Twice the Monarchs

Chalk Hill winemaker Renae Hirsch and owner Tom Harvey have been crowned McLaren Vale Bushing Monarchs for a second time after Chalk Hill 2022 Tempranillo Grenache won Best Wine of Show at the MGA Insurance 2023 McLaren Vale Wine Show.

The 50th running of the show attracted more than 700 entries.

“As expected, red wines dominated the entries with the traditional regional varieties of Shiraz and Grenache certainly impressing the judges,” chair of judges Andrew Thomas says.

“However also on show was the continued regional momentum with the newer/emerging varieties and blends, and some absolutely compelling wines were found in these classes – particularly from the outstanding 2021 and 2022 vintages.

“The Big Easy Radio 2020 Malbec caught my eye as a brilliant example of a wine that can sometimes fly under the radar of wine show judges.”

Thomas praised the skill and creativity of the McLaren Vale winemakers “mastering the art of varietal blending”.

“As witnessed by the number of entries and the quality of the blend classes,” he says.

“The 2022 Chalk Hill Tempranillo Grenache ultimately rose to the top as a seamless example of vibrant fleshy fruit overlayed with a floral delicacy and poise.

“Its bright line of acidity and detailed tannin structure are the icing on the cake.

“A truly impressive wine.”

The trophies were handed out at the 50th anniversary of the McLaren Vale Bushing Lunch on Friday.

Trophies…

Best Wine of Show & Bushing Monarch
Chalk Hill 2022 Tempranillo Grenache

Chairperson’s Trophy
Big Easy Radio 2020 Forget Babylon Malbec

International Judge’s Wine of Show
Chalk Hill 2022 Small Batch Release Nero d’Avola

Wine of Provenance
Hardy’s 2021, 2018 & 2012 Eileen Hardy Shiraz

Best Museum Wine
Shingleback 2019 The Gate Shiraz

Best Cabernet Sauvignon
Pertaringa 2021 Rifle & Hunt Cabernet Sauvignon

Best Shiraz
Thistledown 2022 Cunning Plan Shiraz

Best Grenache
Serafino 2022 Reserve Grenache

Best Single Vineyard Shiraz
Shingleback Unedited 2018 McLaren Vale Shiraz

Best Single Vineyard Viticulturist
Murray Leake for MMAD Vineyard

Best Single Vineyard Wine Any Style (Other Than Shiraz)
MMAD Vineyard 2022 Blewitt Springs Chenin Blanc

Best Small Producer of Show
MMAD Vineyard 2022 Blewitt Springs Chenin Blanc

Most Successful Exhibitor
Chalk Hill Wines

Best Other Red & Blends
Chalk Hill 2022 Tempranillo Grenache

Best Three Year or Older Shiraz
Shingleback Unedited 2018 McLaren Vale Shiraz

Best Mediterranean Red Variety
Hedonist 2022 Tempranillo

Best Two Year or Younger Cabernet Sauvignon
Pertaringa 2021 Rifle & Hunt Cabernet Sauvignon