NEGOCIANTS NNZ NEWS

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Yalumba Y Series Pinot Grigio 2012

February 2013

A stylish, rather complete and genuinely varietal pinot gris that puts a number of significantly more expensive examples of its kind to shame. Vibrant and brightly lit with a spicy cinnamon-like scent of apple, pear and creamy, leesy undertones lifted by white flowers. It reveals a long and tightly controlled palate underpinned by a fine dustiness. Its pristine core of moderately juicy flavour extends towards a clean and savoury finish with plenty of persistence.

Jeremy Oliver, Gourmet Traveller Wine, February 2013

Vasse Felix Named Winery of the Year in The West Australian Wine Guide 2013

10 November 2012

Vasse Felix has been named Winery of the Year in The West Australian Wine Guide, 2013. The annual publication is published by WA critic Ray Jordan.
Virginia Willcock was named WA Winemaker of the Year, and the 2011 Heytesbury Chardonnay, named as Wine of the Year (and White Wine of the Year).
This exciting news follows Virginia's announcement as Gourmet Traveller WINE Australian Winemaker of the Year in September, as well as Vasse Felix being named one of Wine & Spirits Magazine's Top 100 International Wineries of 2012.

Click here to download full article.

Two Paddocks - First Tango in London - Outstanding Gold - IWCS

17 October 2012

Sam Neill’s flagship wine, Two Paddocks Pinot Noir 2010, has taken an Outstanding Gold medal award at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition 2012, (IWSC), in London. Click here to download media release.

Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the Year

26 September 2012

Vasse Felix Chief Winemaker Virginia Willcock has been announced as the 2012 Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the Year. Click here to download media release.

Five Gold Medals for Saint Clair Family Estate

17 September 2012

Saint Clair Family Estate to proud to announce their five gold medal win at The New Zealand International Wine Show 2012. This is New Zealand’s largest wine competition with over 2000 entries. Trophy winners will be announced at a formal presentation held at the Crowne Plaza Auckland 29th September. Click here to download media release.

Saint Clair Family Estate Nominated for Wine Enthusiast New World Winery of the Year

17 August 2012

Saint Clair Family Estate has been selected by the editors of Wine Enthusiast Magazine as having made outstanding achievements in the wine world. As a sign of recognition of these achievements the family owned Marlborough winery has been selected for the coveted Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards. Click here to download media release.

Grape visionaries reap what they sow

19 June 2012

"It is a new generation but Holmes a Court visions are once again having an exciting impact on West Australian life..." Click here to read full article by John Jens in the Western Suburbs Weekly.

Virginia Willcock Winemaker of the Year Nomination

6 June 2012

We're very excited to announce that Vasse Felix Chief Winemaker Virginia Willcock has been nominated for Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the Year 2012. Click here to download nomination article.

Saint Clair sees red and white splendour at Decanter World Wine Awards

23 May 2012

Saint Clair Family Estate is thrilled to announce an exceptional result at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2012. Two prestigious trophies have been awarded to the family-owned Marlborough winery recognising outstanding quality for both Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Click here to read full story.

Saint Clair Family Estate New World Producer of the Year

14 May 2012

The exceptional quality of wines from Saint Clair Family Estate has been recognised in a leading international wine show. Saint Clair Family Estate has been awarded the highly acclaimed New World Producer of the Year at the UK's Sommelier Wine Awards 2012. Click here to read full story.

NEGOCIANTS NEW ZEALAND - Proud sponsor of the 2012 Capital Awards

7 May 2012

Negociants New Zealand are proud sponsors of the 2012 Capital Awards. The Capital Awards are Wellington's premier hospitality awards, they celebrate excellence and what makes Wellington a stand-out hospitality city.

Visit www.capitalawards.co.nz to find out more and become a fan on Facebook.

Saint Clair Success at Sydney International Wine Competition

27 February 2012

The Sydney International Wine Competition announced trophy winners on Saturday afternoon that included two major trophies for Marlborough winery Saint Clair Family Estate. The Saint Clair Pioneer Block 5 Bull Block Gruner Veltliner 2011 was awarded the trophy for the Best Wine made from a Lesser Recognised Grape Variety and Saint Clair Family Estate was awarded the trophy for the Most Successful Entrant of Competition. Click here to download media release.

Showers of Gold for Saint Clair Family Estate

22 February 2012

Consistent wine show success flows into 2012 for Saint Clair Family Estate across a range of varietals. New Zealand's 2012 Royal Easter Show wine awards has announced the family-owned Marlborough winery has achieved highly acclaimed gold medal status for five different wines. The shower of gold further cements its reputation as a leading New Zealand wine producer. Click here to download media release.

Well, we all knew Ferrari could talk but now she has won a major national award for it!

17 February 2012

Wine Communicators of Australia announced its award winners for 2012 today, with our very own Jane Ferrari taking out the top gong – Wine Communicator of the Year.

"I strongly endorse the choice of Jane as Wine Communicator of the Year. I have the clearest memory of her running a session at the marketing conference in Adelaide many years ago, and how impressed I was at that time. I have remained aware of the incredible success she has had since then," said WCA patron James Halliday.

Congratulations Jane! We hope you can find the time to celebrate amongst your hectic schedule overseas.

