Chalk Hill Wines' director Tom Harvey and winemaker Renae Hirsch are the 2020 Bushing Monarchs.

The pair were crowned today (Friday 30 October), as the makers of the McLaren Vale Wine Show's highest scoring wine: the 2019 Alpha Crucis Old Vine Grenache.

Retailing for $55 from the cellar door, the wine is described as a medium bodied, yet full flavoured Grenache that delights with its purity, finesse and balance. Tasting reveals the flavours of red currants, dark cherries, spice, liquorice and a hint of earth shining through.

The trophy presentation was live streamed from Kay Brothers Winery to five satellite Bushing Lunch venues across the region.

There were more than 760 entries in this year's wine show, judged by a panel including Fiona Donald (Seppeltsfield Wines), Kate Laurie (Deviation Road),Tim Dolan (Peter Lehmann Wine) and local judging talent from across McLaren Vale.

Due to COVID-19, the McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association could not host the traditional 600-person Bushing Luncheon and instead encouraged the region's renowned restaurants to host their own satellite lunches to live stream the trophy presentation.

2020 Chair of Judges, David LeMire, highlighted the region's diverse winemaking talents in respecting traditional styles whilst challenging the status quo.

"The McLaren Vale Wine Show was a pleasure to judge," says Mr LeMire.

"The region is strong on diverse styles and varieties, and few regions are as effective in both respecting traditional styles, and also adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

"Shiraz and Cabernet were as strong as ever, the resurgence of Grenache continues, whites from Fiano and emerging red varieties are flourishing, and rosé is impressive.

"I think we all felt grateful that the show could go ahead, as it is a sign of normality and an opportunity to come together as a wine community."

McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association General Manager, Jennifer Lynch, is thrilled the Best Wine in Show celebrates the region's most notable variety.

"McLaren Vale Grenache has steadily gained a reputation for wines that are focused, fresh and respectful to site - it's exciting the 2020 Bushing title has been awarded to a variety synonymous with our region," says Ms Lynch.

"Congratulations to Chalk Hill Wines and winemaker Renee - after opening their new tasting room in early 2020 - this title is a thrilling way to cap off a huge year of exciting developments and success." 

McLaren Vale Wine Show 2020 - Trophies - FULL LIST:

Best Mediterranean White Wine: Serafino 2020 Bellissimo Fiano

Best One Year Old Grenache: Chalk Hill Wines 2019 Alpha Crucis Old Vine Grenache

Best One Year Old or Younger Shiraz: Shingleback 2019 Davey Estate Shiraz

Best McLaren Vale Rosé: Mazi 2020 Grenache Rosé

Best McLaren Vale White Wine: Serafino 2020 Bellissimo Fiano

Best Two Year Old Shiraz: Shingleback 2018 The Gate Shiraz

Best Two Year Old Grenache: Hedonist 2018 Grenache

Best Grenache Predominant Blend: Bondar Wines 2019 Junto Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre

Best Shiraz Predominant Blend: Shottesbrooke 2019 Engine Room Shiraz Tempranillo

Best Bordeaux Varietals and Blends: Serafino 2018 BDX Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Carmenere Merlot

Best ‘Classic Australian’ Blend: Shingleback 2018 The Gate Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz

Best Wine Label of Show: Silent Noise Wines 2020 FO Shiraz

Best Mediterranean Variety: Mitolo 2019 Cinquecento Sangiovese

Best Shiraz Three Years or Older: Shingleback 2017 Davey Estate Shiraz

Most Successful Exhibitor: Shingleback

Best Small Producer: Bondar Wines

Best Single Vineyard Wine Any Style (other than Shiraz): Serafino 2020 Bellissimo Fiano

Best Single Vineyard Viticulturist: Paul Mathews

Best Single Vineyard Shiraz: Shingleback 2019 Davey Estate Shiraz

Best Grenache: Chalk Hill Wines 2019 Alpha Crucis Old Vine Grenache

Best Shiraz: Shingleback 2019 Davey Estate Shiraz

Best Cabernet Sauvignon: Serafino 2018 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon

Best Museum Wine: Wolf Blass Wines 2016 Grey Label Shiraz

Best Icon Wine: Wirra Wirra The Angelus Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, 2013, 2010

Wine Storyteller’s Trophy: Alpha Box and Dice 2018 Dead Winemakers Society Muscat

Chairperson’s Trophy: Paxton 2019 Grenache

Bushing Monarch: Chalk Hill Wines 2019 Alpha Crucis Old Vine Grenache