The results of the 2011 Five Nations Wine Challenge were announced on 10 September. The 2011 event saw the addition of Chile and Argentina to the original Tri-Nations participants of Australia, South Africa and New Zealand who had competed against each other since 2003. The challenge is a unique event highlighting some of the best wines in the Southern Hemisphere, with the participating judges inviting wineries from their own country to submit their wines for judging.
This year, the judges were Huon Hooke of Australia, Michael Fridjhon of South Africa, Bob Campbell MW of N.Z, Eduardo Bethauer of Chile and Fabrico Portelli of Argentina, who had to select the top wines in 16 different classes as well as choosing the winners of four other prestigious trophies. Of the 20 trophies awarded, South Africa took 8, New Zealand 6, and 2 each for Australia, Chile and Argentina.
Here are top results and the trophy winners:
The results are especially pleasing for me as I had earlier rated the Kidnapper Cliffs Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 and Craggy Range ‘Sophia’ 2009 both 20.0/20 points.
For the full results with trophies, double golds (runners up) and golds, go to http://www.boutiquewines.com.au/