Charles Sturt University (CSU) Winery has won a Blue-Gold Award at the recent Sydney International Wine Competition for its 2004 Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, which was also named in the Top 100 Wines of the Competition. Wine Judge Kym Milne rated the CSU wine, produced from Hilltop grapes at the CSU Wagga Wagga Winery, as having very complex aromas and a very elegant palate. Mr Milne agreed with another judge, Robin Moody, who said the medium bodied dry red was a big wine that went well with food. CSU head winemaker Andrew Drumm said he was particularly pleased with the last comment as this was always one of his aims. CSU Winery’s 2003 Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon has already won numerous awards but Mr Drumm believes 2004 Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is a better wine. He believes the much sought after Blue-Gold Award is testament that CSU students are learning practices that are sought after within the Australian wine industry.