Hither & Yon’s 2021 Aglianico has won McLaren Vale’s Best Wine of Show 2022, with Leask brothers Malcolm and Richard crowned McLaren Vale Bushing Monarchs for the second time.

The trophies from this year’s show, including Best Wine of Show and the prestigious Bushing Monarch title, were awarded at the 58th annual McLaren Vale Bushing Lunch, held at Chalk Hill Wines on Friday 28 October.

From over 750 entries the Hither & Yon Aglianico was selected as the winner by a panel of judges from across Australia, including Andrew Thomas of Thomas Wines, Andrea Pritzker MW, Tim Dolan of Kaesler Wines, Ian McKenzie and Liz Silkman of First Creek Wines.

Chair of Judges Andrew Thomas says the awards showcase the continued evolution of winemaking in the region across both the more traditional varieties such as Shiraz, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as emerging varieties and blends.

“With an overall medal strike rate of 62 per cent, including just under 8 per cent of entries being awarded Gold medals, it is clear that McLaren Vale winemakers continue to strive for excellence in terms of quality. 

“Shiraz is still the most important variety for the region in both quality and quantity representing just over 30 per cent of the total entries, but it is clear that the high quality of Grenache and some of the other emerging varieties entered are adding colour and diversity to the region’s offerings,” he says.

"From the outstanding 2021 vintage, the Hither & Yon Aglianico stood up in an extremely high quality and diverse class of new and emerging Mediterranean varietals. 

“This wine demonstrated a compelling vibrancy, purity and precision reflecting the more contemporary style of red winemaking we are seeing from the region in recent years. 

“Bright perfumed red and blue fruit aromatics, a perfectly ripe and fleshy flavour with a supple tannin structure. There’s plenty to love.”

For McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association CEO Erin Leggat the Best Wine in Show was a fantastic example of the region's varietal and stylistic diversity. 

“The innovation and creativity of McLaren Vale’s winemakers and viticulturists is really challenging preconceptions. 

“We have always been known for the premium quality of our wines, but our region is now fast becoming one of the world centres for the cultivation of Mediterranean grape varieties and production of bright, contemporary, fruit-forward red wines.

"It’s an incredible result for Hither & Yon, who are paving the way as South Australia’s first certified carbon-neutral winery, and for our region."

Full details of the 2022 awards are available here.