The 2024 Australian Pinot Noir Challenge is open for entries, with the competition celebrating its seventh year of searching for and recognising the country’s premier Pinot Noirs.
With a rigorous judging process and highly regarded panel of judges this competition highlights the quality of Australian Pinot Noir and enables for winemakers to showcase their craftsmanship to a broader audience. Each year, the number of entries in the challenge has steadily increased, reflecting the growing prestige and impact of the competition.
Speaking about winning last year’s competition, Peter Dredge of Meadowbank said: “Just the other day I was at Cutler & Co remembering how good it was to take home the chocolates.
“We only make around 300 cases of this wine, and for such a small producer to take out such an illustrious gong was very special. We sold out within ten days of the announcement, and it provided extra traction for our mailing list, which validated what we have been trying to achieve over the last ten or so years. The Challenge is such a tight competition and exceptionally run, we will certainly be entering again.”
This year’s judging panel has Tom Carson as its Chair of Judges, and he is joined by: Samantha Connew, Gabrielle Poy, Loic Le Calvez, Ben Portet, Anna Pooley, and Tim Perrin, with associates Brendan Hawker and Imogen Dillon.
“Australian Pinot Noir is among the finest varieties, and while it has made significant strides, there’s still much potential to unlock,” Carson said.
“Judging this show is a highlight because it provides a chance to see how viticulturists and winemakers are mastering this notoriously challenging variety. It is in the vineyard where the potential is set, and as the show is judged regionally, it provides an opportunity to showcase what is happening in the region and who the regional stars are.
“It is a detailed and precise assessment that offers grape growers and winemakers a chance to benchmark themselves against their peers,”
Lindsay McCall, Chair of the Australian Pinot Noir Challenge, added: “We are incredibly proud of how the Australian Pinot Noir Challenge has evolved over the past seven years.
“The quality of entries continues to impress us, and it’s truly inspiring to see how winning the Challenge can transform a winery’s trajectory. We encourage all Pinot Noir producers to enter and be part of this exciting journey.”
Results will be announced at a gala dinner at Cutler & Co in Melbourne on Thursday, 3 October 2024.
How to Enter
Wineries can enter the 2024 Australian Pinot Noir Challenge by visiting the official website, pinotchallenge.com.au and completing the online entry form. The deadline for submissions is Friday 16 August.