Australia's Greatest White Wine Released Today

Hunter Valley Wine That Beat the Kiwis and South Africans Released Today!

A Hunter Valley wine which has garnered international attention and critical acclaim will be released in Australia today. Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon 2003, which won three trophies including 'Best Wine of Show' at the Tri Nations Wine Challenge, can now be found in limited quantities on shelves across Australia.

The wine's ability to reward cellaring for up to 30 years is a rarity with Australian white wine and has been appreciated by international critics and wine show judges for more than five decades, however Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon is still relatively unknown among most Australian wine drinkers

Described by leading UK wine critic Matthew Jukes as, "the finest single vineyard Sem in the world," Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon has also been named a 'Landmark Wine of Australia' and is rated 'Excellent' on the prestigious Langton's Classification of Australian Wine IV.

"Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon represents a style unique to Australia and the Hunter Valley, from a very special piece of soil in the region. I'm pleased that these distinctive elements have been recognized. It is also pleasing to see Australia once again demonstrate why we're such a powerful player on the international wine stage," Mr Ryan said.

The 2003 vintage of Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon released today won the Best Other White Trophy, Best White Wine Trophy and Best Wine of Show Trophy at the Tri Nations Wine Challenge, announced last Friday night. The wine has also won a gold medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition, in London, and a gold medal at the Melbourne Wine Show.

The Tri Nations Wine Challenge sees wines from Australia, New Zealand and Africa compete to win trophies in several categories. Wines can only be entered after receiving an invitation by an esteemed group of judges that includes UK wine critic Robert Joseph, James Halliday (Australia), Bob Campbell MW (New Zealand) and Michael Fridjhon (South Africa).

Due to the tight criteria for entry and the status of the judging panel, the competition has quickly established a reputation as one of the most challenging and demanding to win.

Overall, Australia supported by the success of McWilliam's Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon was named as 'Country of the Show'.

For further information or to coordinate an interview with the Winemaker, Phil
Ryan, please contact:
Katherine Ward
McWilliam's Wines
Communications Manager
0407 708 508

SOURCE: McWilliam's Wines