Bird In Hand Makes Wine History With Third 'World's Best' Wine Award

NEW YORK, July 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Australian winery Bird in Hand (www.birdinhand.com.au) has made wine history by winning the title of World's Best Shiraz for a third time. Following in the footsteps of the brands previous winner Nest Egg Shiraz, Bird in Hand's M•A•C Shiraz from the winery's 'Tribute Series' was selected for 2015's prestigious honor.

With over 500 wines entered from across the world, M•A•C's second place competitor upon the podium was its cellar companion the 2013 Bird in Hand Shiraz. 

The competition, run by Winestate Magazine, has become one of the world's most comprehensive assessments of international Shiraz since launching in 1978. 

This year 510 wines were judged blind over a five day period by panels of three judges each (15 judges in all), including Master of Wine Phil Reedman, Bill Hardy and Ian Mackenzie who appeared on the trophy panel. 

Editor and Publisher of Winestate, Peter Simic, says the chances of the same winery winning three times was truly "against all odds." 

"And of course the trophy judging panel is different each year," Simic said. "It was unprecedented for a winery to win the competition twice as Bird in Hand achieved last year - let alone for a third time. For them to take first and second place this year, it took us all by surprise. At the end of the day, the result is testament to an elegant winemaking style that really showcases the varietal features at their best. It is also a nice tick to the unbiased consistency of the Winestate judging criteria."

The judges tasting notes for the wine included: "A very 'smart' wine," noted one judge. "It is complex and beautifully layered with superb oak and glorious varietal fruit characters with minty camphor-like edges." "A long-term proposition." 

Bird in Hand's Chief Winemaker Kym Milne MW says he is thrilled with this year's result. "Shiraz as a variety performs extremely well in the Adelaide Hills and this result against such esteemed competition is testament to that." 

"For our 2010 M•A•C Shiraz to win the award in its first vintage and for our 2013 Bird in Hand Shiraz to come is second is extremely satisfying for our dedicated winemaking team." Milne, Australia's second Master of Wine, says.

Founder and Director of Bird in Hand, Andrew Nugent, says he is thrilled by the success our wines have achieved over the past few years. 

"In 1997 we set a goal to be at the pinnacle of world winemaking, and this is a powerful indication we are on the right track," Nugent says. "Our wines are a combination of the best vineyards and winery resources, and our team's dedication to achieving the highest quality across every level."

The M•A•C Shiraz was produced from the best fruit of a near perfect 2010 vintage. Terrific weather conditions and fruit quality prompting the introduction of a new tier to sit above the existing and highly acclaimed Nest Egg and Bird in Hand collections.

There are strictly limited bottles of the inaugural vintage 2010 M•A•C Shiraz and 2013 Bird in Hand Shiraz currently available to the general public.

Interested media who wish to schedule an interview with Founder and Director of Bird in Hand, Andrew Nugent, or Bird in Hand's Chief Winemaker Kym Milne MW, please contact WORKHOUSE, CEO Adam Nelson via [email protected] or by telephone +1 212. 645. 8006.   For more information about the artist visit www.birdinhand.com.au or  Instagram @BirdInHandWine  

On Monday, 20 July, the 2015 Melbourne International Wine Competition announced the winners of this years competition and Bird in Hand was awarded numerous accolades including Adelaide Hills Winemaker of the Year following the same title bestowed to the winemaker in 2014, Double Gold, presented when each judge awards a gold standard for their 2012 Nest Egg Chardonnay, Gold for their 2013 Bird in Hand Merlot, and 2013 Nest Egg Shiraz, as well as their 2012 M•A•C Shiraz.

A limited number of our inaugural vintages are carefully cellared at Bird in Hand in our museum. Special 'Museum Release' wines are available to the discerning collector upon enquiry. Please contact [email protected] for availability & pricing.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150722/239305

SOURCE Bird in Hand