The Air NZ Wine Awards is arguably New Zealand's premier wine tasting competition, whose results carry a large amount of kudos in the wine community and in the press. It's reputation is significantly enhanced by having Craggy Range's head winemaker, Steve Smith MW as chairman of judges. A Gold Medal is highly sought after and a trophy is almost invaluable in sales and bragging rights - A strong illustration of this was Julicher winning last year's Wine of the Show for their 2008 Pinot - selling out almost immediately here in Australia and back across the pond.
This year's awards saw nearly 1600 entries with a record number of gold medals being awarded. Not surprisingly, Pinot Noir dominated - a reflection of the quality of the 2009 vintage in Central Otago and Martinborough - both of which were stunning. The trophies are awarded this coming weekend, but some of the highlights from the gold medal winners available on our site is below. You can view a full list of all the award winners HERE.
(You can click on any of the label images to go through to the product on our website)
Pinot Noir:
Palliser Pencarrow 2009 Martinbrough Pinot Noir. How does a $19.95 Pinot win one of only 32 golds awarded to Pinot's in this competition? A stunning result and perhaps the 'Value Buy' of the competition. "Complex and voluptuous, loaded with cherry, mushroom and spicy oak aromas followed by a rounded, graceful palate."
Palliser Estate 2008 Martinborough Pinot Noir. '08 & '09 were both great vintages in Martinborough. It looks like Palliser have really got their Pinot programme humming at the moment - If their second label Pencarrow from 2009 got gold, we look forward to the 2009 estate! "An elegant, charming and supple wine with a delicious mouthfeel. Aromas of red cherry and fragrant oak make this an irresistibly drinkable wine."
Amisfield Central Otago 2008 Pinot Noir. No surprise here right? Amisfield continually produce exceptional pinot's year on year. Unfortunately this 2008 is not due in Australia until very early in the new year, but we wholeheartedly, unreservedly recommend the 2007, which is currently in stock. Drop us an e-mail and we'll be happy to let you know when the 2008 has arrived.
Domain Road Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008. This is another great value wine from Domain Rd at just $31.95. We had this in our wine club packs earlier in the year and the feedback was incredible. "A fragrant and seductive wine with red cherry, floral and nutty aromas and a very elegant palate."
Wild Earth Central Otago 2008 Pinot Noir. Another classic Central Otago classic that just performs year on year. This wine has really settled in to itself over the last six months and is starting to open up nicely with it's natural acidity coming in to balance. the judges noted "Red cherry, mushroom and subtle creamy oak flavours are in perfect harmony. Smooth with a lingering finish."
Villa Maria Cellar Selection Marlborough Pinot Noir 2009. We currently stock the 2008 with the 2009 not available for sale for quite some months yet. Villa Maria are always flying the flag for Marlborough Pinot Noir - they are consistently good from year to year. The judges noted on the 2009 "Ripe, intense and full with dark cherry, game and floral characters, while retaining fine balance and firmness."
Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough Pinot Noir 2008. We currently stock the 2007 of Villa Maria's top-level Pinot Noir, (Just two bottles left) and Villa Maria have confirmed they do not intend to bring in the 2008 at this stage. The jedges comments "A concentrated Pinot exhibiting red/black cherry, dried herb and gently infused oak with superb fruit intensity and supple tannins."
Other Red Varietals
Mission Estate Reserve Hawkes Bay Syrah 2009. We were big fans of the 2007 and this is a step up again. It is still a little tight, wanting time in the bottle to let go, but still a lovely drop in it's youth. "An elegantly expressed Syrah showing red cherry and thyme characters with a finely textured and refreshing palate." Great value at only $27.95.
Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2008. 
John Hancock has truly mastered the Syrah grape in NZ - This is one of our favourites. A splash of viognier has lifted the aromatics and added some interest to the nose. 94/100 The judges noted "This is youthful and charming on the nose with blueberry and floral notes followed by an attractive fleshy palate."
Sauvignon Blanc
For us Kiwi wine aficianados in Oz, the Sauvignon Blanc results were a little disappointing, as many of the gold medal winners are simply not available in Australia. However, here are a few highlights:
SOHO Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010. EXCLUSIVE TO NZWINEONLINE IN AUSTRALIA! We are the only retailer in Australia who has access to this wonderful wine. Soho are pumping out some increible wines at the moment. This one is " Intensely flavoured showing green capsicum and herbaceous characters with a vibrant palate and a long finish." On sale for just $18.95.
Jules Taylor Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010 - TROPHY FOR BEST SAUVIGNON BLANC!! The fruit intensity is superb in this vibrant wine showing plenty of stonefruit, lime and herbal characters. Mouthwatering and delicious! This is the second trophy for Jules Taylor SB after the 2007 wine. We currently have a little of the 2009 available. Please call for availability of the 2010.
Saint Clair Pioneer Block 3 '43' Degrees Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010. The St Clair 'Block' Sav blancs always stand out in a crowd for their sheer power and intensity. The judges noted "Powerful and punchy displaying passionfruit and musky characters with a lush mouthfeel and a lingering finish.". The 2010 is available now on pre-order - delivery early December.