Stockman's Ridge Orange Region Merlot 2008: I'm sure there will be people out there who love this wine...not me but it is well made. 87 points and a lot of competition out there if looking to spend $22 

Stockman's Ridge Orange Region Shiraz 2008: Rather a feral beast and boy did I like it! 90 points oh heck, make it 91 and good value at $25 

Stockman's Ridge Orange Region Pinot Gris 2009: Damn this Gris/Grigio naming; if its meant to represent style then it should be defined - this is more Grigio to me than Gris. That said, it's a good wine, just starting to develop character so should be good drinking throughout the summer (in Australia). 89 points and then it will be worth its $24 

Stockman's Ridge Orange region Sauvignon Blanc 2009: Very sound, which from me is a good 89 points and OK price-wise at $21 for Orange savvy but with NZ wine dropping in price might struggle in the market place.

 Silver : 2008 Rider Shiraz

 Bronze : 2008 Rider Merlot

 Bronze : 2008 Rider Pinot Gris

The Sydney Royal Show is highly regarded and one of the most prestegious shows in the Country with entries from all the big names like Penfolds, Leo Buring and d'ARENBERG.

Considering 2008 was our first vintage and we have an even better 2009 vintage still in barrels we are looking forward to next year where we can hope to continue our success in producing quality boutique wines at affordable prices.

This was against some impressive competition, including names like Penfolds, Wolf Blass, Paringa Estate and Saltram. It should be noted that of all the entries only 5 Gold Medals were awarded and just 53 Silvers, this was out of 422 Shiraz's entries from all over Australia. Our Shiraz was awarded a 17 out of 20 while the winner recieved a 19.

This year's event brought together a panel of highly credentialed and experienced judges.

• Geoff Merrill, Chairman of Judges
• Nick Bulleid MW
• Stephen Henschke
• Alan George

This year there was a revised judging process, this was that the Shiraz Challenge Committee introduced an innovative change to the judging process were wines entered were classed and tasted based on climate and regional points of difference, this ensured that all entries are judged objectively.

Annie's Lane At Quelltaler has won Australia's most prestigious wine award The 2009 Visy Great Australian Shiraz Challenge Trophy with its 2005 Annie's Lane Copper Trail Shiraz.

Winners were announced at a Gala Black Tie Dinner at the historic Tahbilk Winery on Friday 6th November. A record 422 wines competed in the 15th Challenge with vintages ranging from 2002 - 2009.

Geoff Merrill - Chairman of Judges comments: "On behalf of my fellow judges, Nick Bulleid (MW), David Traeger and Alan George it gives me great pleasure to summarise the highly successful 2009 Visy Great Australian Shiraz Challenge. 422 entries were judged over two days and more than half the wines were 07/08 so again tannin build up was a factor for the judges pallets.

I would like to thank Carol McLean and her team of helpers, the judging ran like clockwork.

This year's event showed more diversity of style and many wines expressed regional and climatic differences. Cork use was a historic low at just 21.5% of entries down from 26% last year.

With recent warmer vintage conditions winemakers should be vigilant in regards to not producing over ripe, porty wines.

In conclusion, the 2009 Visy Great Australian Shiraz Challenge has once again highlighted the diversity of viticultural regions and the high standard of winemaking related to the iconic Australian Grape Variety".

Stockman's Ridge Wines will be attending the La Famiglia Long Lunch and Wine Fair on Sunday 29th November.

Tickets will be $65, and that for the Seafood & Gourmet BBQ or if your not sure then just pop in and grab an antipasto platter for one ($25). This way you can sample all the wines on offer and enjoy in the atmosphere and live music.

Bookings are essential for the Seafood and Gourmet BBQ - Call Shanahan's Family Hotel on 6331 1353.

BRONZE MEDAL 2008 Rider Shiraz

BRONZE MEDAL 2009 Rider Pinot Gris

Reviewed 3 wines in his weekly coloum one of which was our 2008 Rider Shiraz and described it as:

STOCKMAN'S RIDGE RIDER ORANGE REGION 2008 Shiraz ($25) Double gold-medal winner with soft, silky and spicy flavours that are perfect for early drinking.