Brokenwood and McGuigan champion Australia at prestigious international wine competition

Hunter Valley wineries McGuigan Wines and Brokenwood Wines have beaten producers from across the globe to win two leading accolades at the Decanter World Wine Awards in London. McGuigan Wines was awarded a Best in Show Trophy for its 2013 McGuigan Bin 9000 Semillon while Brokenwood won a Best in Show Trophy for the 2017 Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz. The results make the Hunter Valley Australia’s only region to win two Best in Show wines, a significant achievement for the region’s international reputation.
The wins crown a fantastic year for both wineries on the domestic and international wine show circuit. In addition to the Decanter trophy, McGuigan Wines Chief Winemaker, Neil McGuigan, has been shortlisted for the title of International White Winemaker of The Year at the 2019 International Wine Challenge. It is the fourth time McGuigan has been nominated for the award, having won it three times in 2009, 2011 and 2012. The winner will be revealed at a high-profile dinner in London on July 9.
The International Wine Challenge also awarded McGuigan two Trophies for McGuigan Cellar Select Chardonnay 2017 and McGuigan Shortlist Riesling 2013, which are available in limited quantities at its cellar door.
Brokenwood’s success also continued last week with its 2018 Hunter Valley Semillon placed in Matthew Jukes’ list of Australia’s Top 100 wines, compiled annually by the UK-based journalist, as well as winning Cellar Door of the Year at the Hunter Valley Legends & Wine Industry Awards.
Brokenwood Wines Managing Director and Chief Winemaker, Iain Riggs, said: “As the oldest grape growing region in Australia it is rewarding to see our two major varieties, Semillon and Shiraz flying the flag for premium Australian wine. These are unique wine styles and give due recognition to our tireless grape growers and winemakers.”
McGuigan Wines Chief Winemaker, Neil McGuigan, said: “What a wonderful result for the Hunter Valley wine industry with two of the best grape varieties from this region being recognised on the world stage. Brokenwood and McGuigan run adjoining properties in the Hunter. As neighbours, we share a healthy rivalry and an immense admiration for each other’s wines, plus Riggsy and I are good mates – we couldn’t be happier for each other and the region.”