Blend Five Years and Older - Thomas Wines 2014 Cellar Reserve Braemore Semillon.
Best Open Vintage Sparkling Wine - Iron Gate Estate 2023 Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Chardonnay.
Best Open Vintage Rosé - John Wallace 2024 Tilba Rosé.
Best 2024 Verdelho - Gartelmann 2024 Jessica Verdelho.
Best 2024 Semillon - Gartelmann 2024 Benjamin Semillon.
Best 2023 Semillon - Whispering Brook 2023 Single Vineyard Semillon.
Best 2023 Chardonnay - Ernest Hill 2023 Chicken Shed Chardonnay.
Best Open Vintage Semillon 2022 or Older - RidgeView 2013 Impressions Semillon,
Best Museum Dry White Varietal or Blend Five Years or Older - Colvin Wines 2009 Semillon.
Best Open Vintage Sweet Table Wine - RidgeView 2006 Tipple's Gold Botrytis Semillon.
Best Red Wine of Show - Thomas Wines 2018 Kiss Shiraz.
Best White Wine of Show: Colvin Wines 2013 De Beyers Vineyard Semillon.
WINE REVIEWS
BEAUT FOR A BARBIE
Yalumba Barossa Bush Vine Grenache, 2022
$28
This is part of the Samuel's Collection range that honours Yalumba founder Samuel Smith. Juicy and bright with scents of cherry, clove and herbs, there's loads of power here. Raspberry, sour cherry, aniseed and crushed herbs, generous and bold with a pinch of spice on the finish and drying tannins. Great with snags on the barbie.
GOOD-VALUE BUBBLES
Corryton Burge Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay NV
$28
This is a tasty, easy-drinker that is big on value. It's one of three new sparklings in the Corryton Burge portfolio. A fine bead with zest acidity, it has a rounded, almost creamy texture, but not at the expense of that pin-prick, bubbly energy on the tongue. There's citrus, biscuit notes, apple, honeysuckle and a drop of strawberry.
HUNTER WHITE PINOT
Latitude 32 The Enigma, 2024
$65
You don't see this every day - a white pinot noir from the Hunter Valley. No, not a pinot blanc - a different grape altogether - but a white pinot. Owner Emma White believes it's the only one in Australia. Soft and textured, almost creamy. Loads of pretty jasmine aromas, nectarine, but somehow still carrying subtle cherry and strawberry notes. A conversation-starter for sure.
