NO. 1 WITH A BULLET

The Australian wine industry is a wide and varied church. For every wine label out there, there seems to be an award or wine show. The Young Gun Of Wine award was established in 2007 to celebrate and showcase “innovation, inspiration and new ideas.” Here are three wines from current and previous winners.

TWO TONNE TASMANIA, ZIGGURAT, 2017

Ricky Evans is assistant winemaker at Bay of Fires. Two Tonne Tasmania is his side project and the 2016 People’s Choice Award winner. A textural blend of riesling and gewruztraminer. White pepper, rocket, green apple, rose water, minerally flint and juicy key lime.

Rating: 9/10 RRP: $18 Alc: 12%

MURDOCH HILL, RIDLEY, PINOT X 3, 2017

Michael Downer won the 2017 Young Gun award and was crowned Gourmet Traveller Wine’s 2017 Young Winemaker of the Year. A blend of pinot noir, meunier and gris from the Adelaide Hills. Unfiltered to create a pure cherry colour. Rating:

8.5/10 Alc: 13%

DR. EDGE, EAST TASMANIA, PINOT, 2016

Pete Dredge was named 2017 People’s Choice for his work with Meadowbank wines. He is lauded for his own label: Dr. Edge. Hyper perfumed leafy dark cherry, bluestone, gun smoke, flaky pastry and baked quince. Rating: 9/10 RRP:

$50 Alc: 12.5%