Saltram 2002 “The Eighth Maker” Shiraz has introduced itself to the wine fraternity in spectacular fashion, winning Australian wine’s greatest prize, the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy at a ceremony held in Melbourne’s Crown complex last night.

Yet to be released, Saltram’s The Eighth Maker is in the tradition of Barossa reds -bold, deep in colour and driven by the unique fruit from which it was created. The Saltram Eighth Maker Shiraz will be an exclusive release, in limited quantities with the first release 2000 vintage available next year.

Nigel Dolan is Saltram’s eighth Chief Winemaker and sought to create The Eighth Maker as a tribute to the past winemakers of Saltram, which include his father, Brian.

“The Eighth Maker was born from an idea to create a wine which encapsulated the winemaking history of Saltram,” Nigel said.“The result is quite a ‘retro’-styled wine, so obviously it’s a surprise, but also an enormous honour, to win the Jimmy Watson.”

Chief Winemaker at Saltram, Nigel Dolan, is now a second-time winner of the Jimmy Watson, triumphing in 1991 with a Cabernet Malbec.

Saltram also won the Trophy in 1967 for a 1966 “Burgundy Type” red wine, so the win completes yet another ‘double’ for the team.

The Jimmy Watson Trophy was established in 1962 and is considered the nation’s most coveted winemaking trophy. It was named in recognition of the late restaurateur and wine bar owner, Jimmy Watson.

Saltram 2002 The Eighth Maker Shiraz will not be available until 2006, however the first release of Eighth Maker Shiraz will be the 2000 vintage, which will be available in limited quantities in 2004.