News from Southcorp concerns the 1994 vintage of Penfolds’ premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Bin 707, which scored a hat trick at the inaugural 1998 Singapore International Wine Challenge. The wine won three trophies in the international competition: The Wine Institute of Asia Trophy for Best Wine in the Challenge, Best Red Wine and Best Australian Wine. The Singapore International Wine Challenge is judged by some of Asia’s leading wine and hospitality figures, is one of three major wine shows in the Asian region. It was developed in conjunction with the influential London International Wine Challenge. The other two competitions are held in Hong Kong and Shanghai. The competition, which will be held annually, was presided over by Wine magazine publisher and founder, Robert Joseph. It attracted some 860 entries from 15 countries, including about 300 entries from Australia. Since its release in 1997, the 1994 Bin 707 has won three trophies, including Best Red Wine and Best Cabernet Sauvignon and a gold medal at the 1997 Sydney Wine Show. Fruit for the 1994 Bin 707 was sourced from the Coonawarra, Barossa Valley and Padthaway districts of South Australia. Typically, the wine finished its fermentation in American oak and was then matured for 18 months in new American oak hogsheads. Houghton’s 1995 Show Shiraz, made by Paul Lapsley from 30 year-old low-yielding vines at Frankland River, has now collected 9 trophies and 12 gold medals. BRL Hardy chief winemaker Peter Dawson says it is now the most decorated show wine in WA’s winemaking history.
