Hawkes Bay Chardonnay trumps NZ wine show
With 2273 entries, the 2008 New Zealand International Wine Show is far and away the largest wine competition ever held in New Zealand and organisers claim it to be one of the largest wine competitions in the Southern Hemisphere.
Following several excellent vintages, a host of top quality wines were entered with the judging Team, led by Larry McKenna and Peter Cowley, awarding a total of 166 gold medals, 350 silver and 927 bronze medals over three fantastic days.
There is excitement in every category and with so many of the top wines being recent releases, wine lovers should be able to source these wines for many months.
Trophy winners
The Trophy winning wines all won gold medals in their respective classes at the 2008 New Zealand International Wine Show. They have been singled out by the judges as the 'best of the best'.
Champion Wine of the Show - Church Road Reserve Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2006
A multi-layered Chardonnay with a profound smokiness adding extra dimension and fascination to the already complex sweet grilled stonefruits, toasted oak and savoury creamed nut flavours with a long, rich tantalising finish. Simply outstanding.
NZ Champion Chardonnay - Church Road Reserve Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2006
A profound smokiness adds extra dimension and fascination to the already complex sweet grilled stonefruits, toasted oak and savoury creamed nut flavours.
Champion Sauvignon Blanc - Mud House Swan Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Intense passionfruit aromas and sweet, juicy, tropical fruit flavours with a shimmery, racy, citrussy edge and a pungent mouthfilling finish.
Champion Viognier - Morton Estate Private Reserve Hawkes Bay Viognier 2007
Fragrantly perfumed with flower blossom, lemon grass and apricot, oak adds richness to the full-bodied, spicy, musky flavours.
Champion Riesling - Mud House Waipara Riesling 2008
Zesty lime, lemon and apple with a spicy infusion and a deft touch of honeysuckle on the lingering medium-sweet finish.
Champion Gewurztraminer - Kemblefield 'The Distinction' Hawkes Bay Gewurztraminer 2007
An intensely expressive, concentrated dry style with a rich texture, aromatic spices, rose oil, violets and exotic Asian fruit.
Champion Pinot Gris - Blackenbrook Nelson Reserve Pinot Gris 2008
Full-bodied and rich, creamy, mouthfilling and long with quince, apple and strudel spices and just a hint of sweetness.
Champion Sweet Wine - Lone Goat Botrytis Selection 2007
With intense botrytis, apricot, spiced orange, honeysuckle and lime marmalade, this luscious nectar from Canterbury is as good as it gets.
Champion Sparkling Wine Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Champagne 1998 A deep, satisfying baguette aroma, gorgeous full mouthfeel, roasted nut and yeast complexity and a tangy fresh brightness despite its age.
Champion Other White Varieies - Peter Lehmann "Margaret" Semillon 2003
Rich, dry, aromatic and tangy with a lime zest infusion and delicate honey notes just starting to show.
Champion Cabernet Sauvignon - Predominant Yalumba The Signature 2004
Full of cassis, plum, blackberry, vanilla and spice, this is rich and cedary with flashes of mint and succulent tannins.
Champion Merlot Predominant - Clearview Estate Hawkes Bay Enigma 2006
A smoky, savoury, succulent blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec & Cabernet Franc with all round richness and complexity.
Champion Shiraz - Thorn-Clarke William Randell Barossa Shiraz 2005
Super rich, smoky and savoury with purple fruit, aromatic spices, layers of chocolate and mouth-enveloping tannins. Compelling.
Champion International Wine - Sessantanni Old Vines Primitivo di Manduria 2005
From southern Italy, this is rich, smooth, sweet, earthy and savoury with liquorice, spice and succulent purple fruit - luxurious and utterly irresistible. .
Champion Pinot Noir - Martinborough Vineyard Te Tera Pinot Noir 2007
Deliciously fruity yet intensely savoury with a deep earthy funk, sweet smoky oak, a touch of spice and silky tannins.
Champion Fortified Wine - Lauriston Show Muscat
Silky smooth and super refined, this hedonistic sweetie brims with toffee, spirit, salty rancio and all-round deliciousness.
Commercial White Wine - Saints Gisborne Chardonnay 2007
A lovely creamed nut and toasty oak bouquet with tropical fruits to the fore on the fragrant, vanilla bean-filled palate.
Commercial Red Wine - Thorn-Clarke Sandpiper Barossa Shiraz 2007
A burst of succulent plum and blackberry fruit, creamy oak, chocolate, mocha, fruitcake spices with easy tannins.
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