The show saw 164 entries from 25 vineyards on the Shoalhaven Coast, Southern Highlands and the South Coast Zone extending to the Victorian Border.

All entries had to be made from fruit grown within these regions.

Judges were Deb Pearce, Nicole Esdaile and chief judge David Morris (Morris of Ruthglen wines) who said, “The general standard (of wines) was higher than last year, with an increase in medals to entries awarded.”

The Tannat variety was planted at Coolangatta in 2003, and while not widely grown throughout Australia has proven to enjoy the region’s challenging climate.

It is the third trophy won for the 2008 vintage and Coolangatta Estate owner and vingeron Greg Bishop believes the variety has huge potential in the area.

It was a successful night for Coolangatta Estate, also winning the trophy for best wine of show, best white wine and best wine made from grapes grown in Shoalhaven Coast for its 2001 Semillon.

“It’s great to see our Semillon’s do well, we are being recognised within the industry as one of the country’s great producers of Semillon,” said cellar door manager, Ben Wallis.

“However for me the greatest result from the night is that we are now producing a red from the region that has the potential to do the same.”

Results from the show included trophies for best wine of show, best white wine, best wine made from grapes grown in Shoalhaven Coast - Coolangatta Estate 2001 Semillon (gold medal).

Trophy for best red wine - Coolangatta Estate 2008 Tannat (gold medal).

Trophy for best wine made from grapes grown in Southern Highlands - Tertini Wines 2005 Riesling (gold medal).

Trophy for best wine made in a Shoalhaven Coast winery - Two Figs Winery 2009 Chardonnay (gold medal).

Other gold medals - Coolangatta Estate Semillon 2006, Coolangatta Estate Semillon 2005, Sally’s Corner Wines Chardonnay 2008.

Best in class:

Class 5 Semillon - Coolangatta Estate 2001 Semillon

Class 8 Chardonnay - Two Figs Winery 2009 Chardonnay

Class 9 sweet white wine - Tertini Wines 2008 Reserve Noble Riesling

Class 10 rose - Centennial Vineyards 2009 Bong Bong Rose

Class 15 dry red wine - blends and other varieties - Coolangatta Estate 2008 Tannat