Wine Communicators of Australia announce 2012 communication award winners

Wine Communicators of Australia (WCA) today announced the winners of their annual Wine Communicator of the Year Award, the inaugural Digital Wine Communicator of the Year Award and the Gourmet Traveller WINE/WCA New Wine Writer Award at the WCA Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show lunch.
At the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, the following communicators were awarded for their outstanding contribution to, and excellence in, wine communication in all of its forms:

JANE FERRARI

WCA Wine Communicator of the Year

THE QWOFF BOYS (ANDRE EIKMEIER AND JUSTIN DRY)

WCA Digital Wine Communicator of the Year

TOM ROBINSON

Gourmet Traveller WINE/WCA New Wine Writer

Saint Clair Family Estate Wins Winestate Winery of the Year

8 November 2011

Saint Clair Family Estate shone once again at the Winestate Wine of the Year 2011 official awards presentation in Auckland today where they were awarded the highly acclaimed New Zealand Winery of the Year trophy. This is the second consecutive year that Saint Clair Family Estate has been awarded this prestigious trophy. Click here to download media release.

Saint Clair Pinot Noir Trophy Win at Marlborough Wine Show

20 September 2011

Of the 46 wines judged to be "excellent" from a total of 424 entries, there were only 19 grand trophies up for grabs at the inaugural Marlborough Wine Show 2011 celebration dinner held on Saturday night at Marlborough Vintners Hotel. Saint Clair continues to excel, winning the Champion Pinot Noir 2011 and 2010 trophy with the Saint Clair Pioneer Block 14 Doctor's Creek Pinot Noir 2010. this is the third trophy this year awarded to Saint Clair Family Estate for the Pinot Noir varietal. Click here to download media release.

Saint Clair Family Estate Showing Shining 2011 Releases at New World Wine Awards

19 September 2011

A widely recognised New Zealand international commercial wine show has seen Saint Clair Family Estate excel with its newly released Sauvignon Blanc wines from the 2011 vintage. The New World Wine Awards 2011 launched its results today, announcing the top 50 medal-winning wines. Click here to download media release.

Saint Clair Family Estate Quadruple Trophy Win at Bragato

29 August 2011

Saint Clair Family Estate is thrilled to announce an astounding quadruple trophy win at the Romeo Bragato Wine Awards 2011. Four trophies awarded for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir (2) and Noble Riesling, alongwith six gold medals, across a range of varietals, is a particularly exceptional achievement which further cements Saint Clair’s award winning reputation. Click here to download media release.

Speigelau Success for Saint Clair Family Estate

11 July 2011

Saint Clair Family Estate celebrates trophy success at the inaugural Spiegelau International Wine Competition 2011. The ultimate award – Champion Winery of the Show - was awarded to Saint Clair Family Estate (shared jointly with Charles Wiffen and Church Road). In addition, Saint Clair Family Estate also won the Champion Sauvignon Blanc trophy, which was awarded for the Saint Clair Pioneer Block 3 43 Degrees Sauvignon Blanc 2010. Click here to download media release. Click here to download media release.

The Awards Continue to Flow for Saint Clair

29 June 2011

The annual Korea Wine Challenge 2011 has announced the winners, awarding the Saint Clair Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010 the Best White Wine Trophy. Click here to download media release.

Awards continue to arrive for Saint Clair Family Estate

19 November 2010

Saint Clair Family Estate has added another trophy to the cabinet, this timefrom across the Tasman. The announcement follows last weeks win of the prestigious trophy for Winestate Wine Company of the Year. Click here to download media release.

Winestate Winner Saint Clair Family Estate

November 2010

Saint Clair Family Estate shone once again at the Winestate Wine of the Year 2010 official awards presentation in Auckland on Wednesday 10 November 2010. Matt Thomson of Saint Clair Family Estate was awarded the Winemaker of the Year Trophy, and Saint Clair Family Estate was awarded the highly acclaimed Winery of the Year Trophy. Click here to download media release.

Saint Clair Family Estate Reach 100

November 2010

Saint Clair Family Estate of Marlborough is proud to announce it has just reached a grand total of 100 trophies. The Winestate awards presentation ceremony, which was held in Auckland yesterday, awarded Saint Clair Family Estate two of the most prestigious trophies. Matt Thomson of Saint Clair Family Estate was awarded the Winemaker of the Year Trophy and Saint Clair Family Estate was awarded the highly acclaimed Winery of the Year Trophy. Click here to download media release.

Quaff 2011

September 2010

"The Quaff 20011 ‘For They Are Jolly Good Chaps’ WINERY OF THE YEAR AWARD Yalumba In terms of performance in Quaff over the past five years, it’s been a tight tussle each year between Angove, De Bortoli and Yalumba. This year Yalumba’s performance was remarkable. It dominated the cask wine segment, as is its wont. For the first time, each of its top white casks (labelled ‘Premium Selection’) was rated Bloody Good. Of the nine ‘Y Series’ wines submitted, six were rated Bloody Good and three Good. Its Vermentino and Galway Shiraz were also outstanding. In terms of value for money, the Yalumba wines will stand up to (or beat) the best in the world. Yalumba is the worthy winner of the Quaff 2011 Winery of the Year.

Peter Forrestal, Quaff 2011 (Aus), September 2010

Vasse Felix Wins Trophy and Gold Tri Nations Wine Challenge ‘Best Chardonnay of Show’

22 September 2010

Saint Clair Family Estate Scores with another Tri-Nations Win

20 September 2010

Peter Forrestal puts the spotlight on value for money wine

September 2010

"After such a performance, no wonder I believe this is the best quaffing red of the past five years. The 2008 and 2005 were both Quaff Wine of the Year, the current vintage was rated number 3 in the Top 20 wines of Quaff 2011 (out in Oct 2010), and it has achieved Quaff's top rating of Bloody Good in each of the last five editions of the book. I'm immediately attracted to the wonderful floral aromatics of the 2009 'Y Series' Shiraz Viognier. This is delightful current drinking."

