Murdoch Hill’s 2022 Rocket Chardonnay took out the the Prime Minister’s trophy for Champion Wine of Show – selected from Australian wines that had already won gold or silver medals at qualifying shows prior.

It means the 2022 Rocket was judged to be the best wine in Australia’s entire wine show system, having already picked up a Gold Medal at the 2023 Sydney Wine Show which qualified it to enter the national award.

Murdoch Hill’s wine also won the Chardonnay Trophy and the Len Evans Memorial White Wine of Show Trophy in addition to the major accolade of the event.

Murdoch Hill chief winemaker Michael Downer travelled to Canberra for the event and met Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

“It’s incredibly gratifying to receive such a recognition, especially considering the high calibre of wines and the rigorous process of judging,” Downer said.

“To receive the Champion Trophy in the Capital is simply thrilling.

“All the stars aligned to make this exceptional wine. The Rocket is the culmination of years of refinement in the vineyard and winery to craft the highest quality Chardonnay possible. The introduction of a greater portion of grapes from our Lenswood vineyard brings drive and complexity, while a smaller portion of fruit from high in Piccadilly Valley brings poise and refinement to the wine.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Murdoch Hill chief winemaker Michael Downer. Photo: Supplied.

The 2022 edition of the Rocket is the sixth release of the chardonnay, and was crafted from barrels that most display the power, purity and tension required for the wine’s character according to Downer.

It is also the first time in the last five years that a wine from South Australia has won top prize at the National Wine Show, and the second time in the last decade.

“It is such a delight to see Adelaide Hills chardonnay stand up and be counted as the best of the best,” Downer said.

“To say I am over the moon with the success of our 2022 Rocket Chardonnay is an understatement.”