Judges decide top drops

Limestone Coast Wine Show in full swing this week

Judging for the 2022 Limestone Coast Wine Show began on Tuesday with the 21st anniversary event attracting some of the strongest numbers in history, with more than 475 wines set to be scrutinised by a stellar panel of judges from across Australia and New Zealand.

Tasmania’s Stargazer Wines chief Samantha Connew the 2007 International Red Winemaker of the Year, will return for her third year as Chief of Judges, picking up where she left off before the borders were closed during Covid.

“I’m excited about being back in the Limestone Coast and reconnecting with the community there after three years’ absence,” Samantha said.

“In addition to seeing what has been happening winemaking and grape growing-wise in that time, I’m really looking forward to meeting a few judges that I haven’t connected with before.”

While the 2021 show (award winners pictured above) was judged by an all-South Australian line-up, this year’s event will also welcome wine experts from Western Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. The show will also see the return of the International Judges Trophy following a COVID pause, with the New Zealand editor of Gourmet Traveller Wine Jane Skilton MW, scheduled to be aprt oft he 2022 show.

Jane last attended the event in 2016, and enjoyed the opportunity to see the Limestone Coast’s individual regions first-hand. She declared the 2014 Majella Shiraz her stand-out wine and a worthy trophy winner, and rates the Comté toasted sandwiches served with Champagne at the judges dinner, a Naracoorte Caves tour and being checked into her motel by the owner holding a wombat among other key highlights of her visit.

“I loved my last time in the Limestone Coast. Regional wine shows are the best – an opportunity Judges decide top drops to see things close up, get under the skin of a place, see what makes it work,” Jane said.

“The wines were tremendous but the spirit of the place, the people – that’s what I’m looking forward to again.”

Judging began Tuesday morning at Penola’s Rymill Hall, with the winners set to be revealed at the highly anticipated trophy dinner on Thursday at the Robe Mechanics Institute.

A limited number of dinner tickets are still available, with bus transport available from Naracoorte and Penola – visit https://limestonecoastwine.com.au/wine-show/

KEY DATES:

• Judging: Tuesday to Thursday at Rymill Hall, Penola
• Trophy dinner: Thursday at Robe Mechanics Institute
• Exhibitors tasting: Friday at Rymill Hall, Penola