Not part of the in-crowd since 2005!

Geographe Wine Show 2009

Last week the Geographe Vignerons Association held its annual regional show. While it wouldn’t be unfair to say that the region sits in the shadow of fellow South West appellation Margaret River, quality is continually on the up.

In terms of regional strengths, the constant trickle of punchy and flavoursome SSB and SBS blends from the area could one day rival those of Margaret River while many believe Geographe (and neighbouring Blackwood Valley) could well be the state’s hot spot for shiraz and alternative red varietals such as tempranillo, zinfandel, sangiovese et al.

Personally, much of my attention was captured by the bottle of vintage 2008 tokay from Yarloop’s Skipworth Wine Company on our table. While most West Australian tokay is of the liqueur variety, this curious table wine took its cues from the sherries of Spain, it’s deliciously long palate full of nut and honey characters reminiscent of a rich amontillado.

While discussions with some of the judges revealed many newer vignerons were still finding their feet in both the vineyard and winery, by and large the area is advancing in leaps and bounds and there’ll be much on offer at local cellar doors for the swarms of holidaymakers flocking to the South West over summer.

Wine of the Show
Barrecas Shiraz 2008

Best Red Wine
Barrecas Shiraz 2008

Best White Wine
Willow Bridge Estate Dragonfly Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2008

Best Shiraz
Barrecas Shiraz 2008

Best Cabernet Sauvignon
Willy Bay Reverse Swing 2007

Best Red Varietal
Willow Bridge Estate Solana Tempranillo 2008

Best Red Blend
St Aidan Cabernet Merlot 2007

Best Chardonnay
St Aidan Chardonnay 2008

Best White Varietal
Harvey River Bridge Estate Joseph River Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Best White Blend
Willow Bridge Estate Dragonfly Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2008

Best Rose
Smallwater Estate Rose 2009

Best Specialty Wine
St Aidan Cassie Muscato 2009

Most Successful Small Producer
St Aidan

Most Successful Exhibitor
Willow Bridge Estate

Nicolas Baudin Perpetual Trophy for Excellence in Winemaking
Mark Messenger