McLaren Vale Royalty SC Pannell Claims Fourth Bushing King Trophy

Stephen Pannell and Fiona Lindquist were crowned 2018 Bushing Monarchs for a fourth time at the 54th annual MGA Insurance McLaren Vale Winemakers Bushing Luncheon at Serafino Wines today.

The 2016 SC Pannell Cabernet Malbec was the highest scoring wine of the show.

Chair of judges David LeMire MW praised the quality of wines entered into this year’s show, with “classic” varietals proving a difficult decision to determine front runners.

“With a hundred metres to go, you could have thrown a blanket over the contenders for the Best Wine of Show,” he said.

“The Grenache, the Cabernet, and a delicious blend of Cabernet and Malbec that is becoming recognised as classic, and uniquely Australian style, were hard to separate, but the Cabernet Malbec just got over the line, by a (fragrant) nose.”

This year’s McLaren Vale Wine Show received 799 entries from 113 exhibitors, with 50 gold medals awarded.

Building on the excitement of McLaren Vale’s nomination as International Wine Region of the Year in Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 2018 Wine Star Awards, McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association general manager Jennifer Lynch considers the annual wine show and associated Bushing Luncheon a significant indicator of changing winemaking and culinary trends.

“Food and wine has long been the culinary language of many countries in the world – a reflection of place, people and produce,” said Ms Lynch.

“How food and wine is enjoyed in Australia and internationally is evolving, and McLaren Vale wines are extremely well-placed to evolve with growing and changing tastes of discerning palettes. We are a dynamic and multi-dimensional wine region – it is no wonder that McLaren Vale’s international recognition continues to grow.”

The ‘McLaren Vale meets Leigh Street’ medal and trophy tasting event will be held on Friday 9 November in Adelaide, tickets can be purchased here.

Trophy winners