Willunga 100 Grenache 2023 creates history at Australia’s 2025 National Wine Show
2025 NATIONAL WINE SHOW RESULTS AUSTRALIA
The most prestigious award that any individual wine can win in Australia remains, arguably, the Jimmy Watson Trophy. Next up is the top gong at Australia’s National Wine Show, which is held in Canberra. This top award is called the Prime Minister’s Trophy. A varietal grenache has already climbed the hill to win the Jimmy Watson Trophy – that honour went to the Turkey Flat Grenache 2016 (made by Mark Bulman). But no varietal grenache has ever won the Prime Minister’s Trophy.
Until now.
It took a grenache from McLaren Vale to do it. It’s called Willunga 100 McLaren Vale Grenache 2023, and it was made by Renae Hirsch. It’s a lovely wine and it’s especially lovely that it’s only $30. Winefront’s full review (and score) of this wine is here. Gary Walsh said, in part, back in March: “Nice balance. Good wine. Like it. Gustatory. Good drinking.”
National Wine Show Chair of Judges Matt Harrop said the first-time win for a grenache at Australia’s national wine show reflects a reversal of fortune for a variety that has long played second fiddle to more commonly known grapes.
“Grenache is riding the zeitgeist. It’s the hottest thing outside pinot noir, which took us by storm 10 to 15 years ago when Tasmania burst onto the scene. The same attention to detail is now being put into grenache by smart winemakers in the warmer parts of South Australia,” Mr Harrop said.
Personally I think that Australian grenache, at its best, might be even hooter than Pinot Noir, though who’s counting.
Congratulations to Willunga 100 and to Renae Hirsch.
Renae Hirsh, Winemaker at Willunga 100, accepts the Prime Minister’s Trophy from Minister Don Farrell. Renae’s 2023 Willunga 100 McLaren Vale Grenache is the first Grenache to ever win the top award, a remarkable feat made more remarkable by the fact that it’s asking price is a within-reach $30.
