RMWS Expert Fortified Judges AnnouncedPRLog (Press Release) – Jul 28, 2011 – James Godfrey, Tim Gniel and Bernard Hickin have had a hand in some of the finest fortified wines in the world and Chief Judge, David Bicknell, is delighted to have assembled their collective sagely judgement for this class. James Godfrey (Senior Winemaker, Treasury Wine Estates)
James began his career in the wine industry in 1974 at Wynns Glenoth Winery at Reynella. The following year he commenced the Diploma in Oenology at Roseworthy, working vintages with Tolley, Saxonvale and Wynns Coonawarra Estate. Since James joined Seppelt as Assistant Winemaker in 1978, he’s helped create Seppelt’s world-renowned and multi-award winning Sherries, Ports, Tokays and Muscats; proof of his respect and skill with these fine old wines.
Tim Gniel (Winemaker, Campbells, Rutherglen)
Tim was born and bred in Adelaide and gained a degree in Science and Oenology at Adelaide University. He worked for ten years at Knappstein and two years at Sevenhill in the Clare, where he developed a passion for making fortified wines. Now on the winemaking team at Campbells in Rutherglen, Tim works on the famous bracket of Muscat, Topaque (Tokay) and Port.
Bernard Hickin (Chief Winemaker, Orlando Wines)
Bernard grew up a city boy (albeit in a wine loving family) and so came late to the idea of becoming a winemaker, inspired by visiting a friend working at Tolleys. He completed a winemaking degree at the Roseworthy and subsequently worked vintage at Berri Estate. In 1976, Bernard accepted his first job with Orlando Wines at Griffith and in 2006, was promoted to Chief Winemaker of Orlando Wines, where Bernard oversees winemaking across the company, including the iconic fortified wines of Rutherglen’s Morris.
The introduction of The Bill Chambers Trophy for Best Fortified Wine – honouring the legendary Bill Chambers for his contribution to Victorian fortified wine and his 25 year tenure as RMWS Chairman of Judges – is just one of the changes to the Fortified classes this year. These include:
•A new Fortified Class - Class 70 - Innovation and Alternative Fortified Styles
•Vintage Fortified Red W - Classes 58 & 59 - must be bottled but not available for commercial sale. All other fortified wines must be bottled and available for commercial sale.
The Entries Closing Date has been extended. Entries close on August 12, with the RASV continuing to offer their simple online entry.
Exhibitors can enter online at www.wineshow.com.au or download an entry form and fax (03) 9281 7473.
Entries close on August 12.
Key Dates
Entries Closing Date Extended: Friday 12 August 2011
Deliveries: Monday 26 - Friday 30 September 2011
Judging: Sunday 16 - Wednesday 19 October 2011
Awards Presentation Dinner: Thursday 27 October 2011
Exhibitors Tasting: Friday 28 October 2011, 8.00am-11.30am
Wine Communicators of Australia Lunch: Friday 28 October 2011, 12.00 -3.00pm
ENDS
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www.wineshow.com.au
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