Congratulations to the 2020 James Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge Trophy Winner!
Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 – 97 points
Adelaide Hills Best of Region
Wines by Geoff Hardy
2018 K1 By Geoff Hardy Cabernet Sauvignon – 95 points
Barossa Valley Best of Region
Casella Family Brands
2018 Peter Lehmann Wines Masters Mentor Cabernet Sauvignon – 95 points
Coonawarra Best of Region
Brand’s Laira of Coonawarra
2018 Brand’s Laira 1968 Vines Cabernet Sauvignon – 96 points
Margaret River Best of Region
Xanadu Wines
2018 Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon – 97 points
Yarra Valley Best of Region
Boat O’Craigo Wines
2018 Boat O’Craigo Braveheart Cabernet Sauvignon – 96 points
Click here for the full results.
The 2020 James Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge presented by Langton’s saw 364 wine exhibits from 29 different wine regions judged simultaneously on 7th, 8th and 9th September in Coonawarra and Margaret River.
In what is believed to be a world first, the judging panels, stewards and organising teams connected through Zoom, Skype, telephone, social media and the AWRI wine show judging software, to make the show run smoothly.
Check out out some of the action live streamed during judging on Facebook @margaretriverwines1, @coonawarra and @wineyarravalley1
Meet the 2020 Judges
Coonawarra
Pete Bissell – recently retired, formerly Balnaves of Coonawarra
Jane Ferrari – Independent Wine Consultant, formerly Yalumba
Andrew Hardy – Parker Coonawarra Estate
Associate Judges
Matilda Innes – Ottelia
Lauren Hansen – Penley Estate
Margaret River
Robert Mann – Corymbia
Julian Langworthy – Deep Woods Estate
Courtney Treacher – Accolade Wines
Associate Judges
Emma Farrelly – State Buildings
Lance Parkin – Heafod Glen
About the Challenge
The James Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge presented by Langton’s provides an opportunity for Australian producers to participate in a competition showcasing great regional Cabernet Sauvignon.
The world’s most widely planted vine and Australia’s third most planted variety, Cabernet Sauvignon, is one of Australian wine’s great success stories.
Home to the world’s oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines, planted in 1886 in the Barossa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon has a long and proud history in Australia.
The James Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge presented by Langton’s respects this history whilst celebrating the producers of Cabernet Sauvignon, who are striving to make the best possible wines that reflect a sense of place.
Whether that is the sublime subtlety from the Yarra Valley, the elegant and balanced wines from the Coonawarra terra rossa soil, the rich and decadent signature style from Margaret River or the powerful and luscious expressions from McLaren Vale, the Challenge provides an opportunity for a Cabernet Sauvignon varietal competition of great interest.
An overall winner is awarded the trophy for most outstanding Australian Cabernet Sauvignon and the regional winners with scores of 95 points or more are also be recognised.
Download the 2020 Exhibitor Schedule
The James Halliday Australian Cabernet Challenge presented by Langton’s is a collaboration between Margaret River Wine Association, Coonawarra Vignerons and Yarra Valley Wine Growers Association.
CLICK TO VIEW RESULTS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS