Beaufort winemaker Michael Unwin.
BALLARAT region wines have continued their award-winning run, with the latest Australian Wine Companion rating them among the industry’s best.
Written by wine commentator James Halliday, the annual guide has the potential to drive demand and shine a spotlight on small and emerging winemakers.
Local favourites Tomboy Hill and Michael Unwin Wines have led the Ballarat region makers, with 21 included in the 2013 edition.
Continuing his recent success in the guide, Beaufort-based producer Michael Unwin received the high score of five stars with five of his Umbrella Man wines receiving 90 points or above.
“It’s great to have so many of our wines awarded so highly again, especially by someone with James Halliday’s credentials,” Mr Unwin said.
“We are still a young winery and it’s very pleasing to see us gaining momentum every year.”
Mr Unwin said he learned the eternal art of winemaking with some of the world’s most influential and forward-thinking winemakers, before choosing Beaufort for its ideal viticultural geography.
The high-scoring wines include the 2011 Umbrella Man Petit Verdot, the 2010 Barbera, the 2010 Pinot Gris, 2011 Riesling and the 2011 Late Harvest Riesling.
Well-known local maker Ian Watson of Tomboy Hill Wines was again recognised by the guide as one of Victoria’s best.
His wines, including the 2010 Ballarat Goldfields Pinot Noir, 2010 Ballarat Goldfields Chardonnay, 2009 Ruby’s Picking Ballarat Goldfields Chardonnay, 2010 Rebellion Pinot Noir and 2010 Ballarat Goldfields Chardonnay all scored top marks.
Last year, Gourmet Traveller Wine ranked two of the winery’s 2008 varieties in its star performers category, adding to a long list of accolades for Tomboy Hill wines.