Julie Mortlock from De Bortoli Wines has been named a Riverina Legend at the 49th Riverina Wine Show.
Dubbed the ‘Queen of Botrytis’ by Huon Hooke, Julie has worked for De Bortoli for 35 years, working her way up from lab technician to senior executive winemaker.
Julie has just announced her retirement from De Bortoli.
She has overseen a large portfolio of red wines along with the fortified program and the iconic Noble One Botrytis Semillon.
Julie has been the custodian of Noble One for 25 years, working closely with creator Darren De Bortoli to ensure the famous wine holds its title as the most awarded wine in Australia.
“Julie has always remained humble and hard working throughout her esteemed career,” says Andrew Calabria, president of the Riverina Winemakers Association.
“She has been a great role model for other female winemakers in our region, making her a very worthy recipient of Riverina Legend status.”
The Best Still Wine of Show – the Ian Bicego Memorial Trophy – was won by Jen Pfeiffer The Rebel Shiraz 2023.
Pfeiffer Wines also won the Most Successful Exhibitor Trophy.
Chair of judges Gwyn Olsen says, “It is wonderful to see winemaking and fruit expression continue to evolve and improve in the Riverina GI – 101 wines entered, 10 golds awarded.
“This show was pure enjoyment looking at the traditional varieties of Shiraz, Cabernet and Durif alongside the ‘new and alternative’ varieties of Fiano, Montelpuciano and Vermentino.
“The Australian Italian Varieties Wine Awards had some exceptional wines in it and it is great to see these
varieties continue to improve as the winemaking is honed and the vine age grows.
“I hope this show continues to be focused on, expanded and well attended in both the local industry and the national wine industry. There were only 96 total entries with seven golds awarded. It would be good to see this show promoted more locally and in the Australian wine industry.”
Show organiser Carrah Lymer says entries were down this year.
“This being due to many of the bigger companies not entering shows this year or submitting a lot less wines,” she says.
“Although this is disappointing to see it is understandable with the current climate and everyone tightening their belts across all areas of business.”
Riverina Region Wine Show
Best Sparkling
No trophy awarded
Best Semillon
No trophy awarded
Best Chardonnay
Santolin Wines Gladysdale 2023 Chardonnay
Best Sauvignon Blanc
Berton Vineyards Metal Label 2024 Sauvignon Blanc
Best Dry White Other
Nugan Estate Annelise 2024 Pinot Grigio
Best White Wine of Show
Berton Vineyards Metal Label 2024 Sauvignon Blanc
Best Pinot Noir
No trophy awarded
Best Shiraz
The Sean Hampel Trophy
Jen Pfeiffer The Rebel Shiraz 2023
Best Cabernet Sauvignon
De Bortoli DBWS 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon
Best Dry Red Other
Calabria Wines Belena 2023 Montepulciano
Best Red Wine of Show
Jen Pfeiffer The Rebel Shiraz 2023
Best Fortified All Styles
Morris Wines NV Old Premium Rare Topaque
Best Still Wine of Show
Ian Bicego Memorial Trophy
Jen Pfeiffer The Rebel Shiraz 2023
Most Successful Exhibitor
Pfeiffer Wines
Riverina GI Show
Best Riverina Dry White
Trimboli Wines Under The Table 2024 Fiano
Best Riverina Dry Red
Sam Trimboli Bin Selection 2024 Shiraz Durif Grenache
Best Riverina Durif
Nugan Estate Manuka Grove 2021 Durif
Most Successful Exhibitor
Dee Vine Estate
Australian Italian Varieties
Best Sparkling
Calabria Wines Belena 2023 Prosecco
Best White Wine
CSU Boutique Wines 2024 Fiano
Best Pinot Grigio
Berton Vineyards Foundstone 2024 Pinot Grigio
Best Rose
No trophy awarded
Best Red Wine
Calabria Wines Belena Barossa 2023 Sangiovese
Chief Judges Award – Most Exciting Wine
Billy Button The Affable 2023 Barberba
Champion of Show
Calabria Wines Belena Barossa 2023 Sangiovese
Sweet Wine Challenge
Best Sweet Floral
No trophy awarded
Best Sweet Fruity
Deen De Bortoli 2020 Botrytis Semillon
Best Sweet Other
No trophy awarded
Best Museum Class
Lillypilly Estate Wines 2016 Noble Harvest
Australian Sweet Wine of the Year 2024
Deen De Bortoli 2020 Botrytis Semillon
Tumbarumba
Best Sparkling
No trophy awarded
Best White Varietal
Hungerford Hill 2024 Sauvignon Blanc
Best Chardonnay
Hungerford Hill 2023 Chardonnay
Best Rose
No trophy awarded
Best Red Varietal
No trophy awarded
Best Pinot Noir
Cramer 2023 Pinot Noir
Wine of Show
Hungerford Hill 2023 Chardonnay
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