Jacob's Creek triumphs at Great Australian Red Challenge

Jacob's Creek has triumphed at the Great Australian Red Challenge, taking out Best Wine over $60 and Best Cabernet-Dominant Blend for its Expedition Barossa Valley Cabernet Shiraz 2015. 

While once regarded as a budget brand, Jacob's Creek has spent the past seven years repositioning itself as a premium product. The winning wine is part of a new Asia Pacific travel retail label from the label. 

Started in 2006 by wine journalists, Mathew Jukes and Tyson Stelzer, the Great Australian Red challenge aims to recognise winemakers who have made the most outstanding blends of shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. The wines are assessed by two panels of six judges simultaneously, then the two panel chairs compare notes with the chairman to consensually agree on the medals. The Great Australian Red is free of the constraints of region, price and style, drawing together great examples of all styles, at all price points, from every Australian state.

The Great Australian Red 2017 attracted 96 entries, which were judged at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide by Matthew and Tyson alongside PJ Charteris (chair of judges), Tim James, Ian Hongell, Doug Govan, Sam Wigan, Jeremy Maxwell, James Parham, Peta Baverstock, James Hamilton, Nick Knappstein and Anna Hooper. 

Pepperjack takes out top gong

The Trophy for The Great Australian Red 2017 went to Pepperjack Certified Shiraz Cabernet 2016, which also took out Best Wine $25-$60 and Best Shiraz-Dominant Blend, while Pepperjack was also awarded Best Winery of Show.  

Pepperjack made its debut at The Great Australian Red in 2015, when its inaugural 2013 vintage won the trophy for the Best Wine $25-$60.

Stonyfell Wines was awarded Best Wine under $25 for its 2015 Baton Shiraz Cabernet, which was created by Bryan and Nigel Dolan, the only father and son winemaking team to have both won the inaugural Jimmy Watson trophy.

Chief winemaker Nigel Dolan said it was an honour to be recognised so highly among the best of the best in Australian red wines.

“Awards like this truly recognise the hard work and commitment of our winemaking team, and endorse the suitability of the Langhorne Creek wine region for producing beautiful Australian wines with outstanding Shiraz Cabernet blends," he said.

“To be able to follow in the footsteps of my father who played an integral role in the creation of the Baton Shiraz Cabernet and see it recognised for its high quality and drinkability is a real privilege. I look forward to now carrying the baton and continuing the family legacy.”