Phat new kids win Hunter Valley Trophies
2010 Hunter Valley Wine Show
Media release
Vineyard rows in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales [©Tourism New South Wales]
All the old names and faces were there, winning their usual Trophies. Tyrrells, Tempus Two and Thomas. But who were the 'Phat' new kids on the stage, not once but twice?
The Phat Wines 2010 Hart and Hunter Single Vineyard Semillon picked up two Trophies including the Henry John Lindeman Trophy for Current Vintage Dry White Wine, at the recent Hunter Valley Wine Show.
Whilst a new brand, the winemaking team of Damien Stevens and his Partner Jodie Belleville have plied their craft in the Hunter Valley for several years. Both currently work at First Creek, alongside Chief Winemaker Liz Jackson, who also picked up a Trophy for the First Creek Chardonnay.
Making a small batch of their own wines has been on the agenda for Damien and Jodi for some time.
'Phat' is the moniker that Damien and Jodi have given to their new Hart and Hunter range of wines, and it certainly had everyone asking who was responsible for the brand at the Hunter Valley Wine Show.
In a joint statement, Jodi and Damien commented – 'It is always an honour to be recognised. However for this to happen so early in the development of our wines, and in such a forum, in front of all our friends and colleagues, it is both sensational and at the same time – humbling.'
At this stage, distribution is through local restaurants and direct sales, however calls are already coming from further afield.
Gus Maher, Maher Initiatives
Regions
- Hunter Valley (NSW)
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