October 2020: Briar Ridge Vineyard has dominated the 2020 NSW Wine Awards, with the Mount View, Hunter Valley based boutique winery awarded three trophies for its 2018 Dairy Hill Semillon, including the prestigious NSW Governor’s 2020 Best in Show.
Announced at the 25th annual presentation luncheon in Sydney, the winery was the only one to receive three trophies - NSW DPI Trophy for Best Semillon, Orora Trophy for Best Dry White in Show and NSW Governor’s 2020 Best in Show.
With the latter of the trophies considered the highest honour awarded to the best wine in NSW, Jaclyn Davis, Owner & General Manager, Briar Ridge Vineyard, said the award is indicative of the momentum building following some new appointments at the winery.
Indeed, Davis began overseeing the day-to-day operations in 2018, while Winemaker Alex Beckett joined Briar Ridge Vineyard in 2016 under then Winemaker Gwyn Olsen. Beckett was promoted to Winemaker in 2017 when Olsen took on the role of Consultant Winemaker.
“We are thrilled with the results from the NSW Wine Awards,” Davis said.
“This is one of a number of wins for Briar Ridge Vineyard in the past few months, and it serves to reinforce the outstanding work of the team under the direction of Winemaker Alex Beckett, Vineyard Manager Belinda Kelly and winemaking mentorship from consultant Winemaker Gwyn Olsen.”
Described by the judges as a wine that “highlights all that is great about the Hunter’s iconic and world-renowned grape variety”, Beckett said the winning 2018 Dairy Hill Semillon is one that epitomises the distinctive geography and ethos of Briar Ridge Vineyard.
“Our Dairy Hill block consistently produces a terrific Semillon each year, and is renowned for expressing the unique position of our vineyard here at Mount View,” Beckett said.
“Through extensive trials we have also established a very simple approach to Semillon production - whole-bunch pressing, neutral yeast selection and very light lees contact - and as a result our wines develop their own natural personality.”
Beckett recently celebrated the first trophy of his career at the Riverina Wine Show, with a 2020 Limited Release Fiano awarded the Best White Wine and Champion Wine of Show in the Australian Italian Varieties.
“This is an important milestone for Alex and extremely well-deserved,” said Davis.
“We have some exciting developments in the pipeline and are looking forward to what’s coming up for him and the rest of the team here at Briar Ridge Vineyard.”
For further information, please contact:
Alexandria Carruthers, Operations & Communications Manager – Briar Ridge Vineyard
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | P: 02 4990 3670 | M: 0448 011 225
W: www.briarridge.com.au | A: 593 Mount View Road, Mount View NSW 2325