David O’Leary, from O’Leary Walker Wines, was the Inaugural Chairman of the Judges at this years Kangaroo Island Wine of the Year judging. Of the 26 wines presented for the Award, 19 walked away with Gold, Silver or Bronze medals. “There is a very good standard across the range of wines that were entered into the Awards this year, with some very solid wines. Cabernet wines were a real highlight with many medals,” said David O’Leary. “We were fortunate enough to also bring along some Associate Judges to give them the experience, and they were able to hone their skills on wines from an up and coming region”.
It is a very close race for the top prize for 2016, indicating that amongst the finalists wines the competition is outstanding. Chairman of the Kangaroo Island Food and Wine Association, Tony Nolan said “This is great encouragement for the growers and winemakers on Kangaroo Island. This indicates that we have outstanding wines on Kangaroo Island, and we want the world to know more about them.”
These finalists will now be featured at the Kangaroo Island Food and Wine Award Dinner on the 17th June, 2016 at the Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge, with the announcement of the Kangaroo Island Wine of the Year to be presented at the Dinner.
Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) have made these Awards possible with seed funding through the Regional Food Initiatives Program, along with Awards sponsors, Sealink, Kangaroo Island Industry and Brand Alliance, Kangaroo Island Tourism and TOMM, the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island, and the Department of State Development.
Congratulations to the finalists:
- Dudley Wines – 2015 Cape Hart Riesling
- Two Wheeler Creek – 2015 Turkey Nest 2 Sauvignon Blanc
- Bay of Shoals – 2014 Savagnin
- The Islander Estate – 2014 Wally White
- Hazy Blur – 2014 Basket Press Shiraz
- Dudley Wines – 2014 Hog Bay Cabernet Sauvignon
- Hazy Blur – 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
- The Islander Estate – 2013 Majestic Plough
To book tickets to the Dinner at the Mercure, Register here
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