The finalists of the 2018 NSW Wine Awards have been announced, with the 23rd annual NSW Wine Awards Presentation to be held on 19 October in Sydney.
A record number of nearly 900 wines were tasted by 16 judges over three days, resulting in the selection of 402 medal winning wines, 51 of which received gold medals.
“The medal results shine a light on the state’s diversity of wine styles and the quality of a pleasing run of excellent vintages. Current release Rieslings from Canberra and Mudgee were a highlight as were the Shiraz releases from a number of regions, from classic medium-weight Hunter Valley to funky-edged whole-bunch wines. Chardonnay continues to be on a roll with pristine and elegant wines on display from the Hunter Valley and Orange,” says chair of judges Dave Brookes.
“A revelation this year was the overall quality and pleasing number of gold medals in the alternative red varieties with stunning examples of Malbec, Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. These wines’ inherent drinkability and versatility in the food/wine matching stakes is bound to be a hit with the wine consumer and these wine styles have a bright future in the state.”
The 51 Gold Medal finalists will now move on to the next stage of the Awards, where the top 2018 Trophy winners will be announced at an exclusive Awards Presentation on 19 October at Government House Sydney.
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