By Andy Young
Wolf Blass winemakers Chris Hatcher and Steve Frost scored a big hit for Australian wine last night when they were named as the Red Winemakers of the Year at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London.
The IWC, is now in its 33rd year and is widely recognised as a meticulously judged, and influential, wine competition.
Wolf Blass was named ahead of 15,000 entries from more than 50 countries and this is the third time the winemaker has been awarded the accolade, following previous wins in 2008 and 2013.
Hatcher said that he was humbled to receive the award and that it was a great triumph for the winery.
“Being named Red Winemaker of the Year for the third time is humbling,” Hatcher said. “It is a great triumph for Wolf Blass, reinforcing our reputation as one of Australia's truly iconic winemakers with a strong history of major global award wins.
“Wolf Blass is renowned for making wines of ‘Quality, Character and Consistency’ and this accolade cements this; given wines across our entire range contributed to this outstanding win.”
Wine Australia CEO, Andreas Clark said Wolf Blass’ win reflects the high regard that the international wine community has for Australian fine wine.
“I offer my congratulations to Chris, Steven and the entire Wolf Blass team on this exceptional win, made even more impressive by the fact that it’s the third time Wolf Blass has earned the title.
“In this year’s International Wine Challenge, Australian wine took home 815 medals, a testament to the high quality of Australian wine and the talent of our grapegrowers and winemakers. The world is taking notice of Australia and appreciates the great diversity of our wines and regions.”
Other Australian trophy winners on the night included Morris Wines, which was named as the Australian Fortified Wine trophy winner for its Morris Old Premium Rare Liqueur Topaque. Woody Nook Wines won the Australian Red trophy for its Gallagher's Choice' Cabernet Sauvignon and McGuigan’s The Shortlist Riesling took out the Australian White trophy for Australian Vintage Limited.