McLaren Vale's Shottesbrooke named Winery of the Year

McLaren Vale’s Shottesbrooke Wines has been awarded Top Gold at the USA Wine Ratings awards with a score of 97 points. The vineyard won Winery of the Year, Wine of the Year for Shottesbrooke Reserve Series ‘Eliza’ Shiraz 2016 with the wine also winning Top Gold.

Managing Director and Head Winemaker, Hamish Maguire said the timing could not be better given positive momentum in the USA as a target market for Australian wines.

“For the last three years, we have been building our networks across the USA. These timely accolades are a real boost to both our team here and in the US,” he said.

In the contest, Shottesbrooke also received Gold for Tide Chaser by Shottesbrooke Shiraz 2018, Shottesbrooke Estate Series Shiraz 2018, Shottesbrooke 1337 Heritage Series Blanc de Blancs NV and Shottesbrooke Reserve Series ‘The Proprietor’ 2016.

The exciting accolades for 2021 follow a successful 2020 on the international stage, with Shottesbrooke achieving ‘Best Producer – Australia’ at the 2020 Mundus Vini Grand International Wine Awards based in Germany.

“McLaren Vale wines deserve their place on the world stage, and we hope that by receiving internationally recognised accolades such as these, we are able to really support the wonderful things we are doing as a premium wine growing region.

“I am proud of the products we produce and of our region as a whole. I strongly believe in paying forward success, particularly in turbulent times,” Mr Maguire said. 

Wakefield Taylors Wines also fared well and were heavily represented in the competition, scoring 95 points for the 2019 Jaraman Shiraz and 94 points for the 2018 Jaraman Carbernet Sauvignon. They also scored 93 points for the 2018 St Andrews Shiraz and the 2019 Masterstroke Shiraz.

Third generation winemaker, Mitchell Taylor, said, "We’re thrilled to be awarded golds for some of our top reds at the 2021 USA Wine Ratings. As the only competition in the US that judges wine by quality, value and packaging, it is a terrific honour for our Jaraman, Masterstroke and St Andrews wines to receive top marks in the competition.

"The USA is the largest wine market in the world and presents an exciting opportunity for Australian wines, especially in the higher price points as local drinkers get a taste of the quality we can produce. It’s awards like the USA Wine Ratings that support us in delivering this message to the market.”

Sidewood Estates scored 93 points for its non-vintage Sparkling Pinot Noir as did the 2019 Serafino Black Label Shiraz.

The USA Wine Ratings assesses wines based on their quality, value for money, and the look of their packaging and design.