SKILLED Lindeman’s Coonawarra winemaker Brett Sharpe dazzled judges at the prestigious Royal Adelaide Wine Show with his standout trio of heritage shiraz cabernet wines.
The 2015, 2010 and 2005 wines won in the Wines of Provenance category, standing out against 35 other heritage wines from across Australia.
Working for Lindeman’s Coonawarra since late 1998, Mr Sharpe took over the reins and began as the sole winemaker of the unique wines in 2005.
“2005 was my very first vintage and so I was over the moon wining this award as I have total ownership over them,” Mr Sharpe said.
The shiraz cabernet was recognised for its individuality as it was produced solely from the Limestone Ridge Vineyard.
“The winery has a long heritage as the vines were planted in 1967 and were one of the first labeled single vineyard wines in Australia with their first release in 1971,” Mr Sharpe said.
He said the award was special for the winery and all those involved in the process.
“The wine produces an unusual character compared to other Coonawarra shiraz – it has a blackberry and mulberry fruit mixture releasing distinctive flavours on the palate,” Mr Sharpe said.
“You can almost taste the limestone coming through in the wine.”
Mr Sharpe went on to say an important aspect of the award was the recognition it placed on the importance of wine consistency.
“The award shows the wine has consistency of superior quality over a long period of time, resulting in the consumer knowing the wine will be quality,” he said.
Provenance judges Andrew Callaird MW, Pan Dunsford OAM and Ian McKenzie were wowed with the freshness of Mr Sharpe’s wines, which were sealed with screw tops.
“Judges commented these wines stood out as they were remarkably fresh,” Mr Sharpe said.
He said the award was a fantastic result for the region, the brand and its label.
