International Triumph for Tasmanian Sauvignon Blanc, Tamar Ridge
from Daily Wine News
05/09/2008
Tasmania's global reputation for exceptional quality cool climate Sauvignon Blanc grew exponentially this week with the announcement that the Tamar Ridge Kayena Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2007 has been awarded the International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy at the prestigious 2008 Decanter World Wine Awards in London. The win cements recognition of Tasmania as one of the world's leading wine regions - and highlights its future as a distinguished producer of the variety frequently claimed as New Zealand's flagship grape.
'The Decanter Trophy is a great accolade and acknowledges the efforts of our viticulturists led by Paul Townsend and our winemaking team headed by senior winemaker, Tom Ravech,' said Dr Andrew Pirie, chief executive and chief winemaker at Tamar Ridge Estates.
'Tasmanian sauvignon blancs are typically slightly more restrained than those from New Zealand, displaying remarkable fruit purity and balance, traits that were noted by the Decanter Award judges,' continued Dr Pirie.
The Tamar Ridge Kayena Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2007 was selected from a fiercely competitive field, first winning the Trophy for the Best Australian Sauvignon Blanc over £10.
Subsequently, all regional and country trophy winners competed for the international championships against a field including the top wines from France, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA.
Launched by Decanter magazine in 2004, the Decanter World Wine Awards this year attracted 9219 international entries that were judged by a diverse panel of global wine industry experts chaired by Stephen Spurrier. The rigour of their judging standards is illustrated by the fact that only 2.8% of the entrants won a Gold Medal or Trophy.
The stated aim of the competition is to 'celebrate the diversity of wine and promote a sense of origin by focusing on regional styles.' All entries were originally judged in regional flights and then categorised by price - under and over £10.
The Decanter Trophy is not the first UK success for Tamar Ridge Kayena Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2007, which was named in the Top 100 Australian Wines by leading UK wine writer Matthew Jukes. The wine was also singled out by the celebrated wine commentator Jancis Robinson MW, who remarked on its similarity to Marlborough sauvignon blanc, while highlighting the Tasmanian wine's extra levels of concentration.
The Decanter judging panel comments echo these assessments. Their summary cites a trophy wine that is 'Complex with a fresh, soft and subtle fruit aroma. A lush, full yet subtle sauvignon with balance, poise and volume.'
Other Australian wineries awarded 'Best of the Best' Trophies were Peter Lehmann (for Single White Varietal Over £10 and Riesling Over £10) and Vasse Felix in the Red Bordeaux Varietals Over £10 class.
The Decanter World Wine Award announcement coincides with the Australian trade market release of the subsequent 2008 vintage of the Tamar Ridge Kayena Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc that is distributed nationally by Fine Wine Partners, and in Tasmania by David Johnstone & Associates. Limited stocks of the Trophy-winning 2007 vintage are still available in selected retail outlets. RRP $21
05/09/2008
Tasmania's global reputation for exceptional quality cool climate Sauvignon Blanc grew exponentially this week with the announcement that the Tamar Ridge Kayena Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2007 has been awarded the International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy at the prestigious 2008 Decanter World Wine Awards in London. The win cements recognition of Tasmania as one of the world's leading wine regions - and highlights its future as a distinguished producer of the variety frequently claimed as New Zealand's flagship grape.
'The Decanter Trophy is a great accolade and acknowledges the efforts of our viticulturists led by Paul Townsend and our winemaking team headed by senior winemaker, Tom Ravech,' said Dr Andrew Pirie, chief executive and chief winemaker at Tamar Ridge Estates.
'Tasmanian sauvignon blancs are typically slightly more restrained than those from New Zealand, displaying remarkable fruit purity and balance, traits that were noted by the Decanter Award judges,' continued Dr Pirie.
The Tamar Ridge Kayena Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2007 was selected from a fiercely competitive field, first winning the Trophy for the Best Australian Sauvignon Blanc over £10.
Subsequently, all regional and country trophy winners competed for the international championships against a field including the top wines from France, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA.
Launched by Decanter magazine in 2004, the Decanter World Wine Awards this year attracted 9219 international entries that were judged by a diverse panel of global wine industry experts chaired by Stephen Spurrier. The rigour of their judging standards is illustrated by the fact that only 2.8% of the entrants won a Gold Medal or Trophy.
The stated aim of the competition is to 'celebrate the diversity of wine and promote a sense of origin by focusing on regional styles.' All entries were originally judged in regional flights and then categorised by price - under and over £10.
The Decanter Trophy is not the first UK success for Tamar Ridge Kayena Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2007, which was named in the Top 100 Australian Wines by leading UK wine writer Matthew Jukes. The wine was also singled out by the celebrated wine commentator Jancis Robinson MW, who remarked on its similarity to Marlborough sauvignon blanc, while highlighting the Tasmanian wine's extra levels of concentration.
The Decanter judging panel comments echo these assessments. Their summary cites a trophy wine that is 'Complex with a fresh, soft and subtle fruit aroma. A lush, full yet subtle sauvignon with balance, poise and volume.'
Other Australian wineries awarded 'Best of the Best' Trophies were Peter Lehmann (for Single White Varietal Over £10 and Riesling Over £10) and Vasse Felix in the Red Bordeaux Varietals Over £10 class.
The Decanter World Wine Award announcement coincides with the Australian trade market release of the subsequent 2008 vintage of the Tamar Ridge Kayena Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc that is distributed nationally by Fine Wine Partners, and in Tasmania by David Johnstone & Associates. Limited stocks of the Trophy-winning 2007 vintage are still available in selected retail outlets. RRP $21