Peter Forrestal, Money Magazine (Aus), September 2010

2010 Saint Clair Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Hits the Shelf

August 2010

Saint Clair Family Estate is pleased to announce the release of its flagship varietal for 2010. The new 2010 vintage Saint Clair Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and the Saint Clair Vicar’s Choice Sauvignon Blanc are about to hit the shelves both in New Zealand and internationally. Click here to download media release.

Metro Canada includes Yalumba Viognier and Shiraz Viognier by Peter Rockwell.

2010 Winemaker of the Year

June 2010

Gourmet Traveller Wine nominates Vasse Felix Chief Winemaker, Virginia Willcock as a finalist for the 2010 Winemaker of the Year

For 13 years, Australia's leading wine magazine, Gourmet Traveller WINE has acknowledged the talents of over 100 Australian Winemakers, recognising their exceptional abilities and contribution to the Australian Wine Industry. We are proud to announce that the Vasse Felix Chief Winemaker, Virginia Willcock, has been added to this most prestigious list.

"Virginia's intuitive, upbeat nature and 'go for it' attitude are pure Western Australian ingredients. But it's her inquisitiveness, flair and imagination that singles her out as a transcendent winemaker."
Andrew Caillard, Master of Wine, and Gourmet Traveller 2010 Winemaker of the Year Judge

The winner will be announced on the 24th September in Melbourne.

We wish Virginia the best of luck!

Click here to download press release

Saint Clair Family Estate Shine in Asia

23 June 2010

Shanghai International Wine Challenge has just awarded Saint Clair Family Estate an outstanding three trophies. Click here to download media release.

"Cigars all round" for Yalumba, winning WINE OF THE YEAR

June 2010

The Big Red Wine Book 2010/2011 has named Yalumba The Cigar Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 its undisputed Wine of the Year. Authors Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh scored the wine 95 points, announcing this Coonawarra beauty had “cornered the holy trinity of quality, value and availability better than any other” wine in the 1000+ reviewed for the book.

Here's what they had to say:

“We tasted a lot of exceptional wines this year but this beauty from Yalumba’s Coonawarra vineyards cornered the holy trinity of quality, value and availability better than any other. Better still, it’s one of those rich, dark, robust reds that drinks like a charm from day one, but will mature and develop beautifully over the next handful of years. You have to love that. As we’re always saying, we’re wine buyers as much as, or more than, we are wine critics, and that this wine shouldn’t be hard to find is a fact not lost on us. No point having a wine of the year if no one can find it, or afford it. And you’re going to want to find some of this. It’s a champion red.

Review: - “Yalumba The Scribbler stole the show last year – this year it’s The Cigar Cabernet. This is a fantastic wine. If this is an indication of the reds to come from the 2008 Coonawarra vintage, we’re excited in advance. Really good Coonawarra cabernet, has a dark, inky depth – even at moderate alcohol levels. It tastes of blackberries and dried herbs, cedarwood and raspberries, though listing the components does nothing to describe the overall effect. There’s a ‘realness’ to this wine. A power. A churn of tannin and a lot of length. It’s enough to make you fall in love with Coonawarra all over again.”

POINTS: 95 VALUE: five drops DRINK: 2013-2020

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Individual vineyard estate score top reviews in Big Red Wine Book

1 June 2010

Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh have released the 2010 / 2011 issue of The Big Red Wine Book, featuring more than 1000+ red wine reviews and ratings. Here are some highlights on what Mattinson and Walsh have to say on the individual vineyard estates, represented by Negociants New Zealand:

Running With Bulls

Running With Bulls Tempranillo 2008 [Barossa]

“The back label carries a bevvy of drivel but the wine, and indeed the look of the label, is excellent. Good stuff. Flavours of fresh strawberry jam, raw meat, spice and a little liquorice. It’s a bit Spanish in its delivery too – cheeky joven (youngster). Offers a good medium – to full-bodied mouthful of fruit and a round chewy texture with minimal oak influence. Drinks brilliantly. Highly recommended.”

POINTS: 91 VALUE: five drops DRINK: 2010-2015

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Nautilus Estate

Nautilus Pinot Noir 2008 [Marlborough]

“The perfect drinking pinot noir. It’s clearly a high quality pinot and yet it’s not so complex that it’s challenging to enjoy – this impresses you straight up, but then lets you just settle down and lap its luxury. It tastes of dark plums, cherries, cedary oak and minerals. It feels satiny on your tongue – and lingers beautifully once you’ve swallowed it. Joyous drinking.”

POINTS: 94 VALUE: four drops DRINK: 2010-2015

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Ringbolt

Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 [Margaret River]

“Last year we advised that you should buy the best piece of lamb you can afford, roast it up and serve it with this little beauty – though of course we were talking of the 2007. Same advice applies here, though. It tastes chocolately, gravelly, curranty and pure. It’s got class and grunt, is beautifully balanced and the flavours persist long after you’ve swallowed. Quality wine – fit for a fine Saturday night.”

