Almost 400 locals, winemakers and out-of-town guests attended the awards at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley on August 15.

Twenty trophies were awarded, along with 54 gold, 131 silver and 249 bronze medals.

Tyrrell’s 2006 Vat 1 Semillon was named best dry white wine while the trophy for the best dry red went to Pepper Tree Wines’ 2011 Tallawanta Grand Reserve Shiraz.

Brokenwood was named the most successful exhibitor of young wines, while the third wine to be named “Iain Riggs Wine of Provenance” (an award introduced in 2012) was awarded to Thomas Wines Cellar Reserve Braemore Semillon for the 2004, 2006 and 2014 vintages.

Two new trophies were introduced in this 40th anniversary year – the Innovation Trophy, which went to the De Iuliis 2013 Shiraz Touriga Nacional; and the Silver Bullet, to Drayton’s for its 1978 Tawny Port.

The Innovation Trophy is for a wine that is considered to be “pushing the boundaries of traditional Hunter Valley winemaking”; while the Silver Bullet was presented by international wine show judge Fongyee Walker for a wine which she believes is of “truly an international standard”.

A team of respected wine show judges led by Jim Chatto (in his third year as chair of judges) immersed themselves in 738 Hunter Valley wines from 73 producers.

Mr. Chatto said the judges were very impressed by the sheer quality and unique personality of the Hunter Valley’s truly regional wines.

“With two-thirds of our judging panel being visitors, it wasn’t just the local judges impressed with the quality,” he said.

“It seemed that all the judges were equally enamoured with what we are doing here in the Hunter Valley. It’s an exciting era in our long and proud history.

“Personally I thought the strength of the Shiraz classes were a standout for me. I believe the Hunter is making our best reds since the 1960s.

“The quality of the 2011 and 2013 vintages in particular adds greatly to this argument.”

Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association vice-president Mike De Iuliis said this show provides a real benchmark for the region.

“The range of wines, varietals and styles awarded today truly represents all the great things that we as a region are collectively doing,” Mr. De Iuliis said.

Full results are available at www.hunterwineshow.com.au.