Recently released 2015 Windowrie ‘Family Reserve’ Pinot Noir ($30) was awarded the Trophy for the Best Pinot Noir of the Show
at the 2016 Orange Wine Show. “This is the inaugural release of this wine and to have been presented a trophy along with two gold medals is more than we could have hoped for,” commented Windowrie’s Jason O’Dea.
The first gold medal was awarded at the prestigious 2016 Sydney Royal Wine Show in July and was one of only five gold medals in the class. “Top awards were fresh, bright and complex,” commented the judging panel. Last week’s Orange Wine Show Pinot Noir was judged by Chairman Gary Baldwin, Alison Eisermann MW, Nick O’Leary and Associate Luisa Machielse. The Pinot Noir class comprised 32 wines, reflecting the increasing importance of the variety in Orange; “Top awards (in the pinot noir class) showed good primary fresh fruit,” said the judges.
“Our Pinot Noir is made from a parcel of grapes grown on the north eastern slopes of Mount Canobolas situated at an elevation of 950 metres. The vineyard is starting to mature, having been planted in 1999 with Pinot Noir clones 114, 115 and MV6.” “We are aiming to make a balanced and harmonious Pinot Noir that is representative of the vineyard site,” explained Windowrie Winemaker, Anthony D’Onise. “We are looking to draw out flavours of raspberry through to dark cherry alongside herbs, spice and a touch of char. The comments from the judges from Sydney and Orange are really pleasing, and show we are certainly on the right track.”
The new Pinot Noir joins Windowrie ‘Family Reserve’ Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Gris. Another award to add to Windowrie’s collection:
• Trophy: Best Pinot Noir of the Show, Orange Wine Show 2016
• Top Gold Medal, Class 9, Orange Wine Show 2016
• Gold Medal, Class 21, Sydney Royal Wine Show 2016
Windowrie is one of Cowra region’s founding winemakers, established by the O’Dea family in 1988, the business experienced considerable success, allowing them to build a winery in 1999, which was certified organic in 2008. The Windowrie range now comprises the ‘Family Reserve’ and ‘The Mill’ range. Jason O’Dea also makes the ‘Pig In The House’ organic brand, which has been awarded the NASSA Organic Wine of the Year Trophy.