Margaret River winery Stella Bella and Mount Barker-based Poachers Ridge stood out at the recent Tri Nations Wine Challenge, the winners of which were announced earlier this month.
Stella Bella’s Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2004 won the first prize in the Bordeaux blends category, while Poachers Ridge Louis Block Great Southern Merlot 2005 came out on top in the Merlot category.
The Tri Nations Wine Challenge was developed by South African (and later Wallabies) rugby legend Tiaan Strauss in 2003. The competition involves internationally renowned wine experts, including Australian Jamie Halliday, Bob Campbell from New Zealand, and Michael Fridjhon of South Africa, selecting a range of fine wines from their own country. Stella Bella and Poachers Ridge came out at the top of their categories after the three judges blind tasted a total 315 wines.
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Empire Beer Group Ltd has issued 63,000 shares to Allan Jefferies’ hospitality consultancy business, Complete Hospitality Pty Ltd, for consultancy services provided to the brewer.
Mr Jefferies, the former state manager of the Australian Leisure and Hospitality group, the company behind well-known Perth pubs The Queens, The Brass Monkey and the Sail and Anchor, was recruited by Empire Beer Group to manage the operations of its Colonial Brewing Company pubs and the recently acquired The Royal Bar and Brasserie in East Perth.
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Albany’s Great Southern Wine Festival takes place on December 2 from 11am to 5pm. It will feature wines from regions including Frankland River, Mount Barker, the Porongorups, Denmark and Albany. A $20 tasting glass, purchased on entry, is an essential part of the day, as more than 25 Great Southern winemakers offer their wine to taste.
Wine judge and writer Ray Jordan will formally open the festival at 1pm and will participate to a mid-afternoon wine industry forum.
