Cabernet cred put to virtual test

Three days of simultaneous judging of 364 wine exhibits from 29 wine regions in Coonawarra and Margaret River wrapped up the 2020 James Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge presented by Langton’s last week.

In what is believed to be a world first, the judging panels, stewards and organising teams connected through Zoom, Skype, telephone, social media and the Australian Wine Research Institute wine show judging software, to make the show run smoothly.

It was a true celebration of the world’s most planted variety, and the Australian regions which champion it. Margaret River panel chairman Robert Mann said at the start of day one: “People drink wine for enjoyment, but people drink cabernet for enlightenment.”

During the three days of judging, five live crosses to the judging venues were shared on Facebook and Instagram, which have been watched by more than 8500 people to date.

The pre-teaser Cabernet Live, which was broadcast on International Cabernet Day, had more than 14,000 views, showing a huge interest in cabernet sauvignon.

Winners will be announced via an online results announcement on Thursday.