State’s best drops sampled and scrutinised in Mt Barker for 45th annual Wine Show of WA

Some of the State’s best drops have been sampled and scrutinised by a judging panel of WA wine connoisseurs in Mt Barker as part of the 45th Wine Show of WA this week.

More than 800 entries across 37 classes will have been assessed by the time three big days of judging wraps up at Sounness Park on Thursday.

This year’s judging panel is headed by Courtney Treacher, whose credentials include extensive experience as part of the Houghton winemaking team.

She was appointed the winemaker responsible for Brookland Valley Wines in 2013.

On Tuesday’s first day of judging, Ms Treacher said the 2021 chardonnay and the 2020 chardonnay brackets were “excellent and very strong”.

“Although early on, I feel the 2021 chardonnays may be one of the standout brackets of the show,” she said.

“Also tasted is the 2020 shiraz bracket — also very strong and a reflection of the warmer vintage with really resolved tannins.”

The panel will be jointly chaired by Andrew Spinaze, Damian Hutton and Kim Bickley, with Rob Mack, Foni Pollitt, Megs Kopke, Andrew Dawson, Julian Langworthy and Charlie Seppelt rounding out the 10-person panel.

The annual show is open exclusively to WA wines and has developed a strong reputation since it was first held 44 years ago.

The inaugural show in 1978 had 26 wines in six classes, with 12 medals and two trophies presented.

At last year’s show, there were 841 entries across 40 classes which shared in 542 medals and 21 trophies.

Wine Show of WA chair Ian Osborne acknowledged the commitment of the competing wineries and the show’s sponsors.

“We also express our sincere appreciation for the support of the judges, stewards and committee members who fit the show into their busy schedules and have made the show possible,” he said.

An exhibitor and trade tasting will take place at Sounness Park on Friday, before winners are announced at a presentation dinner at Albany’s Retravision Stadium from 6pm that night.