The Limestone Coast Wine Show unfolded as a grand spectacle celebrating the art of winemaking, but it was the Coonawarra cabernet sauvignon that undeniably stole the spotlight.
In a remarkable triumph, Yalumba’s 2021 Sanctum Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon emerged as the crowning jewel, outshining 443 wines from 62 passionate participants to secure the coveted Bill Redman Trophy for the Best Wine of Show. This prestigious event, hosted at the enchanting Padthaway Estate, also saw this exceptional wine clinch the HR (Ron) Haselgrove Trophy and the David Wynn Trophy, attesting to its extraordinary quality.
Philip Rich, the Chief of Judges, marveled at the winning red, available to enthusiasts at an accessible price point of under $30 a bottle, acknowledging its exceptional attributes. He commented, “It was a fiercely competitive category, underscoring what an exceptional year 2021 was for the region. Yet, we were captivated by this wine’s harmonious blend of fruit concentration and depth, coexisting with finesse and elegance – truly, it’s a masterfully balanced wine.”
Balnaves of Coonawarra, a cherished family-owned winery, also basked in glory, securing three prestigious trophies. Their 2022 Chardonnay and the remarkable 2017 vintage, in particular, garnered the adoration of aficionados. Raidis Estate and Majella Wines, two other revered family-owned wineries, demonstrated their mettle by each taking home two well-deserved trophies, underscoring the depth of talent inherent in the region.
The venerable Wynns Coonawarra Estate further added to the evening’s accolades, with their Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon earning the distinguished Best Wine of Provenance Trophy. Additionally, their 2021 V&A Lane Coonawarra Shiraz, highlighted by Philip Rich as the ‘Wine to Watch,’ offered a glimpse into the bright future of this thriving wine region.
