Recent New Zealand
wine tasting was very much in tune with the ongoing Olympic Games. Not only did
it take place in London but also gathered this year's Gold, Silver, Bronze and Trophy medal
winning wines from four major London based wine competitions: Decanter World
Wine Awards, International Wine Challenge, Internationals Wine & Spirit
Competition, and Sommelier Wine Awards.
New Zealand
is as well known for its wines as for the sports. All Blacks and Sauvignon
Blanc are the flagship brands, but there is quite more than that.
In the history
of the Modern Olympic Games, statistically, they have been most successful with
water sports (rowing, sailing, canoeing, swimming), and athletics. And even
though rugby has been absent from the Games since 1924, it’s been given a green
light for the next ones in Rio de Janeiro for its rugby sevens variant. This
year, the country is represented by 185 athletes and as I write they have already
won 13 medals (5 gold, 3 silver, 5 bronze).
The event
featured 98 wines representing nearly 34,000ha of vineyards
distributed across the country from Northland to Central Otago (full list below).
Despite being a producer with relatively small area under vine, its
versatility, global presence and reconcilability are impressive. With Sauvignon
Blanc in the lead, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Riesling,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewürztraminer, Syrah, Semillon are other key grape
varieties that have been gradually conquering palates worldwide.
The tasting
was a line-up of almost exclusively single variety wines. This says a lot about
the winemaking profile of the country and current market trends. Single variety
wines seem to be the best expression of the country’s produce but by no means does
it signify an easier approach to winemaking. Great diversity of microclimates
and soils that add so much to the tasting experience is a major challenge for
the producers. Tasting a dozen or so wines from the same grape reveals
different winemaking styles, aromas, flavours, complexity – even within the
same region, not to mention across the country. There’s plenty to choose from
for all types of palates. Razor sharp and bone dry, or round and creamy, and
rich whites with great aromatic range. Delicate, subtle, fruity and elegant, or
full bodied, spicy and chewy reds.
From the 18th
floor of the New Zealand House we could see the beach volleyball venue. Women
playing, so just imagine the cheering (read: screaming) of the spectators. The
organizer was very kind to provide binoculars to enjoy a spectacular view of
the city. The court itself was not visible, which in a way was good because the
players might have stolen some thunder from the wine.
Below is a
complete list of tasted wines including recommended retail prices:
1. Lindauer Blanc De Blancs New Zealand NV (£11,99)
Silver IWC
2. Quartz Reef Méthode Traditionnelle Central Otago NV (£17,00)
Silver Sommelier Wine Awards
3. Hunter's MiruMiru Marlborough NV (£17,95)
Silver DWWA
4. No. 1 Family Estate Cuvée Number 8 Marlborough NV (£19,49)
Trophy New Zealand Sparkling IWC
5. Matua Valley Single Vineyard Home Block Riesling Marlborough 2011 (£12,99)
Silver IWC
6. Spy Valley Riesling Marlborough 2011 (£12,81)
Silver DWWA
7. Seifried Riesling Nelson 2011 (£10,99)
Silver DWWA
8. Toi Toi Reserve Riesling Marlborough 2010 (£13,99)
Gold Best in Class IWSC 2011
9. Greystone Riesling Waipara Valley 2011 (£12.00 (£15.00)
Trophy New Zealand Riesling over £10 DWWA
10. Essenze Pinot Gris Waipara Valley 2011 (£11,99)
Silver DWWA
11. Ra Nui Pinot Gris Wairau Valley, Marlborough 2011-₤12.95)
Silver IWC
12. Yealands Estate Pinot Gris Awatere Valley, Marlborough 2010 (£11,99)
Gold and By the Glass Selection Sommelier Wine Awards
13. Greystone Wines Sand Dollar Pinot Gris Waipara Valley 2011 (£10.00 (£12.00)
Silver DWWA
14. Artisan Far Paddock Pinot Gris Marlborough 2009 (£13,99)
