South Australian finalists shine in 2014 Young Guns of Wine Awards

Since 2007, the Young Guns of Wine Awards have recognised outstanding contributions from Australia’s emerging class of winemakers. This year, seven out of the 12 finalists come from South Australia. Including last year’s win – Taras Ochota, Ochota Barrels – and this year’s nominations, South Australia has consistently been well-represented in the shortlists. The 2014 list acknowledges what The Adelaide Review recently examined: the extraordinary wine talent emerging from Basket Range. This year’s Hot 100 SA Wines winner,Gareth Belton of The Gentle Folk, is a finalist alongside Brendon Keys of BK Wines (the winemaker behind Lofty Valley Wines’ 2013 Hot 100 SA Wines-winning drop). Murdoch Hill rounds out the Adelaide Hills residents, while representatives from the Barossa include Sami-Odi, Shobbrook and Tom Foolery Wines. Ministry of Clouds, with their wine sourced from all around SA and even Tasmania, is the final local listing. Nick Stock, Chief Judge of the awards, explains, “The mission of this award is to pull together an inspired group of younger Australian winemakers that are forging ahead at speed within the greater ranks and to inspire them and others to greatness. These guys and girls are singled out for their leadership, their vision, their talent and their influence on the cutting edge of the industry, an influence that has steadily grown each year, along with the challenge of thrashing out the list of finalists and selecting the eventual winner.” Along with the top gong – Young Gun of Wine – the awards also include accolades for People’s Choice, Best New Act and Winemaker’s Choice. The winners will be announced on Saturday, December 6, after a free wine tasting at Prince Wine Store, South Melbourne. Wines purchased at this event will determine the winner of People’s Choice. younggunsofwine.com/

Finalists of the 2014 Young Guns of Wine Awards

Brendon Keys, BK Wines Josephine Perry, Dormilona Gareth Belton, Gentle Folk Bernice Ong & Julian Forwood, Ministry of Clouds Michael Downer, Murdoch Hill Anna Pooley, Pooley Wines Fraser McKinley, Sami Odi Adrian Santolin, Santolin Dylan McMahon, Seville Estate Tom Shobbrook, Shobbrook Wines Rory Lane, The Story Wines Ben Chipman, Tom Foolery