POINTS: 90 VALUE: four drops DRINK: 2010-2015

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Big Red Wine Book rates Yalumba in high 90's

June 2010

Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh have released their 2010 / 2011 issue of The Big Red Wine Book, featuring more than 1000+ red wine reviews and ratings. Last year it was Yalumba The Scribbler that stole the show winning best red under $20 – this year it’s Yalumba The Cigar Cabernet Sauvignon under spotlights, winning Wine of the Year. But there is more to Yalumba’s folio of red wines, with some stand-out results across each teir. Here’s what Mattinson and Walsh have to say:

Yalumba The Octavius Old Vine Shiraz 2006 [Barossa]

“Good old oak-tavius – doesn’t quite live up to its nickname nowadays. It used to taste of oak, oak and more oak, but this release shows just how fine and balanced it’s become. You’d almost call this elegant – and medium-bodied. It tastes of boysenberries and tar, blackberries and cream. It’s juicy through the finish, carries highlights of dried herbs, and tastes very fresh for a four-year-old wine. Highly drinkable now, but with a long future ahead.”

POINTS: 94 VALUE: four drops DRINK: 2012-2021 RELEASED: September 2010

Yalumba The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2006 [Barossa]

“Yalumba Signature has a long lineage, and it almost always rewards those who have become loyal to it. Even better, it tends to drink well as both a young and mature wine. This release tastes of blackberry and vanillin, leather and mint. It’s seductively smooth, tannic but not excessively so, and long through the finish. Not a hair out of place.”

POINTS: 94 VALUE: five drops DRINK: 2012-2019 RELEASED: November 2010

Yalumba The Scribbler Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2008 [Barossa]

“Last year’s release was a huge hit in this book’s ‘best reds under $20 category’ (top place). It’s a newish wine to the Yalumba range, but it’s worth keeping an eye on. As a young wine it opens up quite charry and toasty so splash it round and give it some air if you’re going in early. It has lots of dusty, minty, aniseed fragrance over dark chocolate and mixed berries, and when it hits your mouth you’ll be greeted by a rugged and sandy, yet handsome, set of tannins. We’d call them rustic, hot vintage tannins, but they’re enjoyable nonetheless. It’s a bit of a rough diamond, but it is still a diamond.”

POINTS: 91 VALUE: four drops DRINK: 2011-2018

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Yalumba Patchwork Shiraz 2008 [Barossa]

“This is made from grapes grown on the Barossa Valley floor and from the Barossa Valley hills – effectively from the valley’s famous ‘patchwork’ of small vineyards. Big whack of flavour. Full-bodied, tarry, blackberried and intense. There’s nothing bright or complex about it, but if you want dark-fruit flavour, it delivers it in spades. We liked the 2007 release better, but we’d still be happy drinking this.”

POINTS: 89 VALUE: three drops DRINK: 2010-2013

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Yalumba Organic Shiraz 2009 [South Australia]

“Good red wine. Not big or impressive, but ripe and flavoursome, black-fruited and well weighted. There are no real signs of oak flavour, it just tastes like a big handful of squished dark berries, fresh and pure. It’s a great style of wine.”

POINTS: 90 VALUE: five drops DRINK: 2010-2014

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Yalumba Organic Shiraz 2008 [South Australia]

“It needs some air but it then quaffs very nicely. Three cheers for Yalumba – they’ve delivered exactly what (a segment of) the market wants. Cherries and blackberries with a lick of spice. No real oak to speak of and medium-bodied at its deepest point. Grown smart and tastes smart. You feel good drinking it.”

POINTS: 88 VALUE: five drops DRINK: 2010-2011

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“Australia’s Icon Eden Valley Vineyard, Pewsey Vale, continues to capture the palates of Australia’s wine press”

April 2010

Pewsey Vale The Contours Riesling 2004 [Eden Valley]

"One of the best-value aged released Riesling's. A gorgeous mix of complex toasty notes and texture plus refreshing lime and minerally acidity with distinct Eden Valley floral aromas and a super-fine finish. Ageing slowly and gracefully under its screw cap."

Jane Faulkner, Sydney Morning Herald - Spectrum (Aus), 2-4 April 2010

"Pewsey Vale's Contours bottle-aged riesling is always a great bargain. Not many absolute classics sell for less than $30 but this Eden Valley riesling is one of them. It has a youthful colour and very complex nose, with light buttered-toasty notes and aromas of lime, resin and minerals. It tastes complete and smooth, with a fascinating interplay of riesling fruit freshness and toasty development. The finish is fine and lingering. A great argument for riesling's age worthiness under screw cap."

Ralph Kyte-Powell, The Age Epicure (Aus), 9 March 2010

Pewsey Vale Prima Riesling 2009 [Eden Valley]

Rated 88+ points - "Love the packaging, and loved the inaugural vintage (2007), although I’ve not been so keen on the vintages that followed. I tasted this alongside some German and Central Otago numbers and it looked deficient in length, but in particular lacked that tension between acidity and sweetness that’s so vital when making an off-dry style. Others may well disagree…. It smells of limes and kaffir lime leaf, a light petrol/mineral smell and spice - all excellent and beguiling. It hits the mouth with a blast of limey flavour and acidity which is left hanging in the air due to insufficient sweetness to smooth it out. Finishes short with squeezed lime acidity and some petrolly flavours. It’s not a bad wine by any means, but it’s a half way house stylistically - I’d rather have dry and classic, or the tension between sugar and acid. May very well improve with some bottle age."

