WINE EXPERTS ON HUNT FOR THE BEST

JUDGING is under way for one of Australia’s largest wine shows.

More than 500 entries were sent in to the Royal Hobart Wine Show from across Australia, with judges now on a mission to find the best of the best.

This year’s chief judge is Josef Chromy Wines chief winemaker and general manager Jeremy Dineen.

He said following fears of the show’s cancellation, a few things had changed this year — the biggest being a highcalibre all- Tasmanian judging panel.

“Normally for a show like this about half of the judges would be interstate or international,” he said.

“This year we’ve picked six Tasmanian- based judges who all have experience judging in national shows.”

The number of classes had also dropped to six to focus on varieties and styles more suited to Tasmania.

Wines being judged include riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir and sparking, with a category for best other wine and best wine in show.

Mr Dineen said the top wines needed a good colour, aroma and texture.

“You want a wine that stands heads and shoulders above the rest with more complexity, interest and texture,” he said.

Other judges include Penny Jones, Tom Wallace, Pip Anderson, Ockie Myburgh, Anne Pooley and Peter Dredge.

Ms Jones, Bay of Fires Winery winemaker, said it was her first time judging in the show. “It’s been great. It’s really cool to judge with a bunch of other Tassie producers,” she said.

She said the things she looked for in a good wine were complexity, flavour and structure.

The announcement of winners will take place on a livestream from 7.30pm Thursday on the Hobart Showground Facebook page.