Gee Rizz, 2022 Is Gold!

The outstanding quality of the 2022 vintage was underlined by the current-vintage Riesling class at today’s 2022 Clare Valley Wine Show.

The Mick Knappstein Trophy for the Best Current Vintage Riesling was won by Penna Lane Wines 2022 Watervale Riesling.

The judging panel’s chair, Steven Pannell, said that, overall, a very impressive group of wines was presented at this year’s show.

“The 2022 Rieslings were particularly strong,” he said.

“The stylish nature of these wines and the purity of their varietal character show the strength of the beautiful Clare Valley as a Riesling stronghold.

“It was also our great fortune to have one of the world’s foremost Riesling authorities, Stuart Pigott, judging this year’s show, with 2022 being one of the best Riesling vintages in twenty years.

“He imparted his wealth of knowledge to this year’s judges and the results.

“The Chairmans Trophy winner is evidence of that, along with showcasing the breadth of style that is possible from the Clare Valley.”

“Cabernet was also outstanding at this year’s show.”

Chairman of the Clare Valley Wine and Grape Association, Martin Ferguson AM, said the show’s results reinforced the Clare Valley’s reputation as a premium wine-producing region.

“This year has once again highlighted Clare’s amazing ability to produce world-class wines across the varietal spectrum,” he said.

This year’s show attracted 43 exhibitors, with 469 entries across 23 classes.

A total of 302 medals were awarded, including 52 gold.

Trophies…

BEST SWEET WHITE OF SHOW
Pikes Wines 2021 First Cut Riesling

BEST ROSÉ OF SHOW
Pauletts 2022 Sangiovese Rosé

BEST DRY WHITE OTHER THAN RIESLING
Pikes Wines 2022 Luccio Fiano

BEST EXHIBITION SECTION RIESLING 2021 VINTAGE
Jim Barry 2021 Block 114 Riesling

BEST EXHIBITION SECTION RIESLING 2020 VINTAGE AND OLDER
Clos Clare 2012 Riesling

BEST VINTAGE SECTION SHIRAZ
Jim Barry 2021 Lodge Hill Shiraz

BEST VINTAGE SECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Jim Barry 2021 The Farm Cabernet Sauvignon

BEST VINTAGE SECTION OTHER DRY RED
Jim Barry 2021 Expressions Malbec