October 28, 2024 — McLaren Vale’s ‘Best Wine of Show’ and prestigious ‘Bushing Queen’ title were awarded to Penny’s Hill for the 2023 ‘Single Vineyard’ Grenache at the 51st annual McLaren Vale Winemakers Bushing Luncheon, held at Chalk Hill. Winemakers Alexia Roberts and Paul Carpenter were crowned the 2024 Bushing Monarchs.
Photo credit: Ben Macmahon
This multi-award-winning debut release, crafted by Chief Winemaker Alexia Roberts, earned five trophies at the 2024 McLaren Vale Wine Show, judged by an esteemed panel led by Chair of Judges Andrew Thomas, with Panel Chairs Pip Anderson, Toby Barlow, and Steven Paul. They were joined by International Judge Emma Jenkins MW and supported by judges Sam Watkins, Louis Schofield, Marcell Kustos, Jack Glover, and Lauren Hansen, along with associate judges Ben Wilcox, Phillip Lord, Matt Pedder, Grace Wang, Jackson Farrow, and Amelia Anspach.
The 2024 McLaren Vale Wine Show saw 730 entries, showcasing the region’s diverse talents. Coveted trophies won by the 2023 Penny’s Hill ‘Single Vineyard’ Grenache and the winery include:
- Best One Year Old Grenache
- Best Single Vineyard Viticulturist
- Best Single Vineyard Wine (Any Style other than Shiraz)
- Best Grenache
- Best Wine of Show
Penny’s Hill Chief Winemaker and Chief Operating Officer, Alexia Roberts, remarked:
“We are thrilled to be recognised amongst our McLaren Vale peers. This Blewitt Springs Grenache is an elegant and focused style of wine, showcasing the terroir of this magnificent site.”
The 2023 Penny’s Hill ‘Single Vineyard’ Grenache is sourced from ‘The Springs’ vineyard in Blewitt Springs, home to 75-year-old bush vines deeply rooted in sandy soils at an elevation of 136 metres. The unique conditions of this subregion contribute to the wine’s distinct character.
The release of a new collection of wines from Penny’s Hill this year reinforces the winery’s ongoing commitment to excellence, both in the vineyard and the winery. Recognition of the 2023 Penny’s Hill ‘Single Vineyard’ Grenache at the 2024 McLaren Vale Wine Show further highlights this dedication.
Adding to its accolades this year, the 2023 Penny’s Hill ‘Single Vineyard’ Grenache secured a Gold Medal at the 2024 Sydney Royal Wine Show and the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards in London, alongside high praise from leading Australian wine critics.
About Penny’s Hill
Penny’s Hill is a sustainably certified producer in McLaren Vale, South Australia. The estate is located on the historic ‘Ingleburne’ homestead property, dating back to 1855. Since its inception in 1988 and with a strong focus on Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Penny’s Hill has a track record of receiving global acclaim for its McLaren Vale wines. Acquired by Warren Randall of the Randall Wine Group in 2022, Penny’s Hill is poised to become an attraction for global visitors, with the significant $4M development of the “Tourism Village”.
Website: www.pennyshill.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pennyshillwines
Instagram: www.instagram.com/pennyshillwines
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/80811931
About Randall Wine Group
The Randall Wine Group is Australia’s largest private luxury vineyard holder, spanning over 9,000 acres, together with an expanding portfolio of luxury wine brands, including Seppeltsfield in the Barossa and Gemtree Organic Wines in McLaren Vale.