Silver DWWA
15. Invivo Pinot Gris Marlborough 2011 (£14,99)
Silver DWWA
16. Macrocarpa Pinot Gris Marlborough 2011 (£16,00)
Silver IWC
17. Te Mara Pinot Gris Central Otago 2010 (£12,00)
Silver Sommelier Wine Awards
18. Woollaston Estates Pinot Gris 2011 (£12,49)
Silver IWC
19. Waimea Estates Gewürztraminer Nelson 2011 (£10,99)
Silver IWC
20. Lawson's Dry Hills Gewürztraminer Marlborough 2010 (£12,49)
Silver IWC
21. Lawson's Dry Hills The Pioneer Gewürztraminer Marlborough 2009 (£14,00)
Gold, Sommelier Wine Awards
22. Millton Riverpoint Vineyard Viognier Gisborne 2010 (£12,99)
Silver IWC
23. Brancott Estate Letter Series 'R' Sauvignon Gris Marlborough 2011 (£12,99)
Silver DWWA
24. Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£9,99)
Silver IWC
25. The Ned Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£9,99)
Trophy New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc under £10 DWWA
26. 900 Grapes Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£9,99)
Gold DWWA
27. Esk Valley Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£9,99)
Gold Sommelier Wine Awards
28. Shingle Peak Reserve Release Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£10,99)
Gold IWC & DWWA
29. Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£11,39)
Gold Sommelier Wine Awards
30. Babich Black Label Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£11,69)
Silver DWWA
31. Hunter's Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£11,99)
Bronze DWWA
32. Jackson Estate Stich Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (price not available)
Silver DWWA
33. Stanley Estates Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£12,50)
Gold DWWA
34. Marisco The King's Favour Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£12,99)
Gold IWC
35. Marisco The Kings Favour Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2010 (£12,99)
Silver DWWA
36. Marks & Spencer Single Block Series S1 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 by Yealands (£12,99)
Trophy International Sauvignon Blanc & Trophy White Marlborough IWC
37. Villa Maria Reserve Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£13,99)
Gold IWC
38. Vidal Reserve Series Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£13,99)
Gold IWC
39. Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£13,99)
Silver Sommelier Wine Awards
40. Craggy Range Avery Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£12.99 - £14.99)
Gold Sommelier Wine Awards
41. Tarras Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£14,50)
Gold IWC
42. Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£14,99)
Silver IWC
43. Astrolabe Wines Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£15,95)
Silver DWWA
44. Saint Clair Family Estate Pioneer Block Snap Block 18 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£17,99)
Gold DWWA
45. Clos Henri Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£20,49)
Silver DWWA
46. Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£25,00)
Trophy New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc over £10 DWWA
47. Giesen The August Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2010 (£18,99)
Silver IWC
48. Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay Marlborough 2011 (£11,99)
Silver DWWA
49. Kumeu River The Society's Exhibition New Zealand Chardonnay Kumeu 2010 (£12,50)
Gold IWC
50. Nautilus Estate Chardonnay Marlborough 2010 (£16,00)
Gold IWC
51. Saint Clair Family Estate Omaka Reserve Chardonnay Marlborough 2010 (£16,99)
Silver Sommelier Wine Awards
52. Huia Chardonnay Marlborough 2008 (£16,40)
Gold IWC
53. Paddy Borthwick Pinot Noir Wairarapa 2010 (£15,70)
Silver IWC
54. Urlar Organic Pinot Noir Martinborough 2010 (£17,50)
Silver IWC
55. Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Noir Wairarapa 2010 (£19,50)
Silver IWC
56. Schubert Marion's Vineyard Pinot Noir Wairarapa 2010 (£28,95)
Gold IWC
