Friday 12 September 2003

Ferngrove Vineyards Estate has triumphed at the Perth Royal Wine Show, winning The Lionel Samson Trophy for “the exhibitor whose five or more judged entries gain the highest average points”.

The Lionel Samson Trophy, presented at the Perth Royal Wine Show awards dinner in Burswood last night (September 11, 2003) is based on the average points tally for all judged entries – medal winning or otherwise.

The trophy marks the first Royal Perth Show accolade for the Frankland River winery and is a tremendous follow up to Ferngrove’s success at the 2003 Macquarie Bank Sydney Royal Wine Show, when the Ferngrove Vineyards Cossack Riesling 2002 won the prestigious ‘Macquarie Bank Perpetual Trophy’ for Best Wine of Show.

Ferngrove Winemaker Kim Horton says The Lionel Samson Trophy is a credit to the wine-growing prowess of the Frankland River region. “ We are just delighted to win this trophy and to again see our wines heralded as being ‘the best’ from the Frankland River.

“Ferngrove, and the Frankland River region as a whole, is becoming increasingly recognised for our ability to grow a diverse range of quality fruit. That we have achieved medals across the spectrum of our wines reiterates this fact,” Horton said.

Ferngrove Vineyards Estate achieved an average points tally of 17/20 (silver medal) for their judged entries in the Perth Royal Wine Show – the highest average of all exhibitors. Of the five Ferngrove wines submitted in the show, four were awarded medals, emphasising the winery’s strength across the board.

The following wines collected medals (RRP in brackets). Each of the wines is widely available at good wine stores and restaurants throughout Australia:

• Ferngrove Estate 2001 Shiraz ($16-$18) - Gold
• Ferngrove Estate 2001 Cabernet Merlot ($12-$14) - Gold
• Ferngrove Estate 2001 Merlot ($16-$18) - Silver
• Ferngrove Estate 2003 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc ($12-$14) - Bronze