ANZWA Trophy Medal Guide 2012

Your guide to New Zealand’s finest wines of 2012

airnzwineawards.co.nz

INTRODUCTION

Dear Wine Lover, The Air New Zealand Wine Awards is New Zealand’s premier wine competition, recognising excellence in winemaking.

The competition is owned and organised by New Zealand Winegrowers, the national organisation for the country's 1,700 grape growers and wineries.

The Air New Zealand Wine Awards has been running for over 30 years, and this is the 26th year that Air New Zealand has been our naming rights sponsor.

In November 2012, a panel of 25 top wine experts, including judges from Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, sniffed, swirled and tasted their way through almost 1,400 wines. The top wines tasted were awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold Medals, with the very best wines receiving Elite Gold Medals and Trophies.

These Trophy and Gold Medal-winning wines are featured in this guide. The high calibre of this year’s winning wines is evident, and you will enjoy the selections we have made. Be sure to pick up your favourite Air New Zealand Wine Awards medalwinning wines from your local wine outlet (see airnzwineawards.co.nz for full details).

Cheers!

MICHAEL BRAJKOVICH MW Chair of Judges Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2012

For a complete summary of results, please visit airnzwineawards.co.nz Keep up to date on the Air New Zealand Wine Awards by following us on Twitter @AirNZWineAwards or visit our Facebook page facebook.com/AirNewZealandWineAwards Wine notes in this guide are courtesy of Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

MEDALS

PURE ELITE GOLD

ELITE GOLD

Outstanding quality – 19 to 20 points (44 awarded)

Outstanding quality – 19 to 20 points (4 awarded)

PURE GOLD

GOLD

Excellent quality – 18.5 to 18.99 points (45 awarded)

Excellent quality – 18.5 to 18.99 points (4 awarded)

PURE SILVER

SILVER

Very good quality – 17 to 18.49 points (166 awarded)

Very good quality – 17 to 18.49 points (17 awarded)

PURE BRONZE

BRONZE

Good quality – 16 to 16.99 points (323 awarded)

Good quality – 16 to 16.99 points (41 awarded)

PURE MEDALS Pure Medals* are awarded to wines that are 100 percent sustainable and that have achieved medal status. For example, a wine that attains a Gold Medal score and is sustainably accredited is awarded a ‘Pure Gold’ Medal. *Pure Medal-winning wines must have been accredited by an independent sustainability programme at the time of production and the granting of the awards.

TROPHIES BEST WINE IN CATEGORY Trophies are awarded for the best wine of each variety (e.g. Chardonnay) as well as for classes based on how much wine is available (i.e. ‘Exhibition’ (E) for smaller quantities, ‘Limited’ (L) for medium quantities and ‘Open’ (O) for wines that are readily available).

The wine voted by the senior judges to be the best wine of the entire competition is also awarded the Air New Zealand Champion Wine of the Show Trophy. The runner-up wine receives the Reserve Wine of the Show Trophy.

For more information on the Air New Zealand Wine Awards judging process, and awarding of medals and trophies, please visit airnzwineawards.co.nz.

CHAMPION WINE OF THE SHOW AND RESERVE WINE OF THE SHOW

AIR NEW ZEALAND CHAMPION WINE OF THE SHOW

(ALSO AWARDED JF HILLEBRAND NEW ZEALAND LTD CHAMPION PINOT NOIR)

GRASSHOPPER ROCK CENTRAL OTAGO EARNSCLEUGH VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2010 Grasshopper Rock is a small Central Otago wine producer, dedicated exclusively to the production of first class, single vineyard Pinot Noir. Their vineyard is situated on Earnscleugh Road, across the Clutha River from Alexandra.

The land was chosen by its owners, a group of five families, to provide the best conditions for consistently producing a premium Pinot Noir in an elegant Central Otago style. Grasshopper Rock’s first vintage was 2006 and its winemaker is Peter Bartle. This is Grasshopper Rock’s first Air New Zealand Wine Awards Trophy.

www.grasshopperrock.co.nz

(L) $30.00

O-I NEW ZEALAND RESERVE WINE OF THE SHOW

(ALSO AWARDED RABOBANK NEW ZEALAND LIMITED CHAMPION CHARDONNAY)

MATUA VALLEY SINGLE VINEYARD MARLBOROUGH CHARDONNAY 2011 Matua Valley began as a small, family run winery in West Auckland in 1974. Founders Ross and Bill Spence quickly gained a reputation for innovative, award-winning wines, and were first to plant Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand.

