International Wine Challenge trophy for Lerida Estate shiraz viognier 2013

Lerida Estate has won a very big award – a gold medal and trophy for the shiraz viognier 2013 at the International Wine Challenge in London, one of the biggest wine shows in the world. The wine was described as a "benchmark wine" with smoky, bacon aromas and a tight fruity finish.

Owners Anne Caine and Jim Lumbers got the news in the middle of a Saturday night and were - to say the least – rather chuffed. "The team of judges they have are literally world class. And the trophy winning wines are tasted by at least 10 great judges," Caine says. "One of the other winemakers said, 'Basically if you are getting a trophy at this level, you are on the map."

She's quick to praise the work of Lerida winemaker Malcolm Burdett, who's been working at the winery for 10 years. "He's actually one of the best shiraz makers in the district but because he's not young and sexy people don't really see it," she says. "But underneath that shy exterior he's a fabulously good winemaker. We were delighted for him to see his achievements recognised. When you get one of these you just think gosh, isn't it great to have Malcolm there."

Since news of the win has come out, collectors and wine buffs have been heading to the Lerida property on the shores of Lake George. "We've had a lot of interest, a lot of people ringing up saying, 'Fantastic achievement,' and a lot of people coming out to buy the wine." They haven't sold out but they will, unfortunately, have to put up the price of the wine to slow down demand a little so they can cope. It will now be $75 – still a bargain for a world beater.