MARGARET River wine producer Evans & Tate has been awarded gold medals for its 1996 Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon and 1996 Margaret River Merlot at the 1999 International Wine Challenge in London.
More than 8,500 wines from thirty-seven countries were judged in varietal classes, firstly against wines from the same region and then against other potentially medalworthy wines from around the world.
Evans & Tate owner Franklin Tate said the results confirmed the world-class standing of the wines his winery had been making.
“Only 234 gold medals were awarded,” Mr Tate said. “To win two of these in the one class – for Bordeaux and Bordeaux-style reds – is an achievement we are proud of.
“A result like this is a real stimulus for all Margaret River producers. It will help to further establish the reputation of Margaret River as a premium viticultural district.
“The medals give us even more confidence in the ability of the region to consistently produce fruit of world class quality.
“It also confirms the validity of our winemaking philosophy. For red wines this philosophy is based on achieving intense colour development and rich fruit flavours with a balanced and elegant tannin structure.”
Evans & Tate chief winemaker Brian Fletcher said the style of the 1999 Margaret River Merlot was “just about right”.
“It has the flavours we’re after – lots of chocolate and plum flavours and a distinctly gamy touch,” Mr Fletcher said.
At its release, he said he regarded the 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon as the most complete of the company’s Margaret River reds.
“It has excellent balance of flavour and structure, intense colour and some really good oak,” Mr Fletcher said.
“It’s the sort of wine that gives me confidence about being up with the best that Margaret River can produce,” he said.