Gary Walsh, www.winefront.com.au, March 2010

Pewsey Vale Riesling 2009 [Eden Valley]

"Riesling is undiscovered, underrated and, unlike more popular varieties, you can get a top-notch bottle and still have change from a $20 note. Try Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Riesling 2009."

Greg Duncan Powell, Grazia Magazine, 8 March 2010

Heggies Botrytis 2007 - Good Living's Best Sticky of the Week

2 February 2010

96/100 points - "A magical wine. Pristine, clean, intense riesling varietal aromas with good botrytis complexity; deliciously aromatic. Fully sweet, concentrated flavour, lively and rich but also poised as a ballerina. Absolutely beautiful. Now to five or six years."

Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald - Good Living (Aus), 2 February 2010

Yalumba accepts New World Winery of the Year award from Wine Enthusiast

28 January 2010

In a timely coincidence with Australia Day, Yalumba cemented Australia’s position at the forefront of New World winemaking by being honoured as Wine Enthusiast (US) magazine’s New World Winery of the Year on January 25, 2010.

Yalumba proprietor and vigneron Robert Hill Smith was in New York to accept the award on behalf of Yalumba at the magazine’s Wine Star Awards evening, held at the New York Public Library, New York City.

“After the spate of negative news stories around Australian wine in recent times, this is an opportunity for me to acknowledge that Australia is indeed leading the New World of winemaking. For Yalumba, this recognition follows a stellar year in all senses and appropriately celebrates our 160th year as Australia’s oldest family-owned winery.” -- Robert Hill Smith

Now in its 10th year, the Wine Star Awards acknowledges excellence across all areas of the international wine and spirits industry. For 2009 there were 50 nominees with five companies in each of the ten award categories. Winners were selected for their outstanding contribution to the world of wine and spirits.

“Yalumba has become one of the country’s most progressive and successful wine producers. For their forward-thinking, innovative leadership in the Australian wine industry and an unflagging commitment to quality and family ownership, Yalumba is Wine Enthusiast’s New World Winery of the Year.” -- Wine Enthusiast

Other wineries nominated in the New World Winery category, were d'Arenberg (Australia), Bodega Catena Zapata (Argentina), Jackson-Triggs Vintners (Canada), and Vina San Pedro -VSPT (Chile).

Vew photos from the evening.

“Yalumba has released a stunning pair of Coonawarra cabs from 2006" writes Tim White

Yalumba The Cigar Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

95 points

"This smells deep and pure. Fruitcake: so deep. Gets better and better in the glass. Attacks deep and dark and builds serious tannins - dry and firm, hot stones. The fruit saturates the tongue and tannins bind it up. Still so young."

Triple Trophy Winner at Australian Limestone Coast Wine Show - Best of Show, Best Wine of Show and Best Cabernet Sauvignon of Show

Yalumba The Menzies Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

95 points

"This is serious: coal dust and fruitcake - emphatic cabernet sauvignon. Flake tobacco too. Has plenty of deep fruitcake and chocolate in the mouth, and sparkly currants. Slides across the tongue while the tannins are long, firm, mouth-watering."

Tim White, The Australian Financial Review, 4-6 December 2009

“Pablo Picasso once said : “It takes a long time to grow young”.

For 160 years, Yalumba has done just that, and in doing so remain Australia’s oldest family-owned wine company, celebrating 160 years of family winemaking, November 17, 2009.

Yalumba’s 160 years of family ownership is an unprecedented milestone in the Australian wine industry. Established in 1849, Yalumba remains independent and progressive across six generations of the Hill Smith family, which has contributed many a great character and winemaking achievement for the Australian wine industry. Read about Yalumba’s history and the Hill Smith Family.

Stand-Out Scores in Halliday’s TOP100 Australian wines

James Halliday has released his TOP100 Australian Wines for 2009, with Yalumba, Jansz Tasmania, Pewsey Vale and Heggies Vineyard topping their categories. Read more:

Yalumba The Virgilius Viognier 2008 [Eden Valley]

96 points

“The Virgilius outguns every other viognier in Australia. The handpicked grapes are whole-bunch pressed direct to barrel (pre-used) and lees-stirred for 11 months. The most remarkable feature is its depth of white peach and apricot flavour, achieved without the phenolics which can so easily destroy the finish of this variety.” Drink: to 2011 with free-range chicken.

Jansz Tasmania Premium Cuvée NV [Tasmania]

94 points

“A blend of several vintages of individual batches from the vineyard sites specifically designated to growing grapes for sparkling wine for this sparkling wine-only producer. The Cuvée is chardonnay-dominant, backed up with pinot noir. Full yellow-gold, with some cashew aromas, followed by an intense mix of stone fruit, citrus and strawberries set in a creamy mid-palate, the citrus-toned finish clean and fresh.”

Pewsey Vale The Contours Riesling 2004 [Eden Valley]

96 points

“The grapes come from the oldest vines on the vineyard, planted in 1962. Bright straw-green; intense lime and apple aromas showing the first signs of developing some toasty notes, the palate brilliantly fresh, still with a hint of CO2; citrus, spice and minerally acidity run through the lingering finish.” Drink: 2019 with cold smoked salmon.

