The International Wine Challenge (IWC) has announced the Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay 2018 from Tasmania’s Coal River Valley as its Champion White Wine for 2020.

The wine picked up five trophies: Champion White Wine 2020, International Chardonnay Trophy, Australian White Trophy, Australian Chardonnay Trophy and Tasmanian Chardonnay Trophy.

It’s the first time a Tasmanian wine has collected the Champion White Trophy and the first time in seven years the Trophy has gone to an Australian producer.

The wine scored 97 points beating wines from 53 countries and was only one of four wines in the whole competition to score 97 points.

Now in its 38^th year the IWC is seen to be the world’s most rigorous, impartial and influential annual wine competition, based out of the UK.

The IWC judges described the Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay as: “Bright lemon yellow with a subtle, elegant and restrained aroma of lemon sherbet and fruity mineral tones on the nose. Pristine and angular, yet delicate on the palate with well-balanced oak. Long textural finish with beautiful poise, balance and charm.” 

Winemaker Adam Wadewitz (above) said: “Our philosophy has always been to grow the best grapes we possibly can in the best possible sites and the Tolpuddle Vineyard continues to punch above its weight year after year. It’s a very special place.”

Last year, Tolpuddle’s 2017 Chardonnay was awarded the Tasmanian Chardonnay Trophy, Australian Chardonnay Trophy, and Australian White Trophy, also with 97/100 points.

The Tolpuddle Vineyard is located in the Coal River Valley just 20 minutes outside of Hobart. Since acquiring the 20-hectare vineyard in 2011 after a road-trip to Tasmania, Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith MW have invested heavily in improving all aspects of the vineyard. The vineyard is named after the Tolpuddle Martyrs whose ‘reward’ for starting England’s first agrarian union was to be transported to Tasmania as convicts.  

Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay 2019 ($85 RRP) is currently in market and available at selected fine wine stores. 

Australia triumphs at IWC

Tolpuddle wasn’t the only big winner from Down Under. Wolf Blass picked up the Len Evans Trophy for consistency over five years.

Pernod Ricard Winemakers said it was “exceptionally proud” that its St Hugo Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 won the Australian Red Trophy and Coonawarra Cabernet Trophy.

Morris followed up its Wine Producer of the Year award at the 2020 International Wine and Spirit Competition with Morris Old Rare Liqueur Premium Topaque NV winning the Australian Fortified Trophy.

Lake Cooper Well Rhapsody Shiraz 2019 won the Australian Shiraz Trophy; Domaine Naturaliste Rachis 2018 won Margaret River Shiraz Trophy; Penfolds Cellar Reserve Chardonnay 2019 won the NSW Chardonnay Trophy; Forester Estate Yelverton Reserve Chardonnay 2018 won the Margaret River Chardonnay Trophy; Sidewood Mappinga Shiraz 2019 won the Adelaide Hills Shiraz Trophy; Krondorf Old Salem Barossa Shiraz 2018 won the South Australian Shiraz Trophy and Barossa Shiraz Trophy; Gen 69 2017 won the McLaren Vale Shiraz Trophy; Lake Cooper Well Rhapsody Shiraz 2019 won the Heathcote Shiraz Trophy; and Flowstone Sauvignon Blanc 2018 won the Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc Trophy.