The judging panel comprised wine community luminaries James Halliday, John Ellis, Ian McKenzie and Cait Looney.
In what could be described as a Cup Day omen, Clover Hill’s Blanc de Blancs 2006 was awarded the trophy for Champion Wine of Show.
This winning wine is made by French/Australian winemaking duo Loïc Le Calvez and Karina Dambergs, using 100% Tasmanian chardonnay at Clover Hill’s beautiful Pipers River winery, which just happens to be owned by an American of French descent. It’s more bred in Australia, trained in France (or at least the winemakers are) and owned by an American.
Clover Hill’s cuvée exceptionnelle Blanc de Blancs is only produced, in limited quantities, during years when the chardonnay vintage is considered exceptional. The judges obviously agreed on this assessment of the 2006 vintage. The field was about as competitive as that of the other great race as well, with the likes of Arras, Brown Brothers, Jansz, Chandon and Yarra Burn competing for the trophy.
Dambergs, who was present Cup eve to collect the trophy, was thrilled to be in Marysville the following day as well for the Marysville Sparkling Wine Festival. “The town’s community spirit and tenacity is fantastic,” says Dambergs. “It’s great to be surrounded by people who are so passionate about food and wine and their community.”
Clover Hill certainly won the trifecta, with the Clover Hill Vintage Brut 2006 and Clover Hill Blanc de Blanc 2001 both winning silver medals and the Clover Hill Rosé 2006 winning the bronze. Here’s to betting on this Australian/French/American combination in future.
For more information, please contact:
Rosemary Shisler | Marketing Manager Australia/Asia | Goelet Wine Estates
rshisler@goeletwineestates.com | 0437 394 637
www.cloverhillwines.com.au | www.twitter.com/cloverhillwines