Judged with Food
d’Arenberg wines shine at 2012 Sydney International Wine Competition.
Once again d’Arenberg wines have fared extremely well at the Sydney International Wine Competition, with 2 wines in the Top 100, 5 Blue Gold medals and 3 highly commended.
We are particularly pleased with these results as this is the only Australian wine show on the international stage that sees the winning wines judged alongside appropriate dishes. As wine is best enjoyed with great food and good company we always like to see the wines shine in this environment.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the 2 wines that made the Top 100 along with details of the accompanying dishes and what the judges had to say about the pairings.
If you’re really inspired maybe you should purchase a bottle or two and try out the recipes (links below)
BLUE GOLD AND TOP 100- The Hermit Crab Viognier Marssanne 2010
with John Dory, Pea and Sorrel sauce
Kym Milne
Very good fruit. Ripe apricots and floral blossom aromas. A warm palate. Quite textured. A glycerol mouth feel. A lovely long warm and flavoursome finish. Good with the food. Slightly rich with this dish but a very flavoursome wine.
Neil Hadley
Fragrant peach and apricot characters on the nose. The wine is generous but not unctuous in the mouth, has good depth and well balanced acidity which matched well with the fish.
Brent Marris
Lovely spicy tropical nose. Great length. Well balanced. Slight oiliness on the palate. It works in well with the fish as its not overbearing. Great texture all round.
Peter Forrestal
Good texture. Slightly bland flavours but an attractive finish. With the food this became much more complete and flavoursome.
BLUE GOLD AND TOP 100- 2008 The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier
with Roast Loin of Lamb, Rosemary Infused Jus, Dauphinoise Potatoes and Green Beans
Judges' Comments:
Brent Marris
Lovely rich lifted nose. Good ripe tannin structure. Very balanced. Some mid palate intensity. A great match as the ripe tannins become sweet fruit. It works well and remains beautifully balanced right through.
Kym Milne
Bright fruit. Quite vibrant berry and floral aromas. A bright palate. Some spice, moderate tannins and good length. A good bright wine with the food.
Mark Robertson
Ripe, rich lifted nose. The Viognier is in balance. This is a simple wine with a quite grainy palate. Restrained, with food it comes across as a skinnier wine which actually works well, appearing very much in balance and appealing. It was very good.
Peter Forrestal
Lively floral aromatics. Vibrant slippery almost fleshy texture. Seamless red cherry and blackberry flavours. Quite velvety texture and a decent finish. A little bit firm. I thought that the lamb dish slightly softened that finish.
OTHER AWARDS
Blue Gold Medal- 2010 The Lucky Lizard Chardonnay
Blue Gold Medal- 2010 The Money Spider Roussanne
Blue Gold Medal- 2008 The Noble Prankster Chardonnay Semillon
Highly Commended- 2009 The Cadenzia Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre
Highly Commended- 2009 The Last Ditch Viongier
Highly Commended- 2006 Vintage Fortified Shiraz