The recent RNA Brisbane Wine Show was a watershed event in 2010. For the first time in 133 years of operation of this show a Queensland wine was acknowledged as the best of its Queensland peers – as the best gold medal Queensland wine.

The award was the inaugural Corrigan and Scudamore-Smith Trophy, partly presented by this writer for wines judged by non-Queensland judges.

The RNA had invited 10 non-Queensland judges and three locals (Tony Harper, Andrew Corrigan and the writer).

Two wines vied for the award: Sirromet Vineyard Selection 820 Above Verdelho 2009 and Ballandean Estate Generation 3 Shiraz 2007 in a dead-heat in the count down.

The chief judge Phillip John of Adelaide made his casting vote in favour of Ballandean Estate, and red triumphed over white perhaps!

This wine is terrific, and it’s great to focus on a great Queensland product. It has the essence of pure varietal cool climate shiraz, be it in a measured way with delightful texture.

As the most select wine made by Ballandean Estate winemaker Dylan Rhymer, Generation 3 was introduced after the company celebrated its 75th anniversary and three generations of the owners, the Puglisi family had run the business.

Dylan Rhymer had a grand time taking out the RNA Bursary Award for 2010: a new competition for Queensland winemakers under 40 who submit three wines they have recently made, and in their opinion, are outstanding examples. This year there were three entrants.

Rhymer provided Ballandean Estate Generation 3 Shiraz 2005, Late Harvest Sylvaner 2005 and Kooroomba Vineyard Verdelho Marsanne 2009.

Most successful Queensland Exhibitor was Symphony Hill from Eukey Road, Ballandean with five medals (Gewurztraminer 2010-47; Wild Child Viognier 2008-47; Reserve Bolivia Shiraz-51; Reserve Pinot Noir 2008-48 and Reserve Cabernet 2006-47). This is presented by the local Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.

Mount Cotton-based Sirromet Wines had a good show, as apart from their verdelho gold, were awarded 46.5 for their Signature Collection Severn Scenes Sparkling Red (Petit Verdot) 2008.

In a record year for Queenslanders eighteen producers from four regions; Granite Belt, South Burnett, Scenic Rim and Darling Downs were successful exhibitors with 32 medals.

Granite Belt wineries included were newcomer Felsberg (Bell Tower Gewurztraminer 2010 47), Robert Channon (Reserve Chardonnay 2009 & Pinot Noir 46.5), another newcomer Twisted Gum (Shiraz 2009 47.5), new varieties specialist Golden Grove (Mourvedre 2009 47.5), excellent maker Ravenscroft (Verdelho 2009 46.5; Petit Verdot 2009 46.5), Tamborine-based Witches Falls (Botrytis Semillon 2008 46.5 & Prophecy Cabernet 2008 47),and related brand Aussie Vineyards Au (Pinot Noir 2007 48.5), Toowoomba-based Preston Peak (Reserve Shiraz 2008 46.5), Lucas Estate with three medals (Merlot 2008 47,The Surveyor 2008 48,Petit Verdot 2008 47.5), Summit Estate’s latest craze (Alto Monastrell etc 2008 47), near Cottonvale, Heritage Estate (Fortified Shiraz 2008 48.5) and Jester Hill (Touchstone Petit Verdot 2008 46.5).

From the Darling Downs Rimfire Vineyard Graciano 2007 46.5 stood out while on the Scenic Rim Normanby Wines (Chauvel Shiraz 2007 46.5 & Chambourcin 2007 47) were successful.

Further north in the South Burnett Clovely Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2007 47 and Left Field Nebbiolo 2009 47 were very good results.

Medals: 46.5-50.5 (Bronze), 51-55 (Silver); over 55.5 (Gold)