Cabernet and Cool Whites Win Judges' Praise
Margaret River’s terrior has proven its consistency, according to outgoing Commonwealth Bank 2006 Margaret River Wine Show Chairman of Judges Brian Croser.
Mr Croser told attendees at the Exhibitor Tasting on December 1, he had found a discernable pattern over his three years as Chairman.
“Much of the outstanding characteristics
are imposed by the terroir of the region, much to your good luck and good management,” he said.
Mr Croser was full of praise for the white varieties coming out of the cooler Southern parts of the region, comparing the Sauvignon Blancs to those being produced in New Zealand’s famed Marlborough
region.
“There was some great aged Semillon, which were nearly as good as the best of the Hunter. Outstanding quality,” he said.
Mr Croser also described the
Cabernet classes as ‘outstanding’, declaring Margaret River to be the best place to produce Cabernet at the moment.
However he controversially maintained
his position against locally produced Shiraz, by far the largest class represented at the Show.
“Shiraz just doesn’t suit a maritime climate. They were adequate but uniformly lack form.”
Panel chair Louisa Rose said she was generally impressed by the wines, particularly of the varieties
expected from Margaret River, calling the SSB blends a ‘real joy’.
