The Royal Melbourne Wine Show (RMWS) has implemented several changes in 2009 to ensure it remains relevant and continues to build on its reputation as the benchmark of excellence in wine production in Australia.

In response to a survey of 2008 RMWS entrants, the 2009 RMWS has made a significant change to its much-coveted Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy, included two new international judges, and will offer 22 awards recognising a variety of classes and categories providing the opportunity for smaller boutique producers to compete against the big players.

Established in 1884 and conducted annually by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV), the RMWS was developed to support and promote excellence in Australian wine making both domestically, and more recently, to international markets.

The RMWS has experienced a seven per cent increase in entries in 2009 with a remarkable 3,493 individual entries from 566 exhibitors entered.

The largest increase in exhibitors has been from New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia, and for the first time, there has been an entrant from the Northern Territory, demonstrating its national appeal.

Chairman of the RMWS Committee, Steven Shelmerdine said the increase was due to the progressive nature of the awards.

“The RMWS Committee in conjunction with the RASV has taken on feedback from the 2008 exhibitor survey, making several changes to the awards allowing for further participation and interest from the industry.

“The introduction of lower volume requirements and new classes combined with confidence amongst winemakers that the RMWS is evolving in line with industry trends, have contributed to the increase in entries,” said Mr Shelmerdine.

A total of 22 awards will be on offer this year, including four ‘hallmark’ trophies: the renowned Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy presented to the Best Red Wine of the 2008 Vintage Year; The Premier’s Gold Trophy for the Best Victorian Wine; The Francois De Castella Trophy for the Best Young White Wine; and new in 2009, The Douglas Seabrook Single Vineyard Trophy.

Established in 1962, the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy is the most eagerly sought after wine award in Australia. Ensuring the award remains current, the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy will see a rule change in 2009, decreasing the volume at the time of entry from 500 dozen to 250 dozen to allow smaller wineries to enter.

Confirming the status of the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy, last year’s winners, Daniela and Geremy Gordon of Flametree Wines – based in Margaret River, Western Australia – have entered the coveted category again this year with the hope of winning back-to-back titles.

Still jubilant over the win in 2008, Daniela Gordon said the award had significantly increased the profile of the Flametree brand and placed the winery firmly on the wine making map.

“Winning the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy transported us into a whole new league, resulting in an enormous amount of media attention and an immediate impact on sales. From direct sales at our cellar door to queries at bottle shops, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of wine enthusiasts talking about and buying our wine.

“The award has undoubtedly helped grow the value of our brand, providing us with marketing opportunities and a reputable benchmark against some of the best in the industry,” said Mrs Gordon.

Since winning the award, the winery’s best drops feature in boutique wine stores Australia-wide, and on some of Australia’s finest wine lists including the famous Bistro Guillame, established by award-winning chef Guillaume Brahimi.

The 2009 exhibits, including the Gordon’s much anticipated entry, will be judged by an expert panel including two internationally recognised wine connoisseurs, Mr Lim Hwee Peng CSW of Singapore and Mr
John Belsham of New Zealand.

Searching for innovation and expertise, judging commences on 19 October at Melbourne Showgrounds and culminates in an official presentation luncheon in the Port Phillip Room followed by an exhibitor tasting in the Agricultural Hall on Friday, 30 October 2009 at Melbourne Showgrounds.

2009 MAJOR AWARDS
The JIMMY WATSON MEMORIAL TROPHY – presented by the Watson family and friends in recognition of his services rendered to the advancement of the Australian wine industry. The award will be for “The Exhibitor of the Best Red Beverage Wine of the Vintage Year prior to the Current Vintage Year”, in classes 19 to 26.

The PREMIER’S GOLD TROPHY FOR THE BEST VICTORIAN WINE – presented by the Premier of Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government in recognition of excellence in the Victorian Wine Industry.
The award will be made to the Exhibitor of the Best Victorian Fortified Wine in Show. Exhibits eligible for this award must be made from 100% Victorian grapes and vintaged in Victoria. Classes 53 to 65.

The FRANCOIS DE CASTELLA TROPHY – awarded to the Best Young White Wine in classes 5 to 11
(2009 vintage) and classes 14 to 18 (2008 vintage).

The DOUGLAS SEABROOK SINGLE VINEYARD TROPHY – awarded to the highest scoring exhibit in classes 1 to 4. All entries must be from an individually named vineyard, the name of which appears on the commercial label of the wine. The wine must be made from at least 95% grapes grown on the named vineyard.

2009 CLASS AWARDS
BEST CHARDONNAY – Classes 1, 15 and 28
BEST SAUVIGNON BLANC or SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC BLEND – Classes 7, 8 and 16
BEST SEMILLON – Classes 6, 16 and 29
BEST PINOT NOIR – Classes 2 and 33
BEST CABERNET SAUVIGNON – Classes 4 and 31
BEST SHIRAZ – Classes 3 and 32
BEST SPARKLING – Classes 49 to 52
BEST AROMATIC WHITE – Classes 5, 14, 27 and 39
BEST EARLY DRINKING RED or ROSE – Classes 12 and 13
BEST CLARET STYLE – Class 34
BEST RHONE STYLE – Class 36
BEST AUSTRALIAN STYLE – Class 35
BEST MEDITERRANEAN STYLE – Class 37
BEST SWEET STYLE – Classes 47 and 48
BEST RED OR WHITE – WINE WITH IMAGINATION – Classes 43 to 46
BEST RED OR WHITE WINE 2004 AND OLDER – Classes 39 to 42
BEST AUSTRALIAN FORTIFIED RED – Classes 54 to 56, 60 and 61
BEST MUSCAT OR SWEET WHITE – Classes 57 to 59, 62 and 65