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Matthew Jukes unveils Aussie top 100
McWilliam’s has been named Winery of the Year in wine writer Matthew Jukes’ 100 Best Australian Wines, which were revealed at a tasting in London yesterday.
James Gosper, outgoing general manager of market development for Wine Australia, introduces the launch event at Australia House in London
This year saw 17 wineries make their debut appearance on the list, which has been running for 11 years. In addition to making the quality grade, all wines included on the list must be “available on the shelves in the UK for the coming year.”
2014 marked the first year in which one producer has been picked out as Winery of the Year. Explaining the decision to award this title to McWilliam’s, Jukes remarked: “They’ve done an incredible job with their portfolio, restructuring it and taking it to a new audience.”
McWilliam’s achieved three listings in this year’s selection in the form of its Appellation Series Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2013, Hanwood Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 and Appellation Series Canberra Syrah 2013. All priced between £10 and £15, these wines also represented some of the cheapest representatives on the list.
The producer also ranks among the eight wineries who have featured in every edition of the 100 Best Australian Wines to-date, alongside De Bortoli, Fox Gordon, Penfolds, The Lane Vineyard, Tyrrell’s, Wirra Wirra and Yalumba.
New additions to the list – many of whom were established producers who have recently secured UK distribution – included the 2010 Deviation Road Loftia Vintage Brut from Adelaide Hills, 2008 Heemskerk Coal River Valley Chardonnay from Tasmania, 2013 Tim Smith Riesling from Eden Valley, 2012 Heartland Spice Trade Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon from Langhorne Creek and All Saints Rutherglen Muscat NV.
Although restricted to 100 wines, the selection’s accompanying booklet highlights a further 95 wines belonging to featured producers that are also worthy of note.
The selection is now due to go on tour around the UK, with nine consumer events booked already. In addition to these, Jukes plans to organise a number of sommelier-focused events in a bid to boost Australia’s representation in the on-trade.