Shiraz no Longer King of the Vale – Stephen Pannell wins 2011 Bushing King

“Stephen Pannell was recognised for his outstanding winemaking at this years McLaren Vale Wine Show, his 2010 Tempranillo Touriga winning two trophies for ‘Other Blends’ and ‘Best Small Producer’. SC Pannell wines also won the Grenache Trophy with the 2010 SC Pannell Grenache. Accordingly Steve was awarded the annual competitions most coveted prize, The Bushing King, which recognises the regions most awarded producer.

The McLaren Vale Wine Show has long been recognized as one of the country’s top regional competitions, and the Bushing King title has historically been dominated by more continental wine styles such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. This year’s result, and SC Pannell Wine’s ongoing focus on the Mediterranean styles that can come from blends of Grenache, Tempranillo, and Touriga Nacional, may well set a new direction for the region.”

“Deviation Road has taken out ‘Top Gold’ and ‘Trophy’ for the 2009 Methode Champenoise Brut in the Adelaide Hills Wine Show.

It is their very first trophy and needless to say Kate & Hamish are over the moon given that this is a very highly regarded and sort after class with stiff competition.
 
Judges Comments: A lovely class to judge, the top 6 wines were the subject of animated discussion in the final taste off. The judges were delighted to find complex characters backed by finely tuned acid structures. There is excellent winemaking at work in the top medal winners. Capturing complexity, while maintaining vibrancy and freshness is the key.”