Sanguine Estate took out top prize at the inaugural Heathcote Wine Show, held in the Victorian wine region over the weekend.
Sanguine Estate's Progeny Shiraz won the Heathcote Grand Terroir Trophy 2013 for demonstrating the highest quality and style consistency across three Shiraz wines spanning a minimum of four vintages for one singular wine label.
To the surprise of winemaker Mark Hunter, Sanguine also won trophies for Best Shiraz and Best Young Shiraz.
"I simply didn't expect to win even one trophy!" Hunter said.
"The show is such an important activity for the region as it enables winemakers to benchmark their wines and be assessed by some of the nation's preeminent wine experts." [continued below]
L-R: Chairman of Judges Brian Walsh, Sanguine Estate GM Jodi Marsh, winemaker Mark Hunter and Tony Hunter (father of Jodi and Mark)
Chairman of judges Brian Walsh said he was impressed with the overall quality and diversity of the wines on show.
"The Shiraz class was strong, with evenness across the entries and great depth across styles," he said.
"There was diversity but with a lovely, earthy character going through all the wines, showing a strong sense of place and demonstrating the strength of the region."
The award was marked with the presentation of the perpetual Heathcote Grand Terroir Trophy, a locally crafted sculptural piece that pays homage to the four major rock types that are associated with the terroir of the Heathcote region.
In the tradition of some of the great Australian regional wine shows, only wines made from grapes grown in the Heathcote wine region were eligible to enter the show.
Five other major trophies were awarded:
- Best Shiraz Trophy winner – Sanguine Estate Progeny Shiraz 2012
- Best Single Vineyard Wine Trophy winner – Heathcote Winery Wilkins Shiraz 2010
- Best Museum Shiraz Trophy winner – Heathcote Winery Mail Coach Shiraz 2008
- Best Older Shiraz Trophy winner – Heathcote Winery The Wilkins Shiraz 2010
- Best Young Shiraz Trophy winner – Sanguine Estate Progeny Shiraz 2012