If you think the Margaret River Wine Show is just another ho-hum shindig for wine aficionados, then you’re missing the whole shebang. Kickin’ off in 2002, this festivity has been the talk of the town, especially last week when it went full throttle celebrating the crème de la crème of regional wines.
Now, let’s get one thing straight—Margaret River is the Michael Jordan of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, no doubt about that. These wines are the kings of the court there. But hold your horses, because rosé is no longer the benchwarmer. Nope, it’s moved from the bleachers to the big league, gaining traction in quality and people’s shopping carts alike.
Our man Nick Ryan, who’s got a seat at the head table of the judging committee for the third year, drops it like it’s hot. He says, “Listen, if you still think rosé is just some fluff, some side action while you focus on the ‘real’ wines, well then, buddy, you’re toast. Australian rosé has evolved, man. It’s as legit as a Kobe fadeaway.”
He elaborates, “Rosé isn’t just for giggles; it’s got game. Sure, it’s the life of the party—fun, hedonistic even—but isn’t that what all great wines should bring to the table?”
Then you’ve got Julian Langworthy at Deep Woods Estate. This guy is like the Elon Musk of the rosé world. Way back, they were producing a mere 200 dozen bottles a year. Fast forward to 2022, and bam! We’re talking 25,000 dozen. I mean, if that’s not zero to hero, I don’t know what is.
Now, let’s talk fashion. Since 2015, winning the rosé category gets you more than just bragging rights; it gets you a slick pink jacket. Initially, these jackets were as bespoke as a Rolls-Royce, crafted by Sydney’s renowned P. Johnson. However, in recent years, the jackets became, let’s say, more off-the-rack.
But guess who swoops in to save the day? Murray McHenry, a real-deal entrepreneur. He’s fronting the cash for ten new, high-class jackets from P. Johnson to make the winners look sharp as a tack again. And you won’t believe this; McHenry’s own McHenry Hohnen Chloé rosé takes home the trophy this year. Talk about the universe lining things up, huh?
Murray McHenry puts it best, “I saw the downgrade in the jacket quality a couple of years ago and said, ‘Not on my watch.’ The Pink Jacket should be as coveted as the wines it celebrates. So, I made sure all winners going forward get the royal treatment.”
So, there you have it. The competition for the Pink Jacket is heating up like a Tesla stock in 2020. These winemakers don’t just wear the jacket, they wear it like a badge of honor. And it’s all thanks to the spirit and rivalry as legendary as the Masters Green Jacket in pro golf.
That’s the real scoop, my friend. So next time you think about the Margaret River Wine Show, know it’s not just a show—it’s a spectacle. Cheers!
McHenry Hohnen head winemaker Jacopo Dalli Cani (top left) with previous Pink Jacket recipients and Nick Ryan (top, third from left) and Tom Riley from P. Johnson (top right). Credit: Sean Hsu Photography