New World: Shiraz/Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre & Rhône-style Blends - Australia
2019 Gold 12 Silver 13 Bronze 6 Commended 32
2018 Gold 11 Silver 21 Bronze 11 Commended 31
It would have been asking a lot to expect Australia to replicate its frankly extraordinary numbers from 2018 again this year: 43 medals made it the biggest hooverer-up of medals in last year’s competition. But credit to the Aussies – they gave it a damn good go, and in doing so they actually pulled in a record number of Gold medals.
This was another spectacular performance for Aussie Shiraz, with our tasters luxuriating in the wide variety of styles on offer, from spicy through savoury to plush and fruit-driven. There were wines with earthiness and wines with bright, lifted fruit; wines from cooler mountain vineyards, and wines from valley floors. It was a stimulating smorgasbord of what the country can do with its signature red grape, from New South Wales to WA.
There were one or two naysayers who felt that the wines were somewhat out of whack or out of fashion, but they were in the minority. Generally, the feedback here was highly positive: good wines, well balanced and with a definite style.
And while there was precious little to be had under £10, there was really good value in the £10-£15 area – and no one thought their customers would have a problem paying for it. One of this year’s star categories.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘The Barossa wines were actually quite elegant in their style. Complex, juicy and very fresh, they would please people that want full-bodied wines but not too rich, too full, too oaky. The best flight today.’ Raphael Thierry, Street XO
‘There’s a big difference between Barossa and the rest of Australia: funky, savoury styles versus big bold, rich, tannic, high-alcohol styles. It’s important to have the knowledge to share with customers.’ Elena Serban, Hakkasan
‘When I look at Australian wines for my list it always jumps from entry level to Grange and Henschke. Not many people are keen to experiment in the middle ground.’ Sean Arthur, Cliveden House
‘These had great balance, eye-opening freshness, and the value was pretty good.’ Rémi Cousin, Le Gavroche
‘This is a category that does very good things. Some at the entry level would be fun by the glass.’ Jade Koch, team leader
‘Unbalanced acidity, oaky, high alcohol, flavours of plum and ripe fruits. People aren’t looking for this style any more.’ Tanguy Martin, New Street Warehouse
‘Price-wise these were good, and I liked the ripeness of the fruit. I was expecting some jammy wines, but these were quite elegant. They were really nicely balanced, particularly at the lower price points, when they used less oak.’ Antonio Federico Moccia, 67 Pall Mall