Ned Goodwin named as Qantas Dux at the 2012 Len Evans Tutorial

The 12th annual Len Evans Tutorial has named Ned Goodwin MW as Dux for 2012. Ned is Wine Director for the Global Dining organisation based in Tokyo. It was a bit of a home coming as Ned’s father’s family are from Cessnock. Ned also consults to ANA (All Nippon Airways) for First and Business Classes.

Ned is a regular visitor to Australia and isn’t too far off moving his young family back home. He is also in demand as a wine show judge and the Len Evans Tutorial has finely tuned what is an exceptional palate. Ned was pushed all week by a strong field that included Thomas Hogan, Head Sommelier at Lake House in Daylesford Victoria. Thomas finished a close second.

Tutor and Trustee James Halliday in announcing Ned Goodwin as Dux summed up the feelings of all Tutors, “From the very first judging session Ned proved not only to have an outstanding palate but an excellent grasp of world wine styles. A very worthy Dux.”

The main prize is a return Business Class air fare to London courtesy of long term sponsor Qantas and then onto Europe with introductions to some of the great wine houses.

Many of the greatest, rarest and oldest wines of the world were opened during the course held in the Hunter Valley from 5 – 9 November 2012 when 12 young(ish) Australian wine personnel were put to the sternest and most rewarding tastings of their lives. Rarities included 1964 Petrus, 1966 DRC Echezeaux, 1999 Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Francaises, 1865 Madeira and a vertical of Grange.

Len Evans Tutorial convener and tutor, Iain Riggs said, “After 12 years there are now 144 scholars in the industry that have been through the Tutorial and the wine industry is seeing the rewards with sommeliers, retailers, restaurateurs, wine writers as well as winemakers looking to take Australian wine up the quality scale and to the consumers of the world.”

Twelve fully paid scholarships are offered each year. The scholarships come with wine, food and accommodation valued at $12,500 each. The only cost incurred by the scholars is physically getting to the Hunter Valley.

2012 Scholarship Sponsors

Australian Vintage Ltd
Brokenwood Wines
Leeuwin Estate
Lehmann Wines
McWilliam’s Wines
Petaluma
Scarborough Wines
Shaw and Smith
Tahbilk
Tyrrell’s Vineyards
Vintage Cellars
Yalumba Wine Company

Other Major Sponsors

Qantas
Basil Sellers – Sellers Group
Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show
Riedel The Wine Glass Company
Peppers Guest House Hunter Valley
The Len Evans Tutorial acknowledges the ongoing support of Tower Lodge.