Australia’s best shiraz for 2024
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Smallwater Estate has won the Best Shiraz of Show Trophy at the 2024 Great Australian Shiraz Challenge with its 2022 Smallwater Estate Shiraz.
The Great Australian Shiraz Challenge has been celebrating the winemakers producing the country’s best shiraz for the past 30 years. One of Australia’s most prestigious and valuable wine awards, this year’s event attracted over 320 entries from 53 regions.
Smallwater Estate is located the Geographe region south of Perth. Event Director Julian McLean said it was “a great result for a small winemaker and the Geographe wine region”.
Owner John Small said: “When the call came through to let me know Smallwater Estate had won the top award, I was in the tractor. It didn’t truly sink in until I finished my work and had time to digest the conversation.
“I had a feeling we might be in the running, especially after our 2022 Shiraz received several trophies at national shows last year.
“Geographe is starting to gain recognition as a region that consistently produces exceptional Shiraz along with many other varieties. Winning this award feels like letting the best-kept secret out of the bag. Our wineries stretch from the coastal plain to the escarpment, with higher altitudes that really showcase the diversity of our region.
“I’m incredibly fortunate to work with two amazing winemakers, Bruce Dukes and Remi Guise. Their expertise and artistry consistently bring out the best in our fruit, and they provide invaluable advice on oak selection to achieve the style I envision.”
The following trophies were also awarded for the 2024 challenge:
- South Australian Shiraz: Pepperjack 2022 Scotch Fillet Graded Shiraz
- Organic Shiraz: Baileys of Glenrowan 2019 Varley Organic Shiraz
- Tasmanian Shiraz: Gala Estate 2023 Black Label Emerald Syrah
- Sparkling Shiraz of Show: 2020 Peter Lehmann Black Queen Sparkling Shiraz
- Western Australia Shiraz: Smallwater Estate 2022 Shiraz
- Victorian Shiraz: Conforti Estate 2022 Heathcote Shiraz
- Best Shiraz over 5 years old: Sanguine Estate 2019 Progeny Shiraz
- NSW Shiraz: Thomas Wines Kiss 2023 Shiraz
- ACT Shiraz: Lerida Estate2021 Cullerin Syrah
The 2024 judging panel were Jen Pfeiffer (Chair) Jeni Port, Shavaughn Wells, Sarah Andrew, Justin Purser and Steve Paul.