Today, Matua Valley produces a wide range of distinctive wines, which are enjoyed all over the world. Matua Valley is the previous winner of five Air New Zealand Wine Awards trophies, including Champion Chardonnay in 1998.

www.matua.co.nz

(L) $49.99

TROPHY AND GOLD MEDAL WINNERS TROPHY AND GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

SAUVIGNON BLANC Many styles on show, but typically a delightful combination of the pungently tropical and the mildly herbaceous, with luscious ripe fruit together with vibrantly crisp edginess in the same wine.

ARA SINGLE ESTATE MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012

Powerful and punchy, the lifted bouquet shows musk, passionfruit and green capsicum characters, followed by a flavour-packed palate. It’s full, generous and outrageously tasty.

www.arawines.com (O)

$21.95

LABEL AND LITHO LIMITED CHAMPION SAUVIGNON BLANC / NEW WORLD CHAMPION OPEN WHITE WINE WITHER HILLS MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012

HUNTAWAY LIMITED EDITION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 (MARLBOROUGH)

A fabulous wine showing a lovely medley of white peach, feijoa and dill aromas. It has a succulent palate packed with lush fruit intensity and crisp acidity, leading to an exceptionally long, refreshing finish.

www.witherhills.co.nz (O)

High pitched and striking on the nose showing stone fruit, lime zest and herbaceous aromas with a hint of floral perfume. The palate is explosive and juicy, finishing long. Delicious.

www.huntaway.co.nz (O) $19.99

$21.99

MARISCO THE KINGS FAVOUR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011 (MARLBOROUGH)

A beautifully rounded wine showing inviting aromas of lemon/lime zest, stone fruit and snow pea. It offers lovely weight and texture, making it so easy on the palate.

www.marisco.co.nz

(L) $24.99

MUD HOUSE MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012

Lovely ripeness and perfume, combined with a rounded palate that shows excellent weight and texture. Passionfruit, feijoa and subtle herbaceous flavours.

www.mudhouse.co.nz (O) $22.00

RAPAURA SPRINGS RESERVE MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012

TOHU MUGWI RESERVE MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011

Intensely aromatic with passion fruit, citrus and tomato leaf characters. It’s juicy and vibrant with superb fruit power, finishing long and crisp.

An exuberant, alternative style filled with yellow peach and vanilla characters with gently infused herbal notes. It’s concentrated and vigorous with a creamy texture, finishing extremely long and sumptuous. www.tohuwines.co.nz (L) $27.95

www.rapaurasprings.co.nz (O) $22.99

YEALANDS ESTATE SINGLE BLOCK SERIES M2 SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 (MARLBOROUGH)

ARTISAN THE SANDS BLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 (MARLBOROUGH)

A textbook example exhibiting lime zest, green apple and herbaceous characters on the nose, leading to a lively, mouth-watering palate.

Intensely expressed on the nose with feijoa, white peach and herbal notes. The palate is upfront and fruity, filled with juicy flavours and bright acidity, and a lovely refreshing mouth feel.

www.yealandsestate.co.nz

(L) $34.99

www.artisanwines.co.nz

(L)

$18.99

FRAMINGHAM MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012

An elegant wine showing restraint and poise, yet seductive and engaging with white peach, green apple and flinty aromas. The palate is finely textured and flowing, backed by lovely harmony and balance.

www.framingham.co.nz (O) $21.00

KIM CRAWFORD SMALL PARCELS MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012

Unmistakable aromas of musk, tomato leaf, lime zest and a touch of stone fruit, lead to a brilliantly vibrant palate well supported by racy acidity and intense flavours.

www.kimcrawfordwines.co.nz

(L) $33.00

MATUA VALLEY ESTATE SERIES PARETAI SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 (MARLBOROUGH)

SAINT CLAIR VICAR'S CHOICE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 (MARLBOROUGH)

A departure from the mainstream, exhibiting flint, capsicum, ripe apple and subtle savoury notes.

Superbly concentrated and textured with lovely integration and harmony.

The wine shows excellent fruit ripeness and richness with peach, lemon zest and yellow capsicum characters. Flavoursome and satisfying.

www.matua.co.nz (O) $22.90

www.saintclair.co.nz (O) $19.50

SILENI CELLAR SELECTION MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012

STONELEIGH RAPAURA SERIES SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 (MARLBOROUGH)

A beautiful mix of ripe peach and passionfruit characters with green herbal aromas. The palate is succulent, rounded and generous with amazing depth of flavour.

