Dux for local winemaker who wins big wine judging gig
Sam Leyshon, from Mallaluka Wines in the Canberra District, has been named dux of the 44th Advanced Wine Assessment Course by The Australian Wine Research Institute.
This is a significant achievement for Mr Leyshon who, as dux, was offered an appointment as an associate judge for the 2019 NSW Wine Awards – a highly coveted position. Due to conflicting dates, Mr Leyshon has instead accepted a judging position at the 2019 Canberra Regional Wine Show this week in a move that will help jumpstart his wine judging career.
“I look forward to being part of wine show judging across the country,” said Mr Leyshon who participated in the course “to test my palate and to also give credit to the industry where it deserves it.”
The Advanced Wine Assessment Course is an intensive course that aims to cultivate Australian wine industry professionals at an elite level. The selection of the dux of each course is based on statistical scores, verbal skills and group interaction.
“This is a big deal in the wine world,” said Canberra District Wine Industry Association’s Fergus McGhie of Mount Majura Vineyard.
“This particular program is designed for those who already possess advanced wine tasting skills – it basically feeds the next generation of Australian wine show judges so to be named dux of the course is a big win for Sam and endorses his excellent ability to communicate with wine. From the point of view of the Association, it reiterates that we have plenty of talent here in the Canberra District.”
This follows other recent wins for the Canberra District wine region including Shaw Wines and McKellar Ridge Wines both taking away best-in-show trophies at the Australian Cool Climate Wine Show and Sarah McDougall of Lake George Winery being named Owner-Operator of the Year at the Australian Women in Wine Awards.
