Bellarine wineries celebrating after awards success DROPS TOPS

THE Bellarine has once again proven why it is the pick of the bunch when it comes to wineries.

Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Leura Park Estate and Yes said the Seal are celebrating major success after recently taking home 15 medals at the prestigious International Cool Climate Wine Show (ICCW) 2018.

Jack Rabbit Vineyard won eight medals, including Gold for its 2017 Pinot Grigio and Silver for its 2017 Sauvignon Blanc and 2015 Chardonnay.

Leura Park Estate was awarded four medals, including Gold for its 2017 Shiraz OM, and Yes said the Seal won three medals, including Silver for its 2017 Sauvignon Blanc and 2016 Shiraz.

Mermerus Vineyard in Drysdale took home a Top Gold for its 2016 Pinot Noir and Basils Farm won Bronze for its 2017 Shiraz.

Terindah Estate won three medals  Silver for its 2016 Shiraz, and Bronze for its 2016 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir and 2015 Pinot Noir.

Marcus Hill Vineyard also won Silver for its 2017 Chardonnay.

Director of Jack Rabbit Vineyard and Leura Park Estate, Lyndsay Sharp, said she was thrilled with the results, saying it was exciting for everyone involved.

“It’s gratifying that a lot of hard work by a lot of people is paying off,” she said.

“The medals are a credit to our winemakers Nyall Condon and Darren Burke – both are extremely talented and display very individual, distinctive styles in crafting wines, which are reflected in the diversity and styles across the various vineyard’s offerings.”

Mrs Sharp said the region was blessed to enjoy a cool maritime climate, the optimal environment for vines, with oceanic influences ensuring long slow ripening periods and ocean breezes mitigating frost.

“The end result tends to be rich, succulent fruit that turns into wines of great finesse.

“The winemakers are also very lucky to be the recipients of great grapes, thanks to the care and attention given to our vines across the board by the vineyard management team. So really, it’s cheers all round to a top team effort.”

Now in its 18th year, the ICCWS is recognised as one of Australia’s foremost shows for inspirational cool climate wines.

Many of them are from smaller vineyards where grapes are handpicked and wines handcrafted by winemakers with a passion for exploring terroir and the true expression of the grape.

Each year the ICCWS attracts more than 600 wines from around the world, in 25 competition classes.