McLaren Vale is the yardstick for big flavoursome reds and this judging proved the point again. Lots of great shiraz wines across vintages and styles were here along with some consistently good grenache wines which are also becoming the hallmark of the region.
167 TASTED
120 AWARDED
OTHER WHITE VARIETALS & BLENDS
9 TASTED
4 AWARDED
Some good examples in this group but the judges agreed there were some wines that were more unctuous than varietal with early picking an issue.
Rusty Mutt Catnip McLaren Vale Viognier 2020 ★★★★1/2
Fresh lifted and not too oily with restrained floral/stonefruit nose and a nicely textured full-bodied palate with flavours of peaches. Needs time. $30
Hastwell & Lightfoot V McLaren Vale Vermentino 2020 ★★★★
Clean bright citrus bouquet with a tropical tang and good line of tight citrus flavours on a lightweight palate. $25
Richard Hamilton La Valle McLaren Vale Fiano 2020 ★★★1/2
Pear/citrus nose with a funky element. Flavoursome fruit palate and a firm phenolic frame. $22
George's Folly So Vain Jane Fleurieu Sauvignon Gris 2019 ★★★
Subtle tropical fragrances with an interesting soft and layered palate. $27
CHARDONNAY
6 TASTED
1 AWARDED
The judges were disappointed with this group that generally lacked varietal definition, however there was one highlight.
Beresford Classic McLaren Vale Chardonnay 2020 ★★★★
Fresh and vital chardonnay with nice intensity of peach and nectarine fruit with figlike elements and firm acidity. $30
ROSÉ
7 TASTED
3 AWARDED
A mixed bag with the better examples designated rosé wines rather than afterthoughts.
Angas & Bremer Langhorne Creek Rosé 2020 ★★★★1/2
Pale pink wine with aromas of plums and cherries and a nicely textured lightweight palate with some berry flavours and a good juicy acid backbone. $20
Riot Wine Co Riot South Australia Rosé 2019 ★★★★
Salmon pink hues and a pretty fruit nose with a creamy palate showing a peach and citrus flavour profile. $8 (per can)
The Bio Project Rosé by Shingleback McLaren Vale Monastrell Rosé 2020 ★★★
Flinty fruit fragrances with a crisp clean palate and subtle melon flavours. $25 (available at Liquorland)
OTHER RED BLENDS & VARIETALS
15 TASTED
10 AWARDED
A stronger flight than the whites that the judges thought showed that reds might be better suited to these
