Murdoch Hill’s 2022 Rocket Chardonnay has been awarded the Prime Minister’s Trophy for Champion Wine of Show, distinguishing it as the top wine in Australia’s entire wine show system. This prestigious accolade is granted to wines that have previously won gold or silver medals at qualifying shows.
The 2022 Rocket Chardonnay, which secured a Gold Medal at the 2023 Sydney Wine Show, also won the Chardonnay Trophy and the Len Evans Memorial White Wine of Show Trophy.
Murdoch Hill’s chief winemaker, Michael Downer, attended the award ceremony in Canberra and met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. “It’s incredibly gratifying to receive such recognition, especially considering the high calibre of wines and the rigorous process of judging,” Downer said. “To receive the Champion Trophy in the Capital is simply thrilling.”
Downer attributed the wine’s success to meticulous refinement in both the vineyard and the winery. “The Rocket is the culmination of years of refinement in the vineyard and winery to craft the highest quality Chardonnay possible. The introduction of a greater portion of grapes from our Lenswood vineyard brings drive and complexity, while a smaller portion of fruit from high in Piccadilly Valley brings poise and refinement to the wine.”
The 2022 Rocket marks the sixth release of this Chardonnay, crafted from barrels that exemplify the power, purity, and tension essential to its character, according to Downer. This win also marks the first time in five years that a South Australian wine has won the top prize at the National Wine Show, and the second time in the past decade.
“It is such a delight to see Adelaide Hills Chardonnay stand up and be counted as the best of the best,” Downer said. “To say I am over the moon with the success of our 2022 Rocket Chardonnay is an understatement.”
