The Sydney International Wine Competition (SIWC) is one of the southern hemisphere’s largest and most regarded wine shows, and has developed rapidly since it was established in 1999. From most other wine competitions, the SIWC stands out in that the entrants are judged alongside food, reflecting the increasing emphasis of the wine world on food and wine matching. The competition’s special Blue Gold medal is given to the very finest food-matched wines.
Each year, the thousands of entries sent to the SIWC organizers undergo an initial review before they are submitted to the competition itself. The judges still test several thousand wines per year, despite this filtering process.Most come from Australia and New Zealand, which is reflected in the resulting spread of trophies and awards, but there is also representation from France, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Chile and Argentina. In the contest, both England and India have regular entries.
Behind the SIWC, a crucial philosophy is that wine taste is subjective and there is no perfect wine like that. It admits that judging panels only very rarely make a unanimous decision about the score of a wine. The SIWC committee publishes the names of any judges who disagree with the ranking of a wine, taking the scoring and awards system to transparency.
For the complete list of Sydney International Wine Competition results, visit www.top100wines.com.
1. Yellow Tail Pinot Noir, South Eastern Australia
Yellow Tail Pinot Noir is a pale ruby coloured wine. It exhibits attractive aromas of wild raspberries and strawberries from the bouquet. The medium-bodied and fruit-driven palate is filled with bright flavours of fresh cherries and red berry fruits, fusing with sweet spice notes and velvety tannins. It culminates in a captivating finish. This versatile drink is ideal for consumption throughout the year. Enjoy it with picnic foods, or simply as an aperitif after a long day.
Year: 2013
Awarded medal: Blue-Gold
Price: 5$
2. Yellow Tail Shiraz, South Eastern Australia
Dense and intense cherry color, discreet aromas of Shiraz, a hint of mint, fresh with a dominance of berries on the attack, medium strength, compact with a good structure, homogeneous tannins mark the finish. Yellow Tail Shiraz displays a dark purple colour with magenta hues along the edges. The attractive and vibrant bouquet exudes rich aromas of red berries and liquorice which intermix with subtle spicy undertones on the palate, to culminate in a smooth and persistent finale. This delightful wine tastes wonderful with steak, roasted lamb and dark chocolates.
Year: 2010
Awarded medal: Blue-Gold
Price: 5$
3. Jacob’s Creek Classic Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia
Dress of straw yellow rather deep. Nose with notes of white fruits and banana. The whole is also enhanced by hints of toasted almond and brioche. Take pleasure in tasting this white showing a good vivacity. The mouth of a fatty texture ends in a rather persistent finish.
Year: 1999
Awarded medal: Blue-Gold, Top 100
Price: 5$
4. Bodegas Atalaya ‘Laya’, Almansa, Spain
A wine for lovers of exuberant and harmonious reds! It first saw the light of day in the 2007 vintage following the launch of a new winery by Gil Family Estates. Located in the almansa appellation area, the winery brings together two emblematic varieties of the region, the garnacha tintorera and the monastrell. The wine is aged for four months in French oak barrels, and is dominated by fruity, floral and spicy notes.
Year: 2014
Awarded medal: Blue-Gold, Top 100
Price: 5$
5. Amelia Park Mishmash Margaret River Red, Australia
Here in the southwestern corner of Western Australia, the warm maritime climate and gravelly soils make ideal conditions for the production of intense and structured wines from Bordeaux varietals. The 2010 Amelia Park “Mishmash” Red is classic Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, with upfront ripe berry, currant, and plum aromas and flavors accented by subtle oak spice. It is medium-full bodied with nice core of fruit, suave mouthfeel and smooth tannins. Made from fruit sourced in the Wilyabrup and Wallcliffe sub-regions, this was fermented in stainless steel and aged in French oak. Fruit-driven, balanced, and full of finesse, drink this tonight or over the next five years.
Year: 2010
Awarded medal: Blue-Gold, Top 100
Price: 7$
6. Yellow Tail Cabernet Sauvignon, South Eastern Australia
Notes of prune and red fruits. Very pleasant wine. Not a grand cru but a wine that will always do the job for convivial moments. Purple dress. Nose of black fruits, blackberries. In mouth one is always on blackberry with hints of chocolate and mint. Long finish, melted tannins.
Year: 2010
Awarded medal: Blue-Gold
Price: 7$
8. Bodegas Borsao Garnacha – Tinto Seleccion Joven, Campo de Borja, Spain
A fresh and fruity wine with aromas of ripe red fruits, cherries, violets and vanilla. Controlled acidity. Balanced tannins. A powerful wine (14.5°), yet easy to drink. A good quality/price ratio. At first glance in the mouth there is an impression of red and black fruit which is quickly corrected by the presence of Temptanillo very slightly bitter. Anyway, the finish is beautiful as well as the persistence. Incredible.
Year: 2015
Awarded medal: Blue-Gold
Price: 8$
9. Jacob’s Creek Classic Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia
Dress of straw yellow rather deep. Nose with notes of white fruits and banana. The whole is also enhanced by hints of toasted almond and brioche. Take pleasure in tasting this white showing a good vivacity. The mouth of a fatty texture ends in a rather persistent finish.
Year: 2013
Awarded medal: Blue-Gold
Price: 8$
10. Grove Mill Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
This Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, is delicious. The grapefruit-like acidity and fruit sweetness are very refreshing and pleasant. Legs in place, this sauvignon blanc is highly recommended!