New head judge, Vanessa Altmann and her experienced panel of judges are working to discover our State’s most drinkable wines and despite the gruelling number of entries, we suspect they also have a lot of fun doing it.
“We are seeking, above all things, drinkability, we are looking for balance, for wines that are outstanding examples of each class.”
Altmann
“We are looking for balance, for wines that are outstanding examples of each class.” The Hot 100 Wines was the first show to class wines not by grape variety but wine style. Classes range from light, aromatic whites, whites with texture and orange and rosé to fruit forward reds, reds with power and presence and vermouth, dessert and fortified wines.
This aims to ensure that all wines have a place, particularly those that might be experimenting with new varietals, blends or techniques.
The results will be revealed at the launch of the Hot 100 SA Wines book launch party at Queen’s Theatre on Thursday, December 5, featuring all top 10 wines announced on the night accompanied by great South Australian food, Adelaide Gin tastings and cocktails and tunes by local arts legend and DJ, Anne Wiberg.
Meet our 2019/20 Judges
HEAD JUDGE – VANESSA ALTMANN
Vanessa started making wine in Langhorne Creek while studying winemaking at university. She went from assistant winemaker to winemaker and eventually winery manager over 15 years, always tasting, making, reviewing and learning. The Len Evans Tutorial fast-tracked her wine judging skills and the Governor’s Leadership Foundation Program, completed between hectic vintages, inspired her own business – Switch Organic Wine.
HEAD STEWARD – KIRRILEE HAY
Kirrilee is an Adelaide Hills girl who went to high school in the Barossa. She’s always been surrounded by wine with her first role after uni coordinating the South Australian Regional Awards program celebrating businesses, organisations and individuals in regional communities, including those in the wine industry.
Kirrilee works in the marketing team of the Royal Adelaide Show and Wine Show, and has been a panel steward for the Royal Adelaide Wine Show for three years.
THE PANEL
GILL GORDON-SMITH
Winemaker & Educator
– Fall From Grace
CHARLOTTE HARDY
Owner & Head Winemaker
– Charlotte Dalton Wines
MARGOT MUIR
Manager
– Edinburgh Cellars
SHAWNA DOMINELLI
Winemaker
– Grampians Ale Works
ALEX MACKENZIE
Winemaker
– Saltram Wines
VERITY COWLEY
Winemaker
– Temple Bruer Wines
ANITA GOODE
Owner & Winemaker
– Wangolina
SHARON ROMEO
Owner & Manager
– FINO
BRIAN PARKES
CEO
– Jam Factory
RYAN DAVIDSON
Owner & Brewer
– Little Bang Brewing Company
KRIS LLOYD
Manager & Head Cheesemaker
– Woodside Cheese Wrights
PABLO THEODOROS
Co-Owner
– Mother Wine & Stanley Bridge Hotel
CLAUDIA LILL
Wine Buying Manager
– Qantas
KATE GOODMAN
Winemaker
JESSICA HODGE
Winemaker
KATIE SPAIN
Wine Writer
DIEGO GARCIABELLIDO
Senior Researcher in Palaeontology / Associate Professor
– University of Adelaide
ROB MACK
Owner & Winemaker
– Aphelion Wine Co
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