For the third time in six years, McLaren Vale estate producer Penny’s Hill has won ‘Best of Show – Australian Red’ at the esteemed 2021 Mundus Vini Grand International Wine Awards in Neustadt, Germany.

Not heard of that wine show before? Well, consider yourself informed! Because the Mundus Vini is one of THE premier wine shows, on the global circuit. And one that most esteemed producers want to do well at.

The Penny’s Hill 2019 ‘Skeleton Key’ Shiraz was awarded a Grand Gold medal and the trophy for the ‘Best of Show – Australian Red’ – the same trophy won previously by the 2014 Penny’s Hill ‘Footprint’ Shiraz and 2015 Penny’s Hill  ‘Malpas Road’ Merlot in  2016 and 2017 respectively.

In an international field of more than 12,000 entries from over 150 wine growing regions, Penny’s Hill also gained Grand Gold for 2019 ‘Footprint’ Shiraz and Gold for 2019 ‘Edwards Road’ Cabernet; this result from just three estate wines entered.

A passionate ambassador for the McLaren Vale region and no stranger to international awards and accolades, Penny’s Hill Group Winemaker, Alexia Roberts rates the Mundus Vini wins as exceptional.

“To be awarded the Best of Show – Australian Red on three occasions – more so with three different McLaren Vale estate wines – is very satisfying in what is such a strong international competition. It also underscores the region’s versatility across red varietals,” said Ms. Roberts (we all know and love her as Lexi of course!)

“Penny’s Hill ‘Skeleton Key’ Shiraz exemplifies the matching of exceptional fruit from a close-planted single vineyard with the finest French oak for a fruit-driven, refined, elegant and generous example of what remains the region’s flagship variety,” she continued.

For Penny’s Hill founder, Tony Parkinson, the win marks another chapter in the success of the brand’s estate-produced McLaren Vale wines. “In a year that has challenged all convention, it is particularly pleasing to garner, yet again, this prestigious international trophy. Alexia Roberts is talented, passionate and committed – and for her this is another feather in her highly awarded winemaking cap.’

Founded 20 years ago, Mundus Vini, considered one of the most significant wine competitions in the world, and engages a jury of more than 300 experts including leading oenologists, top sommeliers, wine merchants, wine journalists and scientists to rigorously assess the wines.