SW wines are winning drops

A Dunsborough winemaker has secured two top trophies at the Perth Royal Wine Show.

Margaret River Wine Region varieties secured a swag of gold, silver and bronze medals at the 2013 awards which were announced in Perth on Friday.

Grace Farm and 3 Oceans winemaker Jonathan Mettam accepted the trophies for Best Cabernet Sauvignon for new brand, Grace Farm and Best Western Australian Wine and Best Western Australian White Table Wine for the 3 Oceans’ The Explorers chardonnay.

He said the Grace Farm honour was a major accomplishment as it was a new brand among strong competition.

“It is testament to the vineyard’s soil and the hard work put in, particularly by viticulturist and vineyard manager Tim Quinlan,” Mr Mettam said.

“For the 2012 cabernet sauvignon to win when it is the king red grape of the region and beat its peers here is huge for an unknown (winery).”

The wine, which was only released two weeks ago, was one of 300 which took part in a blind judging at the show.

The 3 Oceans estate also received gold medals for its new release, The Estates sauvignon blanc semillon.

The Explorers and The Estates releases are new releases for 3 Oceans this month.

Mr Mettam said the win for the 3 Oceans trophy chardonnay reflected the work that has gone into that top end variety which had taken a new direction with a 100 per cent wild yeast ferment.

The Perth Royal Wine Show was established more than 40 years ago and the competition is credited with putting WA on the map as a producer of quality wines.