John Pooley, managing director of Pooley Wines in Tasmania, says winning the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy has been “a personal ambition” for many years.
Pooley 2025 Tasmania Syrah won the Jimmy Watson for Best Young Red at the Royal Melbourne Wine Awards, alongside Best Tasmanian Shiraz and Best Shiraz of Show.
“This has been a goal of mine in the wine industry, to win the Jimmy Watson Trophy for our family brand,” Pooley says.
“We’re goal seekers, and this was firmly on my list of things to achieve.
“From the very beginning, we’ve believed in this island and its potential.
“We’ve invested in the Tasmanian wine industry because we’ve always believed it could stand alongside the very best in Australia.
“It’s been a labour of passion, commitment and vision over many years.
“To have that belief recognised today is incredibly rewarding.
“I think this result proves that Tasmania is one of Australia’s great wine-producing states, and that we still have so much more to offer.”
The Syrah is a relatively new addition to the Pooley Wines portfolio, having joined the range just three years ago.
“To receive this recognition among more than 2,000 entries at the 2026 Royal Melbourne Wine Awards is a moment of immense pride for the entire Pooley Wines team,” Pooley says.
“Syrah is a variety that Tasmania has not traditionally been taken seriously for producing.
“Yet this latest result reinforces the growing reputation and potential of Tasmanian Syrah, with the variety now claiming the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy for the second time.
“It is an exciting endorsement of Tasmania’s ability to produce exceptional wines across a broader range of varieties and further demonstrates the potential of the region.
“To have a brand with 40 years of history receive this recognition is incredibly humbling.
General manager Tristan Jones says, “This award belongs to everyone who has contributed to Pooley Wines over the years, our vineyard and winery teams, the family, our staff, our suppliers, our partners and everyone who has supported us along the way.
“At Pooley Wines, the belief in Tasmania’s potential has always been central to the business.
“The 2025 Pooley Syrah is a reflection of that belief, showcasing the distinctive character of Tasmania and the opportunities that continue to emerge from its vineyards.
“It is a remarkable achievement for Pooley Wines, a celebration of the people behind the brand and a proud moment for Tasmanian wine.”