57. Cambridge Road Pinot Noir Martinborough 2010 (£25 - £30)
Trophy Martinborough IWC
58. Whitehaven Pinot Noir Marlborough 2010 (£13,79)
Silver IWC
59. Lawson's Dry Hills Pinot Noir Marlborough 2010 (£14,50)
Gold IWC
60. Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir Marlborough 2010 (£14,99)
Gold DWWA
61. Jules Taylor Pinot Noir Marlborough 2010 (£17,50)
Silver DWWA
62. Mud House Single Vineyard Caseys Road Pinot Noir Marlborough 2010 (£20,00)
Silver DWWA
63. Saint Clair Family Estate Pioneer Block Doctor's Creek 14 Pinot Noir Marlborough 2010 (£18,99)
Trophy New Zealand Pinot Noir over £10 DWWA & Trophy New Zealand Red Marlborough IWC
64. Foxes Island Belsham Estate Pinot Noir Marlborough 2008 (£16,66)
Silver DWWA
65. Fromm La Strada Pinot Noir Marlborough 2007 (£20,00)
Silver Sommelier Wine Awards
66. Ostler Caroline's Pinot Noir Waitaki 2010 (£29,95)
Silver DWWA
67. John Forrest Collection Pinot Noir Waitaki 2009 (£30,00)
Trophy New Zealand Pinot Noir & Trophy Waitaki IWC
68. Waipara Hills Pinot Noir Central Otago 2010 (£12,99)
Silver DWWA
69. Mt. Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir Central Otago 2010 (£17,99)
Silver DWWA
70. Judge Rock Pinot Noir Central Otago 2010 (NZ$40)
Gold DWWA
71. Archangel Pinot Noir Central Otago 2010 (£19,95)
Silver DWWA
72. Mud House Estate Golden Terraces Pinot Noir Central Otago 2010 (£20,00)
Gold DWWA
73. Ata Mara Pinot Noir Central Otago 2010 (£20,00)
Silver DWWA
74. Lowburn Ferry Home Block Pinot Noir Central Otago 2010 (£26,99)
Silver DWWA
75. Elephant Hill Pinot Noir Central Otago 2009 (£15,77)
Silver Sommelier Wine Awards
76. Maude Pinot Noir Central Otago 2009 (£23,99)
Silver DWWA
77. Surveyor Thomson Pinot Noir Central Otago 2009 (£27,00)
Silver DWWA
78. Wooing Tree Pinot Noir Central Otago 2009 (£28.99-29.99)
Silver DWWA & IWC
79. Mission Estate Syrah Hawke's Bay 2011 (£13,00)
Silver IWC
80. Villa Maria Private Bin Syrah Hawke's Bay 2010 (£12,49)
Silver IWC
81. Esk Valley Syrah Hawke's Bay 2010 (£13,99)
Silver DWWA
82. Elephant Hill Syrah Hawke's Bay 2010 (£15,73)
Gold Sommelier Wine Awards
83. Te Awa Left Field Syrah Hawke's Bay 2010 (£16,10)
Gold IWC
84. Mills Reef Elspeth Syrah Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay 2010 (£34,99)
Trophy New Zealand Syrah IWC
85. Vidal Legacy Series Syrah Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay 2009 (£17,99)
Trophy New Zealand Red Rhône Varietal over £10 DWWA
86. Elephant Hill Airavata Syrah Hawke's Bay 2009 (£32,89)
Gold and Critics Choice Sommelier Wine Awards
87. C J Pask Declaration Syrah Hawke's Bay 2007 (£18.00- 20.00)
Gold DWWA 2010
88. Mills Reef Elspeth Merlot Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay 2010 (£29,99)
Gold IWC
89. Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Merlot Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay 2010 (£29,95)
Silver IWC
90. Elephant Hill Le Phant Reserve Hawke's Bay 2009 (£25,95)
Gold DWWA
91. Man O' War Ironclad Waiheke 2009 (£28,00)
Silver DWWA
92. Alpha Domus The Navigator Hawke's Bay 2008 (£15.99-17.99)
Silver DWWA
93. The Obsidian Cabernet Merlot Waiheke 2008 (£39,00)
Silver IWC
94. Brancott Estate Late Harvest 'B' Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£9,99)
Trophy New Zealand Sweet over £10 DWWA
95. The Ned Noble Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£12,99)
Silver DWWA & IWC
96. Saint Clair Family Estate Awatere Valley Reserve Noble Riesling Marlborough 2009 (£15,49)
Gold DWWA
97. Marisco A Sticky End Noble Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2009 (£15,99)
Gold DWWA
98. Stanley Estates Noble Harvest Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011 (£13.25 - £14.25)
Silver DWWA
All medals refer to competitions in 2012, unless otherwise stated
DWWA = Decanter World Wine Awards
IWC = International Wine Challenge
IWSC = International Wine & Spirit Competition
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