The Stunned Mullet’s wine list has been voted one of the nation’s best by Fine Wine Partners and Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine.

More than 300 wine lists were entered in Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards 2010.

The lists are assessed by two judges on five criteria – content, balance, suitability, presentation and pricing.

They each are given a score and

a rating: three glasses represent 90 to 100 points; two glasses (80 to 89 points); one glass (70 to 79 points); less than 70 points is not rated or listed.

The Stunned Mullet’s Lou Perri understandably is proud of the fact his wine list has rated a glass for the second year in a row.

“The restaurant’s wine list features 129 currently available wines, but I have had up to 150 wines,” Mr Perri said.

His wine appreciation developed while he was living in London.

“The wines there are all from France, Spain, Australia and Italy, so your palate acquires an appreciation for fine wines,” the 39-year-old said.

“I focus on a wine region or appellation, for example the Mornington Peninsula or Swan River, and really get to know it before I move on to the next one.’’

Eighty per cent of The Stunned Mullet’s wine list is made up of Australian wines.

“We make some really good wines here that are recognised internationally,” Mr Perri said.

When a dinner guest expresses an interest in a particular wine, Mr Perri is happy to share his experience.

“If someone says, ‘I will leave it to you’, I ask what characteristics they prefer – acid, fruit, wood – and I am always mindful of budget.”

Mr Perri believes receiving the rating is good for the entire area because it establishes Port Macquarie as more than just a transit destination.