Heggies Vineyard Riesling 2009 [Eden Valley]

95 points

“Owned by the Hill Smith family since 1971, Heggies has been one of the most consistent producers of high-quality riesling. An expressive bouquet with ripe blossom aromas leads into a palate that gathers pace as it streams to a vital and intense conclusion, lime/citrus flavours sustained by excellent acidity.” Drink: to 2019 with grilling King George whiting

James Halliday's Top 100 Wines, The Weekend Australian, 14-15 November 2009

Yalumba Scholarship 2010

LONDON, 20th October 2009

The Institute of Masters of Wine and Yalumba, Australia's oldest family-owned winery, are delighted to announce the call to applicants for the Yalumba Scholarship. Yalumba recognises the challenges that the Institute's internationalisation efforts encounter and is excited to offer its continued support, worth up to £3,000.

This scholarship is awarded annually to one Europe or Americas-based, second-year MW student enrolled on the full education programme. This generous scholarship consists of:

• a return flight ticket on economy class to the MW seminar in Melbourne from a major city near the winner’s hometown;

• accommodation for the duration of the MW seminar in Melbourne; and

• a one-week visit to the Yalumba vineyard, nursery and winery in Angaston (a return flight ticket on economy class from Melbourne to Adelaide, accommodation and visits)

Selection for the scholarship will be in the form of an essay (1000 words in length, written in English). The essay topic is:

“There is no fundamental or systemic problem with the Australian wine sector; it is going through a cycle where after many years of popularity, other regions, countries or styles are garnering more interest from the gatekeepers”. Discuss the validity of this statement and suggest ways to overcome the current problems facing the Australian Wine Industry in re-building the awareness of its regional and varietal diversity.

Application forms for the Yalumba Scholarship are available on the Institute's website, or candidates may get a copy by contacting Peter Csizmadia-Honigh, the Education Manager. The winner will be expected to produce a short report about the visit to Yalumba, which will be published on the Institute's website for the benefit of other MW students.

Siobhan Turner, Executive Director of the Institute, said: "I am delighted that Yalumba has offered this generous scholarship for the third year running. For the winner it is an exceptional opportunity to benefit from the learning experience that Yalumba provides in the vineyard, winery and nursery. This scholarship also enables the Institute to achieve its goal of internationalization for which we are grateful.”

Fifth generation Yalumba vigneron, Robert Hill Smith said, “On the ground experience is a crucial part of education for all wine enthusiasts. The winner will have the rare opportunity to work alongside our experienced viti and vini teams and have our wider resources at their disposal for the duration of their visit. We look forward to receiving responses and anticipate that these will be both insightful and interesting - we are very pleased to offer this scholarship once again.”

Enquiries: +44 (0)20 7621 2830

Siobhan Turner Executive Director

sturner@mastersofwine.org

Peter Csizmadia-Honigh Education Manager

peter@mastersofwine.org

Vasse Felix wins three trophies at 2009 Perth Royal Wine Show

September 2009

2007 Heytesbury and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon earn trophies, and Vasse Felix wins winery trophy. Read the details

The Anvil is evidence Beechworth is on the A List for Shiraz in Australia

September 2009

"This wine seems a world removed from the big ironstone and eucalyptus styles of earlier Redbank reds. These were, and still are, mostly sourced from the Pyrenees or King Valley, but Anvil suggests it didn't take long to realise a piece of dirt in Beechworth was a good idea. Beechworth is A-League for a number of grape varieties, producing power with complexity and structure. Very concentrated with deep black plum and chocolate notes, opening to pepper and orange peel, all top cool-climate Shiraz characters. The palate is lush and similarly concentrated, yet very nicely cut and shaped. I suspect as the vines get older subsequent releases of this wine will become even more significant."

David Ridge, The Adelaide Review (Aus), September 2009< p>

Jansz Tasmania's Natalie Fryar named a finalist for Winemaker of the Year

19 August 2009

Finalists for “Winemaker of the Year 2009” have been named by Gourmet Traveller WINE, and Jansz Tasmania's own Natalie Fryar is a finalist. The winner will be announced at a dinner in Melbourne on October 1, and featured in the October / November issue of Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine. Read what Gourmet Traveller WINE says about Natalie and her success with Jansz Tasmania.

Robert Hill Smith, 5th Generation Vigneron and Yalumba proprietor, receives Leadership Award

29 July 2009

“Robert Hill Smith’s leadership and foresight has overseen an era of innovation and growth that has taken Yalumba from a solid family business operation into a significant, progressive international success.” Bruce Dick, CEO, Rabobank Australia

At an awards evening in Sydney on 23rd July 2009, Robert Hill Smith was named recipient of the 2009 Rabobank Leadership Award, which recognises his contributions made in the growth of Australasia’s food, beverage and agribusiness at an international level.

Announcing the award at the annual Rabobank Leadership Dinner, CEO Bruce Dick acknowledged Robert not only as a champion of quality Australian and New Zealand wine, but for his tireless efforts in positioning these fine wines on the world stage. “Under Robert stewardship, Yalumba has emerged as one of Australia’s greatest wine industry success stories ... his leadership and foresight has overseen an era of innovation and growth that has taken Yalumba from a solid family business operation into a significant, progressive international success.”

Robert is both honoured and humbled to receive the 2009 Rabobank Leadership Award. “This accolade is deserved by all at Yalumba. For us in coming into our 160th year, it’s doubly rewarding. We can all join in the celebrations as it’s something which reflects on the whole company,” he says.

Robert’s leadership award with Rabobank comes just nine months after receiving the ‘Len Evans Award for Leadership’ with Gourmet Traveller WINE in October 2008, chosen by his industry peers.

