The full results of the 2008 Tri-Nations Wine Challenge were announced in Sydney on 21st November. While Australia again dominated the competition, there were clear signs that both South Africa and New Zealand had both substantially upped their game.

Australia achieved best overall score and won the Best red, Best White and Best Wine on Show Trophies. However, given Australia's reputation as a Shiraz producer, New Zealand's continued success in this category – it took the top three places – provided its antipodean neighbour with some serious competition.


Ataraxia's Kevin Grant brought the Chardonnay Trophy home to South Africa when the Ataraxia 2007 (recently accorded a Platter Five Star Award) was adjudged the Chardonnay class winner, nudging the much-vaunted Leeuwin Estate (whose Art Series Chardonnay is widely held to be the best Southern Hemisphere example) into second place. South Africa also achieved nine “Highly Commended” Gold Medals, including three in the dessert wine class, a category which Cape wine producers have dominated since the inception of the competition in 2003.


The following Cape Wines are listed as Highly Commended

Class Two (Chardonnay)
Ataraxia Chardonnay 2007 (Class Winner)
Rustenberg Five Soldiers Chardonnay 2006

Class Five (Other White Varieties)
De Morgenzon Chenin Blanc 2007

Class Six (Pinot Noir)
Hamilton Russell Vineyards 2007

Class Ten (Bordeaux Blends)
Tokara 2005

Class Eleven (Other Red Blends)
Beyerskloof Synergy Reserve 2005

Class Thirteen (Dessert Wines)
Nederburg Noble Late Harvest 2007
Ken Forrester Wines “T” 2006
Nederburg Auction Bin S316 2004

The judging – by a four-man panel chaired by Robert Joseph with representatives from each of the three countries (James Halliday Australia, Bob Campbell MW New Zealand and Michael Fridjhon South Africa) - took place in Sydney on 16th and 17th September.

Full results are available on www.trinationswine.com