Chalk Hill On Top Of The World In McLaren Vale

Tom Harvey from Chalk Hill Wines and winemaker Renae Hirsch (pictured) have been crowned 2020 Bushing Monarchs for their 2019 Alpha Crucis Old Vine Grenache.

The trophy presentation for the McLaren Vale Wine Show was live-streamed from Kay Brothers Winery today.

From more than 760 exhibits, the 2019 Alpha Crucis Grenache was the highest-scoring wine as judged by a panel of South Australian judges including Fiona Donald (Seppeltsfield), Kate Laurie (Deviation Road), Tim Dolan (Peter Lehmann Wine) and local judging talent from across McLaren Vale.

Given the complications of Covid-19 and the changed events environment, McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association could not host the traditional 600-person Bushing Luncheon and instead encouraged the region’s renowned restaurants to host their own satellite lunches to live stream the trophy presentation.

Chair of judges David LeMire MW said, “The McLaren Vale Wine Show was a pleasure to judge. The region is strong on diverse styles and varieties, and few regions are as effective in both respecting traditional styles, and also adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

“Shiraz and Cabernet were as strong as ever, the resurgence of Grenache continues, whites from Fiano and emerging red varieties are flourishing, and rosé is impressive. I think we all felt grateful that the show could go ahead, as it is a sign of normality and an opportunity to come together as a wine community.

“We had a terrific line up of judges, led by the panel chairs Fi Donald, Kate Laurie and Tim Dolan.”

McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association General Manager, Jennifer Lynch is thrilled the Best Wine in Show celebrates the region’s most notable variety.

“McLaren Vale Grenache has steadily gained a reputation for wines that are focused, fresh and respectful to site, it’s exciting the 2020 Bushing title has been awarded to a variety synonymous with our region,” says Ms Lynch.

“Congratulations to Chalk Hill Wines and winemaker Renee – after opening their new tasting room in early 2020 – this title is a thrilling way to cap off a huge year of exciting developments and success.”

Trophy winners…

Best Mediterranean White Wine
Serafino 2020 Bellissimo Fiano

Best One Year Old Grenache
Chalk Hill Wines 2019 Alpha Crucis Old Vine Grenache

Best One Year Old or Younger Shiraz
Shingleback 2019 Davey Estate Shiraz

Best McLaren Vale Rosé
Mazi 2020 Grenache Rosé

Best McLaren Vale White Wine
Serafino 2020 Bellissimo Fiano

Best Two Year Old Shiraz
Shingleback 2018 The Gate Shiraz

Best Two Year Old Grenache
Hedonist 2018 Grenache

Best Grenache Predominant Blend
Bondar Wines 2019 Junto Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre

Best Shiraz Predominant Blend
Shottesbrooke 2019 Engine Room Shiraz Tempranillo

Best Bordeaux Varietals and Blends
Serafino 2018 BDX Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Carmenere Merlot

Best ‘Classic Australian’ Blend
Shingleback 2018 The Gate Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz