Winemaker of the Year Awards 2011

The Gourmet Traveller WINE Winemaker of the Year Awards celebrates the recent history of Australian wine by focusing attention on the finest drops produced in the last decade and a half. The 2011 winner, House of Arras’s Ed Carr, adds another dimension not only because he has dominated quality sparkling-wine production for such a long time, but because of his recent achievement in producing world-class fizz from Tasmania.

The stories of the finalists continue to delight. This year, there’s a deserved focus on the Mornington Peninsula’s Nat White, and long-serving Tasmanian great Claudio Radenti, both pioneers of their respective regions and winemakers who have shown how boutique family operations can produce some of the finest, most detailed wines in the country. Clive Otto has revamped his career at Fraser Gallop and helped to showcase the wines of a budding new superstar in Margaret River. Atypically, the 2011 finalists include a larger brigade than usual with youth on their side – Dan Buckle revitalising an old favourite at Mt Langi Ghiran; Liz Jackson playing a significant part in the rejuvenation of the Hunter; Kym Teusner holding fast to his belief in the importance of old vines; and Mac Forbes focusing on new varieties and site-specific pinot and chardonnay.

The Len Evans Award highlights the importance of industry leadership. The judging panel aren’t sure how well-known Canberra pioneer Edgar Riek is away from his home base. Even after he hit 90, we don’t believe it’s too late to acknowledge the leadership he’s shown in that region.

The Wine Australia Medal encourages up-and-coming winemakers. Nick Glaetzer is the third member of his family to be in the spotlight on Winemaker of the Year night and follows older brother, Ben, as a winner of this award.

TEXT PETER FORRESTAL PHOTOGRAPHY GRANT HARVEY