Clare Valley family winery Taylors has been awarded the International Champion Trophy at the 20th annual VINUS International Wine & Spirits Competition after achieving a 100-point rating. The winning wine, Taylors Heritage Label Shiraz 2022, retails at just $20 a bottle, marking a significant achievement for Taylors Wines.
The Clare Valley Shiraz was rated against more than 580 samples from 15 different countries by a panel of esteemed international wine experts, sommeliers and journalists.
Having won the same trophy last year for its Estate Shiraz 2020, Taylors has become the first winery to win the prestigious International Champion Trophy back to back.
Taylors third-generation Winemaker and Managing Director Mitchell Taylor shared his excitement about the achievement.
“This is such exciting news for our winery – not only to have taken out a major trophy for our wine, but the judges deemed it to be worthy of 100 points. It’s phenomenal.
“The Heritage Shiraz is a special wine that celebrates the heritage of our family winery and takes inspiration from our very first vintage release in 1973. Fifty years on, we are proud to represent the Clare Valley and South Australia and it’s awards like this that help showcase the quality of Australian wines to the world.”
As well as winning the International Champion Trophy title for the second consecutive year, Taylors took home the Best Series of Five Wines in Competition Award, and a total of six Double Gold and 10 Gold medals.
Appearing alongside the Heritage Label Shiraz in the Top Ten VINUS 2023 were The Visionary Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 and The Pioneer Shiraz 2019, which both received 99 points from the judges.
In the face of economic challenges, the achievement was welcome news for the Taylor family. Speaking about the announcement that Chinese officials will commence a five month review of trade tariffs with the hopes they will be dropped, Taylor shared his enthusiasm.
“We’re optimistic about the future of our industry, particularly now as China is reviewing its tariffs on Australian wine exports. We’re very excited about getting back into the market and telling the story of premium Australian wine to China’s many wine consumers.
“I’ve spent most of my life working in the wine industry, and the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that not every year can be rosy. In fact, this is the hardest I’ve seen over my last three decades working in the wine industry.
“One thing is certain – the wine community knows how to manage itself during challenging times to come out stronger on the other side. Winning this award is one of those times we get to come together and celebrate.”