MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Samantha Davidson - McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association
P: +61 8 8323 8999
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Hither & Yon’s 2021 Aglianico has won McLaren Vale’s Best Wine of Show 2022, seeing brothers Malcolm and Richard Leask crowned McLaren Vale Bushing Monarchs for the second time.
The Trophies from the 2022 MGA Insurance McLaren Vale Wine Show, including Best Wine of Show and the prestigious ‘Bushing Monarch’ title, were awarded at the 58th annual McLaren Vale Bushing Lunch, held at Chalk Hill Wines on Friday 28 October.
From over 750 entries the 2021 Hither & Yon Aglianico was selected as the 2022 Best Wine of Show by an impressive panel of judges from across Australia, including Andrew Thomas of Thomas Wines, Andrea Pritzker MW, Tim Dolan of Kaesler Wines, Ian McKenzie and Liz Silkman of First Creek Wines.
Chair of Judges Andrew Thomas highlighted how well the 2022 MGA Insurance McLaren Vale Wine Show showcased the continued evolution of winemaking in the region across both the more traditional varieties such as Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as emerging varieties and blends.
“With an overall medal strike rate of 62% including just under 8% of entries being awarded Gold medals, it is clear that McLaren Vale winemakers continue to strive for excellence in terms of quality. Shiraz is still the most important variety for the region in both quality and quantity representing just over 30% of the total entries, but it is clear that the high quality of Grenache and some of the other emerging varieties entered are adding colour and diversity to the region’s offerings,” said Mr Thomas.
"From the outstanding 2021 vintage, the Hither & Yon Aglianico stood up in an extremely high quality and diverse class of new and emerging Mediterranean varietals. This wine demonstrated a compelling vibrancy, purity and precision reflecting the more contemporary style of red winemaking we are seeing from the region in recent years. Bright perfumed red and blue fruit aromatics, a perfectly ripe and fleshy flavour with a supple tannin structure. There’s plenty to love.”
For McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association CEO Erin Leggat the Best Wine in Show was a fantastic example of the region's varietal and stylistic diversity. “The innovation and creativity of McLaren Vale’s winemakers and viticulturists is really challenging preconceptions. We have always been known for the premium quality of our wines, but our region is now fast becoming one of the world centres for the cultivation of Mediterranean grape varieties and production of bright, contemporary, fruit-forward red wines.”
"It’s an incredible result for Hither & Yon, who are paving the way as South Australia’s first certified carbon-neutral winery, and for our region."
View the full list of results here
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Photo credit: John Kruger