UMAMU Estate Claims Two of Three Finalist Spots in the FACCI Wine Tasting Competition

UMAMU Estate is delighted to share that two of our wines have been selected as finalists in the FACCI Wine Tasting Competition — placing us in two of the three top spots ahead of the final rankings, which will be announced on stage at the FACCI Gala Dinner in November.

The French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FACCI) Wine Tasting Competition was judged at a dedicated tasting session at Chez Pierre by a panel of three credentialled sommeliers: Trent Everitt of the WA Committee of Sommeliers Australia; Mirco Tarducci, Senior Beverage Manager at the Tilbrook Melaleuca Group; and Sophie Kemp, Sommelier at the Parker Group. The panel evaluated entries from wineries across the region, ultimately selecting three finalist wines on the basis of quality, character, and ageing potential.

Our two finalist wines are:

• 2005 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

• 2014 Cane Cut Sauvignon Blanc

The judges' comments were particularly moving to receive. The panel noted that the competition's standout wines were those that showed restraint and maturity — wines presented with patience and confidence, possessing significant age and ageing potential. As the judges observed, "the prize-winning wineries were celebrated for their patience and confidence in presenting wines with significant age and ageing potential — a quality that remains rare in the contemporary wine scene."

Our 2005 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc drew special attention from the panel. In their words: 

"The Umamu Estate 2005 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc was already showing the characteristics of age but crucially retained the potential to continue developing gracefully for years to come. This was followed by the surprise of the sweet wine entry — the judges were struck to learn that both wines came from the same producer and were impressed to discover a winery producing wines of this quality and longevity, somewhat under the radar."

The 2005 Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc is available to purchase as a dozen here, and you can explore our full Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc collection here.

Patience, Longevity, and Wines Made to Last

"To have two of our wines selected as finalists — and to see the 2005 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc recognised for what it has become after all these years — is deeply meaningful to us. These are wines we have held with patience, believing in their potential long before others might. Having that vision acknowledged by such a knowledgeable panel is something we are truly proud of."

— Charmaine, principal of UMAMU Estate