Rabobank Australia is a part of the international Rabobank Group, the world’s leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking. Rabobank has more than 110 years’ experience providing customised banking and finance solutions to businesses involved in all aspects of food and agribusiness. Rabobank is structured as a cooperative and has a AAA credit rating from Moody’s and Standard & Poor's. Rabobank operates in 43 countries, servicing the needs of more than nine million clients worldwide through a network of more than 1600 offices and branches. Rabobank Australia is one of the country's leading rural lenders and a significant provider of business and corporate banking and financial services to the Australian food and agribusiness sector. The bank has 51 branches throughout Australia.

Huon Hooke crowns Pewsey Vale Prima Riesling 2008 'WINE OF THE WEEK' and 93/100! " Utterly delicious and a worthy follow-up to the '07 Prima"

21 July 2009

93/100. "This is the alter-ego to (the) regular Pewsey Vale riesling. It's a low-alcohol (9.5 per cent), early-harvested, slightly sweet style from the same Eden Valley vineyard that yields the regular Pewsey Vale and aged Contours rieslings. It's a respectful tilt at Germany's Mosel Valley styles. Tropical, herbal, lightly pineapple aromas are captivating while the taste is light but intense, gently off-dry rather than sweet, with great tension between fruit, sweetness and acidity. Utterly delicious and a worthy follow-up to the '07 Prima. Best drunk now or within a couple of years. Sealed with a glass Vino-Lok stopper."

Huon Hooke, Good Living - Sydney Morning Herald (Aus), 21 July 2009

“Yalumba and winemaker Louisa Rose are the future in Australian wine”

6-7 June 2009

Max Allen - prominent and established Australian journalist, is the co-wine writer for The Weekend Australian magazine with James Halliday. Allen’s feature ‘Grape Expectations’ in the 6-7 June 2009 issue focuses on six people who are shaping the future of Australian wine’.

Yalumba winemaker Louisa Rose is ‘the future’. Read on : -

‘Grape Expectations’ - Max Allen

“What ever the Next Big Thing turns out to be, Louisa Rose will probably be the one who makes it.

Yalumba has been at the forefront of introducing new wine styles to Australian drinkers over the past decade; perfumed white viognier and slinky, supple red tempranillo.

Soon, look out for crisp, dry whites made from other Mediterranean grapes, such as vermentino and fiano, and in a few years – if Rose gets her way – sauvignon blanc-like whites made from drought-tolerant verdejo.

Yalumba also leads the industry in environmental performance; reducing carbon emissions, increasing biodiversity and exploring organic viticulture. As well as looking to the future, it has been celebrating its 160-year-old Barossa heritage by developing an Old Vine charter, and releasing reds from ancient shiraz and grenache plants.

This inspirational formula works because Yalumba is a family-owned business. “We’re not trying to keep shareholders happy,” says Rose. ‘We have the freedom to play with new wine styles because we are creating out own future.”

Max Allen, The Weekend Australian magazine, 6-7 June 2009< p>

www.theaustralian.news.com.au

When looking for a wine with "fidelity and versatility with food" choose Oxford Landing Sauvignon Blanc

20 July 2008

4 Stars - "Perhaps there have been better vintages of this Riverland dry white. After all, 2008 in South Australia has been a very difficult year. And yet, I quite like this basic dry white for its varietal fidelity and versatility with food, especially Asian cuisines. It shows mild citrus, grassy, nectarine and passionfruit characters with a nudge of fresh acidity. As expected with the Oxford Landing range, the price is right."

Paddy Kendler, Herald-Sun - Drinks (Aus), 20 July 2008

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Yalumba Organic Viognier takes home the TROPHY AND GOLD

July 2008

The Australia & New Zealand Organic Wine Show 2008 announced Yalumba Organic Riverland Viognier 2007 the Trophy and Gold Medal Winner for Best White Wine, Class 4 – Other White Varietals. Winemaker Louisa Rose says “for our Organic Viognier to be recognised amongst such peers is testament to the dedication and foresight of growers Tony and Sue Barich, who established their Viognier vineyard in Loxton more than ten years ago, which is certified organic.”

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Yalumba The Virgilius and Pewsey Vale The Contours – TROPHY SUCCESS @ International Wine Challenge, London

16 June 2008

Two of Australia’s ICON Eden Valley wines, Yalumba The Virgilius Viognier and Pewsey Vale The Contours Riesling both take home trophies and gold medals from the world’s largest wine show, held in London.

Yalumba The Virgilius Viognier 2007 [eden valley] was awarded the INTERNATIONAL VIOGNIER TROPHY & GOLD MEDAL, and Pewsey Vale The Contours Riesling 2002 [eden valley] received a trio of trophies and gold medals, winning the Australian White Wine TROPHY, South Australian White Wine TROPHY and the Eden Valley Wine TROPHY.

Winemaker Louisa Rose says, “Winning trophies at an International show of this scale, which brings together the very best judges, is testament to our work with the Viognier variety and the Pewsey Vale Vineyard.”

Rose continues, “Winning the top Viognier trophy (in the world) is fantastic recognition for Yalumba’s commitment in understanding this enchanting variety and sharing our wines with the world. Yalumba is a world leader in Viognier and The Virgilius, is our finest offering. The Contours goes without saying - it proves Pewsey’s provenance as a Riesling vineyard, and reinforces Riesling as the great white wine of Australia – not only as a young wine but with the ability to age gracefully.”

