Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of the World for 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011Château Tanunda Grand Barossa Shiraz 2008 – Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of the World for 2011
Coming in at number #33, Château Tanunda’s Grand Barossa Shiraz 2008 was listed today as the highest ranked Australian wine by Wine Spectator’s annual review of the world’s best 100 wines for 2011.
In addition 2008 Grand Barossa Shiraz ranked #4 in the Top 100 Outstanding Value Wines of the World for 2011 - And again was the highest ranked Australian wine.
This list is selected from more than 16,000 new releases which is then narrowed down based on four criteria: Quality, Value, Availability, and what Wine Spectator calls the X-Factor, defined as “the excitement generated by a rising-star producer, a benchmark wine or a significant milestone for a wine region’. The final decisions, however, reflect the judgement and passion by the editors for the wines tasted. Harvey Steiman gave the $18 wine 92 points and special recognition by naming it a ‘smart buy wine’. Wine Spectator is the world’s leading and most authoritative wine magazine.
“We have only been working in the USA for the past two years. To get a Top 100 wine in 2011 is a great recognition, especially since our house style has been challenging the common perception that all Australian wines are mono - stylistic. Our complete focus on minimal handling, purity of fruit and regional expression has undoubtedly challenged the norm and the marketplace is certainly taking notice”
“It has been a very hard journey to re-generate interest with our USA distributors, at a time when Australia is facing some challenging times. We have had total belief that the Barossa Valley can deliver bold, generous and elegant wines and this Top 100 placing is really fantastic”, John Geber said.
“Top 100 recognition is also attributed to our partners Banfi Vintners, who have been adamant that this was the new direction to follow for Australia! Michelle Geber has lived in the USA for two years and has done the hard yards of tirelessly telling the Chateau Tanunda story over that time, constantly being on the road. Many a door was politely closed and yet she never gave up. I am particularly proud of the tenacity of our team – that makes recognition very rewarding.” Mr Geber said.
Château Tanunda wines have now been recognised on three continents this year:
USA - Wine Spectator - Top 100 December 2011
UK - Decanter Magazine – We had two of only five, 5 star wines in November 2011
UK - IWSC in London 2010/11 World’s Best Single Vineyard Red (The Everest Grenache) and World’s Best Shiraz and Australian Producer of the Year
Europe – Berlin Wine Trophy – Australian Producer of the Year 2010 and 2011
Australia – James Halliday “The Dark Horse Winery” for 2011. 5 Star Winery
Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches more than 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the Web’s most comprehensive wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms, and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews of more than 15,000 wines each year.
Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines have been compiled every year since 1988 from a list of the most exciting wines they have reviewed over the preceding 12 months. These 100 wines reflect significant trends, recognise outstanding producers, and spotlight successful regions and vintages around the world.
Grand Barossa Shiraz 2008 from Château Tanunda, is now part of this great fraternity.”
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