By Amy Looker
Chardonnay is the undisputed star of the Sydney Royal Wine Show, following the announcement of results which named Hardy’s 2008 Eileen Chardonnay as the winner of the Macquarie Group Perpetual Trophy for best wine in show.
Penfolds 2007 Bin 07A Chardonnay also received a top gong, taking out the Fine Wine Partners Perpetual trophy for best show wine exhibited at major capital city wine shows in the last 12 months.
“The Macquarie Group Perpetual Trophy is awarded to the exhibitor of the best wine in show, and Hardy’s have done a superb job with their 2008 Eileen Hardy Chardonnay. In general, the 2008 vintage chardonnays were outstanding at this year’s show, with 14 out of the 24 Chardonnay gold medal winners falling into this category. This win really represents the resurgence in popularity seen by some of the white varietals this year”, said chairman of judges, Iain Riggs.
McWilliam’s also performed well this year, picking up four trophies, nine gold medals and retaining the McCarthy Shield for the most successful exhibitor for the third year running.
Wine Show Committee chairman, David Clarke, said the exhibitors were instrumental in raising the standards and reputation of the Australian wine industry.
“The show aims to provide producers with the opportunity to benchmark themselves within the industry, and our rigorous judging process ensures that the very best wines in Australia are selected and recognised each year,” he said.
“Significantly, 159 first time exhibitors entered the show this year, which I believe is an acknowledgment of the Sydney Royal Wine Show’s prestige, and a reflection of their confidence in our judges’ expertise.”
This year’s show attracted 2323 entries from 396 exhibitors, with 34 trophies and 932 gold medals being awarded. Click here for a list of the 2010 Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show trophy winners.