Now in it’s 25th year, the International Wine Challenge is judged by 400 plus, including 20 expert Panel Chairmen. The intensive program spans 2 weeks, tasting over 9000 wines from 40 different countries. Each wine is given the time and thought deserved to guarantee show results of the highest standard. The final analysis from the 5 Co-Chairmen ensures only the best wines succeed. The International Wine Challenge (IWC) has cemented its place as the best and biggest blind tasting in the world - and it only works through meticulous organisation.

What the judges had to say :

Yalumba The Virgilius Viognier 2007 [eden valley]

“Bright lemon green. Appealing fresh zesty nose of lime blossom and citrus. Fleshy yet fresh palate with balanced good length.”

Pewsey Vale The Contours Riesling 2002 [eden valley]

“Lovely yellow colour. Lime juice and lanolin, with hints of bottle age and perfectly balanced acidity. Excellent structure - youthful, yet distinguished.”

How the wines are scored - At all stages, wines are marked out of 100, with the following points corresponding to the relevant award: Gold 95 – 100 / Silver 90 – 94 / Bronze 85 – 89 / Commended 80 – 84

The success of both Yalumba The Virgilius Viognier 2007 and Pewsey Vale The Contours Riesling 2002 on this international scale is highly commendable.

Twin Islands Sauvignon Blanc 2007

April/May 2008

"Yes, I know - yet another under-$20 Marlborough savvy. Don't we have enough of them already, crowding together in bottle shop fridges across the country? Well, yes, perhaps we do. But few Marlborough savvies have the richness of gooseberry fruit and the shear, satisfying weight of flavour you find in this example. It is quality that shouldn't be much of a surprise; it is made by Clive Jones at Nautilus Estate, the reliably good winery established by the Hill Smith family ... more than 20 years ago."

Max Allen, Australian Gourmet Traveller WINE (Aus), April/May 2008

Twin Islands Pinot Noir 2006

8 April 2008

"Marlborough is a hot spot for New Zealand sauvignon blanc but it's also home to a soft and pleasuring pinot noir. The Marlborough style sits between the boldness of Martinborough pinot and the edginess of Central Otago and is at its best, fruitiest and freshest, upon release. Twin Islands has its own pinot noir winery so it's serious about the grape. The wine offers real drinking pleasure with high-toned perfume of raspberries and plums. The palate is smooth and generously fruity with light tannins and a whisper of French oak, offering a subtle underlying savouriness."

Jeni Port, The Age - Epicure (Aus), 8 April 2008

Heggies Vineyard Eden Valley Chardonnay 2006

6 October 2007

"... two prestige high altitude Eden Valley vineyards, Pewsey Vale and Heggies, have been fabulous sources of riesling ever since the vines were planted in the 1960s and '70s. But reds proved poorly suited, especially at Pewsey, and even chardonnay was hard work. The lean hungry soils tend to suit aromatic whites, but red wines need richer dirt.

However, many years of hard work, trial-and-error and intelligent experimentation at Heggies have yielded success, with some seriously smart chardonnay beginning to emerge. Heggies viticulturist Darrell Kruger has settled on several of the so-called Bernard clones, which came out from Burgundy in France in recent years, grafted them to different rootstocks according to the variations in soil type in the vineyard, and chosen trellising methods that also suit the clone, rootstock and site. He uses hand-picking instead of machines so that all the grapes are gathered exactly when they're ready.

Heggies winemaker Peter Gambetta says the wines are finer and better balanced, because the grapes are achieving full flavour ripeness at lower sugars. That means less alcoholic wines: the 2006 Heggies Chardonnay is spot-on at 13.5 per cent. It's a very fine wine with subtle underlying complexities of wheatmeal, crushed nuts and melon. It finishes clean dry and lingering - without alcohol heat. Eden Valley is not noted for great chardonnay as it is for riesling, but Heggies maybe in the process of changing that."

Huon Hooke, Sydney Morning Herald - Good Weekend Magazine (Aus), 6 October 2007

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IWC Trophy for Saint Clair Winery in Marlborough

July 2007

Saint Clair Estate Wines has added another top accolade to its collection following huge success in the UK, the world's most influential wine market.

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Share Yalumba, Share the Future

Share Yalumba, Share the Future 1 May 2007

Yalumba recognised by the United States Environmental Protection Agency - a FIRST for the world wine industry.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency acknowledges Yalumba as the First Wine Company globally with a CLIMATE PROTECTION AWARD 2007.

This award recognises exceptional leadership, innovation, dedication, and achievements in protecting the environment.

"Thanks to the Yalumba Wine Company, wine lovers everywhere can enjoy the fruit of the earth and help protect the earth at the same time."
Kathleen Hogan
Director, EPA Climate Protection Partnerships Division

This is an honourable achievement for Yalumba, which follows the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) recognition of Yalumba in 2005 as the first Australian company LEADER in Greenhouse Management.

Yalumba's Environmental PR Overview (PDF 1,782kb)

A New Nautilus Estate Vineyard to Ring in the New Year

A particularly nice start to the year for Nautilus Estate, with the purchase of a fifth vineyard to help meet growing demand for their award-winning Pinot Noir.

16 January 2007

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Yalumba named most Successful Winery of the Year

The 2006 Sydney International Wine Competition awarded Yalumba the Wine Society Perpetual Trophy for The Most Successful Winery.

25 February 2006

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Yalumba earns two trophies from Decanter

Australian red - Hand Picked Shiraz + Viognier 2002 - named best in the world for International Rhône Varietals Over £10 at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

27 September 2005

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