An impressive medal strike at the recent Canberra & Region Wine Show firmly positions the NSW Hilltops as one of Australia’s most exciting and versatile wine regions, according to Hilltops Wine president James Bowman. Photo: Canberra & Region Wine Show
For winemakers, there’s little more gratifying than a shiny trophy to cap off a year of hard work, and the 2024 Canberra & Region Wine Show provided more than its fair share of accolades for the NSW Hilltops wine region.
This year’s results were a testament to the growing prominence and quality of Hilltops wines, with multiple trophies and medals of every colour going to local vignerons and winemakers.
In a year that saw nearly 100 entries from the Hilltops region, the judging panel, led by chief judge Shanteh Wale, conjured an impressive medal strike rate of 60 per cent for the Hilltops entries.
That translates to four trophies, six Top Gold medals (the highest point scorers of the gold medal wines in any class in the show), six Gold Medals, and 17 Silver Medals, highlighting the region’s impressive showing. Many of the drops showcased the incredible diversity and depth of the Hilltops terroir.
Trophies winners were Corang Estate Il Rosso 2023, which won Best Sangiovese; Freeman Dolcino 2013, which was awarded Best Sweet Wine; and Hungerford Hill Fishcage Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, which won Best Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the Peter Robertson Trophy for Hilltops Wine of the Year 2024.
Top Gold medals were awarded to the Centennial Vineyards 2022 Limited Release Hilltops Shiraz; Mada Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer Riesling 2023 (blend); and Moppity Lock & Key Cabernet Sauvignon 2022.
Gold medallists included Ballinaclash Fiano 2024, Coppabella Procella Shiraz 2022, Hungerford Hill Sangiovese 2023, Hungerford Hill Malbec 2023, Moppity Vineyards Block 4 Shiraz 2022, and Moppity Reserve Shiraz 2022.
The Hilltops region, centred on the town of Young, offers a unique climate that creates ideal conditions for producing high-quality wines.
The area’s elevated rolling hills, around 500 metres above sea level, combined with red granitic loam soils and reliable water sources, contribute to even ripening and flavour concentration in the grapes.
The region’s extended autumn season allows for slower maturation, adding complexity to the wines.
Hilltops Wine president James Bowman views these recent accolades as proof of the dedication and innovation that define the region’s winegrowers.
‘‘These accolades validate the commitment, skill, passion and innovative approach of Hilltops vignerons, who increasingly seek out top-quality grapes from our cool vineyards,” Mr Bowman said.
“‘For such a small region to score six Top Gold awards ranging from aromatic white varieties and a mature sweet wine to the classic reds, notably cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, is a serious endorsement of our region’s strength and diversity and posts notice that the NSW Hilltops is one of Australia’s most exciting and versatile wine regions.”
Bryan Currie, winemaker at Hungerford Hill and the winner of Wine of the Year in 2022, is a strong advocate for the Hilltops wine region, both for its traditional red grapes – cabernet sauvignon and shiraz – and the emerging varieties such as fiano, graciano and tempranillo.
“There is a pristine flavour intensity and balance in these grapes that need little winemaking intervention to show their delicious true character,” he said. “It’s such an inspiring region!”
The Canberra & Region Wine Show acts as a qualifying event for the National Wine Show of Australia.
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