GROVE ESTATE AWARDS AND TROPHIES

PENGUIN WINE AWARDS 2009

2007 Grove Estate The Wombat Way Viognier - Score 90

The first Viognier release from this Hilltops producer is a waxy, soft stone fruit affair, with cooler ginger at the edges and attractive apricot fruits. The palate heads straight down the middle line of richness and balance, some grippy phenolics through the finish and plenty of savoury complexity.

The trophy further pushes the claims of this wine to be considered as one of, if not the, finest example of this famous Italian variety, in Australia.

2006 Grove Estate Reserve Nebbiolo - Score 93

The Grove Estate folks reckon that this Italian varietal is a shoe-in for the Hilltops region. This reserve bottling from 2006 is all they need to show to convince any skeptics: musk and rose petals, rich cherry fruits and a fine dense array of chewy delicious tannin. Finishes long and fades slowly. Superb.

2007 Grove Estate The Cellar Block Shiraz Viognier - Score 94

This fragrant shiraz viognier shows vision and insight in its making. Very complex fine spice and pepper aromas, some whole-bunch dark chocolate notes and dark cherry fruit. Savoury tannins back intense fruit presence, the palate's really focused and driven. Complex texture, dark minerals and meaty ferment characters; very young, dense and Cornas-like. Terrific.

WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR - TIM KIRK, Clonkilla

Tim needs little introduction to readers of the Guide, having been awarded here in past years. His commitment and dedication to the cause of great Australian wine is unwavering and, had some wines not been in such short supply (due to a frosted 2007 vintage), he would have won even more awards this year.