We were very excited to learn that the Julicher Estate Martinborough Pinot Noir earned the title of Best Pinot Noir, and BEST WINE OF THE SHOW at this year's Air NZ Wine Awards.  Wim Julicher makes such fantastic wines across his whole range and this is a well-deserved accolade. We are one of only a handful of retailers in Australia (and the Only Retailer in NSW, QLD & ACT!!) to stock Julicher Estate, and have put in an urgent order for 'New Zealand's Best Pinot Noir'. You can pre-order the 2008 or purchase the 2007, which we also highly recommend. We have them both on special for just $39.95,  and expect both vintages to sell out quickly due to the worldwide demand following these accolades. This is a truly great Pinot Noir - Purchase now and be one of the few in Australia to have tasted this incredible wine. Their other Pinot Noir, '99 Rows' also gained an Elite Gold Medal - An incredible achievement, and available for immediate purchase. It represents fantastic value - currently on special for just $29.95.

The idea of wine awards and competitions often polarises the wine drinking public and those in the industry. Many of the public use them as a guide to their purchases and to determine value. Others ignore any awards and accolades for their own preferences or for wine reputation. In the industry, many vineyards refuse to enter competitions (ever seen Cloudy Bay or Craggy Range in a competition?), whilst others use them as a key plank in their marketing strategies. There is no doubting that some competitions around the globe are dubious at best, but many have a high level of integrity and zealously defend their 'brand' in the world of wine competitions. The Air NZ Wine Awards is one competition that has grown over the years to be perhaps the most trusted NZ competition. It is run by the industry, the judges are exceptionally qualified (Chaired by Steve Smith, MW and includes Huon Hooke amongst it's many international wine judges), and the wines are judged on QUALITY, not STYLE. Too often these days wines are judged on how they conform to a pre-determined style that the judges expect. Interestingly, the Air NZ Wine Awards are chaired by Steve Smith, Managing Director of Craggy Range who do not enter their wines in award competitions. This is a great endorsement for the competition, as Steve Smith looks to build a judging panel, criteria and process that is fair and encourages great wine production out of New Zealand. You can view the full list of awards here: