Tyrrell’s Wines is cracking open the bubbly after enjoying success at the 2022 ICC Sydney NSW Wine Awards at the weekend.

The much-loved Pokolbin winery captured the NSW Governor’s Trophy for Best in Show with its 2013 Vat 1 Semillon.

Earlier in proceedings, the same offering claimed the Best Semillon and Best Dry White in Show plaudits, too.

The result continues an amazing run for the Vat 1 Semillon, which won the prestigious Wine of Provenance award at the CCL Hunter Valley Wine Show in August.

Managing director Bruce Tyrrell AM said it was an “absolute thrill” to take out the NSW Governor’s Trophy for Best in Show.

“What an honour,” he stated.

“Congratulations go to the entire Tyrrell’s winemaking team on this incredible achievement.

“The Hunter Valley, as a region, should be proud of the wine we produce that can stand the test of time in the cellar.”

The Vat 1 Semillon was described by the judges as “one of New South Wales’ great liquid ambassadors”.

“Tyrrell’s has also set a record at the awards, being the first wine to win the top trophy not just twice, but three times,” chair Nick Spencer said.

“The 1992 vintage of the Vat 1 Semillon became the 1997 NSW Wine of the Year (the NSW Wine Awards started in 1996) and then the 2005 vintage claimed the title 20 years later in 2017.

“It’s a phenomenal effort.”

Neighbouring First Creek Wines walked away with the Best Light Red/Rosé as well, thanks to its 2022 Limited Release Rosé.

Eighteen trophies were presented on the evening, by the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC.

“As always, it is very difficult to pick a top winner from a range of amazing wines,” Mr Spencer said.

“But, the wine that was selected in the end is arguably the most famous and highly-regarded white wine produced in this country.

“Coupled with perhaps the best vintage in a decade, it is no surprise to see this wine being awarded as the best wine at the 2022 NSW Wine Awards.”

Of the other trophies awarded, there was fabulous array of diversity, with winemakers and grape growers from the Hunter Valley, Orange, Tumbarumba, Hilltops, Canberra District, Gundagai, Mudgee and the Riverina all receiving acclaim.

Along with the wine acknowledgements, the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) handed the 2021 Graham Gregory Award, the industry’s top citation, to Bruno Brombal.

He’s enjoyed an amazing career, undertaking representative roles in wine growing since 1979, as a foundation member of the Hanwood Grape Growers Association, as well as the Wine Grape Marketing Board (now known as Riverina Winegrape Growers), an executive member of the NSW Wine Industry Association, the chairman of Winegrape Growers Council of Australia and involved in the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation (now known as Wine Australia).

“It’s not just what titles Bruno holds, but what he does within those roles,” NSW DPI Deputy Director General Kate Lormier Ward said.

“He’s been an advocate leading to many positive changes for growers in the wine industry.”

2022 ICC Sydney NSW Wine Awards trophy winners

• Best Riesling: Mount Majura 2022 Riesling, Canberra District
• Best Semillon: Tyrrell’s 2013 Vat 1 Semillon, Hunter Valley
• Best Chardonnay: Nick O’Leary 2018 Chardonnay, Tumbarumba
• Best Other White Variety: Tumblong Hills 2022 Chenin Blanc, Gundagai
• Best Light Red/Rosé: First Creek Wines 2022 Limited Release Rosé, Hunter Valley
• Best Pinot Noir: Poachers Vineyard 2021 Pinot Noir, Canberra District
• Best Shiraz: Nugan Estate 2020 Cookoothama Shiraz, Riverina
• Best Cabernet Sauvignon: Corang Estate 2021 Hilltops Cabernet Sauvignon, Hilltops
• Best Other Red Variety: Skimstone 2021 Barbera, Mudgee
• Best Red Blend: Skimstone 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Mudgee
• Best Organic Wine Award: See Saw 2022 Riesling, Orange
• Best Mudgee Wine: Skimstone 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Mudgee
• Best Sparkling Wine: Printhie Wines 2011 Swift Blanc de Blancs, Orange
• Best Sweet Wine: De Bortoli 2019 Noble One Semillon, Riverina
• Best Fortified: De Bortoli NV Black Noble 10 Years Old Semillon, Riverina
• Best Dry White in Show: Tyrrell’s 2013 Vat 1 Semillon, Hunter Valley
• Best Dry Red in Show: Nugan Estate 2020 Cookoothama Shiraz, Riverina
• NSW Governor’s Trophy for Best in Show: Tyrrell’s 2013 Vat 1 Semillon, Hunter Valley

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