On Friday, 28 October, the 2022 NSW Wine Awards were held at the ICC Sydney, with 18 trophies up for grabs.
These included the ‘ultimate trophy’ – the NSW Governor’s 2022 Best in Show, presented by the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC. This trophy was awarded to Tyrrell’s 2013 Vat 1 Semillon.
Nick Spencer, Chair of Judges, believes this wine was a worthy winner.
“As always it is very difficult to pick a top winner from a range of amazing wines but the wine that was selected in the end is arguably the most famous and highly regarded white wine produced in this country,” Spencer said.
“Coupled with perhaps the best vintage in a decade, it is no surprise to see this wine being awarded as the best wine at the 2022 NSW Wine Awards.”
Corang Estate’s Hilltops Cabernet Sauvignon picked up Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Show (also winning the same award in the 2022 Australian Highlands Wine Show, held elsewhere on the same night).
Owner of Corang Estate, Michael Bynon said: “It’s a really exciting time for us as a small producer and we’re absolutely thrilled to gain such great recognition in the Australian wine scene.”
Meanwhile, See Saw Wines picked up the Best Organic Wine Award for its 2022 Riesling, the third year in a row that the winery has won the award.
Also awarded on the night was the 2021 Graham Gregory Award (which is given retrospectively), awarded to an individual for services to the NSW wine industry – and described as the industry’s ‘top citation’.
The 2021 award went to Bruno Brombal, who has served on the Wine Grape Marketing Board (now known as Riverina Winegrape Growers), an executive member of the NSW Wine Industry Association, the Chairman of Winegrape Growers Council of Australia and involved in the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation (now known as Wine Australia). Brombal’s career in wine goes back to 1979, and he was a foundation member of the Hanwood Grape Growers Association.
Kate Lormier Ward, Deputy Director General of the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), reflected on Brombal’s award.
“It’s not just what titles you hold but what you do within those roles. Mr Brombal has been an advocate leading to many positive changes for growers in the wine industry,” Lormier Ward said.
“He has championed the development of the region’s young growers, actively encouraged young growers to take up industry positions, and fully backed a sponsorship program so that young growers can attend industry events and undertake other opportunities to reach their full potential.
“He has supported the appointment of a viticulture Industry Development Officer that is co-funded by DPI and Riverina Winegrowers. The strong partnership between the Riverina Winemakers and DPI is leading to investment in joint projects and research that will help to improve regional competitiveness, sustainability and adoption of technology and research,” Lormier Ward continued.
“He is passionate about ensuring a promising future for young growers, to support the regions and ensure the next generation can be sustainable and profitable in this industry.”
Seventy-nine gold medal winning wines went into the trophy awards, selected by 16 expert wine judges during a process that lasted three full days in early October.
A full list of trophy winners can be found below:
Australia Post Trophy for Best Riesling ~ Mount Majura 2022 Riesling, Canberra District
NSW DPI Trophy for Best Semillon ~ Tyrrell’s 2013 Vat 1 Semillon, Hunter Valley
Finlayson’s Trophy for Best Chardonnay ~ Nick O’Leary 2018 Chardonnay, Tumbarumba
Orora Trophy for Best Other White Variety ~ Tumblong Hills 2022 Chenin Blanc, Gundagai
CCLTrophy for Best Light Red/Rosé ~ First Creek Wines 2022 Limited Release Rosé, Hunter Valley
Australia Post Trophy for Best Pinot Noir ~ Poachers Vineyard 2021 Pinot Noir, Canberra District
RIEDEL Trophy for Best Shiraz ~ Nugan Estate 2020 Cookoothama Shiraz, Riverina
Nexia Australia Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon ~ Corang Estate 2021 Hilltops Cabernet Sauvignon, Hilltops
MCC Trophy for Best Other Red Variety ~ Skimstone 2021 Barbera, Mudgee
Gulbali Institute Trophy for Best Red Blend ~ Skimstone 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Mudgee
NSW DPI Best Organic Wine Award ~ See Saw 2022 Riesling, Orange
Chair of Judges Trophy for Best Mudgee Wine ~ Skimstone 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Mudgee
Nexia Australia Trophy for Best Sparkling Wine ~ Printhie Wines 2011 Swift Blanc de Blancs, Orange
ICC Sydney Trophy for Best Sweet Wine ~ De Bortoli 2019 Noble One Semillon, Riverina
ICC Sydney Trophy for Best Fortified ~ De Bortoli NV Black Noble 10 Years Old Semillon, Riverina
Orora Trophy for Best Dry White in Show ~ Tyrrell’s 2013 Vat 1 Semillon, Hunter Valley
CCL Trophy for Best Dry Red in Show ~ Nugan Estate 2020 Cookoothama Shiraz, Riverina
NSW Governor’s Trophy for Best in Show ~ Tyrrell’s 2013 Vat 1 Semillon, Hunter Valley