Decanter World Wine Awards
DWWA 2011: Shiraz is the star of the show
Close behind came Cabernet Sauvignon with 33 golds or 9%; and Chardonnay a fraction behind on 30 golds.
While France and Australia dominated the top awards in the Syrah/Shiraz category, there were a few surprises including a Greek Syrah blend from Alpha Estate. The judges described the 2008, as ‘Beautifully structured wine with bramble, oak and pepper on the nose and ripe syrah fruit on the palate. Well integrated, mouthfilling and good length.’
Canada has also got one over the USA in the Syrah category. The Canadians can boast two gold medal winning Syrahs while their neighbours failed to win a top gong. Poplar Grove’s Syrah 2008 from British Columbia impressed the judges with its ‘complex nose and palate’.
And the Niagara region, better known for its icewine, took a gold and regional trophy with a Syrah. Jackson Triggs Delaine Vineyards Syrah 2007 wowed the panel with its ‘sexy oak’ and ‘expressiveness.’
Have your say!
Neil Christie
August 15 15:57
Ontario is makeing some great red wines in particular Pinot Noir from ie. Norman Hardie in Prince Edward County and Great Cab Francs from Niagara region.
Ian Tarrant
August 15 13:38
2007 was probably the best vintage for red table wines in Niagara in it's vinifera history - The problem is most other vintages simply cannot support the 'big' red varietals and that green, unripe characteristics supercede.
Realistically, Pinot Noir has the best chance to make an impact year-over-year unless climate change dictates otherwise, and the heavier Syrahs, Cabs, etc. will simply be pleasant anomolies (2010 will be another fine vintage for these).
Whites are another matter and vinifera varietals are excelling almost every year now.