Judging of the Cowra Regional Vineyards Association annual Cowra Canowindra Regional Wine Awards has once again highlighted the quality of the region’s wines. With 85 entries and four gold medals, the 2010 awards continue to show the success and the ongoing quality that the region is experiencing.

The trophy winning wines, which were judged on Friday 30th April 2010, comprise:

Cellarbrations-Cowra Wine Shop Award for Best White Wine
2009 Swinging Bridge Chardonnay

Orange Courier Services Award for Best Red Wine
2008 Gardners Ground Shiraz

Orange Cool Stores Award for Best Museum White Wine 2006 or older
2006 Mulyan ‘Block 6’ Chardonnay

Ace Ohlsson Award for Best Museum Red Wine 2005 and older
2005 Swinging Bridge Shiraz

Biological Farmers of Australia Award for Best Organically Grown Wine
2008 Gardners Ground Shiraz

Define Wine Award for Most Successful Exhibitor
Mulyan Wines

Other successes included a Gold Medal to the 2008 Pig in the House Shiraz, which reinforces the commitment and quality of Cowra and Canowindra’s organic wines.

This years’ judging panel comprises Russell Cody from McWilliams Wines, Tim Kirk from Canberra’s Clonakilla, Rob Geddes MW and Associate Judge, Windowrie’s Anthony D’Onise. 

The judges’ comments highlighted the drinkability, consumer friendliness, fruit freshness and the quality of the wines. “The quality of the aged white wines is very surprising,” commented Tim Kirk. Shiraz is also becoming a stand out variety in the region, being described as “medium bodied, savoury, easy drinking style…..great with food,” by Mr Kirk.

“We are very fortunate to have Tim, Russell and Rob as our Judges,” commented the Committee Chairman Peter Jeffery.  “They have a great understanding of the strengths of the region, as well as the progression of the quality, particularly over the past five years.”

“These regional awards are an important part of the ongoing development and improvement of our wines,” explained Peter.  “We have invested a lot of time, money and effort into building the awareness of our wines, with promotional events in Sydney and Canberra. We also sent a joint regional media release with a dozen regional wines to a range of media, bloggers and trade. The response to the quality of the wines and the commitment of the vignerons was fantastic.”