It’s ravishingly fragrant showing fresh apple, lemon zest and green capsicum characters. The palate is loaded with appealing flavours, finishing extremely long and mouth-watering.

www.sileni.co.nz (O) $20.00

www.stoneleigh.co.nz

(L) $29.99

VICARAGE LANE MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012

YEALANDS ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 (MARLBOROUGH)

A knockout Sauvignon. The perfumed bouquet is filled with floral, white peach and fresh herbs, followed by an exceptionally vibrant and lively palate.

A substantial wine, the opulent bouquet displays peach, passionfruit and capsicum characters. It’s succulent and weighty on the palate with a stunning, flavoursome finish.

www.vicaragelane.com (O) $13.80

www.yealandsestate.co.nz (O) $24.99

CHARDONNAY A very classy group of wines showing peach, citrus and flinty characters of Chardonnay grapes combined with the subtle influence of oak giving toasty vanilla and hazelnut overtones.

O-I NEW ZEALAND RESERVE WINE OF THE SHOW / RABOBANK NEW ZEALAND LIMITED CHAMPION CHARDONNAY

WAITOA FREE RANGE CHICKEN CHAMPION EXHIBITION WHITE OR SPARKLING WINE

MATUA VALLEY SINGLE VINEYARD MARLBOROUGH CHARDONNAY 2011

VILLA MARIA SINGLE VINEYARD IHUMATAO CHARDONNAY 2011 (AUCKLAND)

An elegant wine with plenty of discreet power and persistence, exhibiting white peach, apple and roasted cashew aromas together with fine texture and an extremely long finish.

Suave and complex, the lifted bouquet shows flint, white peach, citrus and roasted nut characters, followed by a richly textured and expansive palate with a long long finish.

www.matua.co.nz

(L) $49.99

www.villamaria.co.nz (E) $37.99

GIESEN THE BROTHERS MARLBOROUGH CHARDONNAY 2011

MT RILEY SEVENTEEN VALLEY CHARDONNAY 2011 (MARLBOROUGH)

Delicately framed and expressed, the pure fruit aromas of citrus, apple and stone fruit are beautifully supported by crisp acidity and a linear finish.

An elegantly poised Chardonnay showing gorgeous aromas of white peach, cashew and subtle vanilla, leading to a silky-smooth palate. Perfectly balanced and gracefully expressed.

www.giesen.co.nz (E) $24.99

SAINT CLAIR PIONEER BLOCK 10 TWIN HILLS CHARDONNAY 2011 (MARLBOROUGH)

The wine is generous and comforting with stone fruit, cream and oatmeal characters on the nose, followed by a lovely weighty palate. Very attractive and flavoursome.

www.saintclair.co.nz

(L) $33.50

VILLA MARIA RESERVE BARRIQUE FERMENTED GISBORNE CHARDONNAY 2011

It’s engaging and fascinating on the nose displaying stone fruit, cream and a hint of savoury notes. The palate delivers excellent depth of flavour and texture.

www.villamaria.co.nz (E) $37.99

www.mountriley.co.nz (E) $34.99

VIDAL LEGACY SERIES HAWKE'S BAY CHARDONNAY 2010

There’s an impression of Burgundy, exhibiting citrus, peach and roasted nut with a touch of savoury complexity on the nose. The palate is stylish and weighty, finishing long and divine.

www.vidal.co.nz

(L) $50.00

VILLA MARIA RESERVE HAWKE'S BAY CHARDONNAY 2011

Brightly flavoured and delicately structured, the wine is beautifully harmonised with stone fruit and citrus characters with an elegant seasoning of spicy oak, well supported by bright acidity.

www.villamaria.co.nz

(L) $32.99

VILLA MARIA SINGLE VINEYARD IHUMATAO CHARDONNAY 2010 (AUCKLAND)

VILLA MARIA SINGLE VINEYARD KELTERN CHARDONNAY 2011 (HAWKE'S BAY)

Striking and immensely complex, the bouquet shows flint, peach and vanillin oak characters, followed by a concentrated and expansive palate.

A delightful young wine showing loads of appealing flavours of peach, mandarin and vanillin oak, backed by excellent structure.

www.villamaria.co.nz (E) $37.99

www.villamaria.co.nz

(L)

$37.99

LAWSON'S DRY HILLS MARLBOROUGH CHARDONNAY 2008

AUNTSFIELD SINGLE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2010 (MARLBOROUGH)

A beautifully maturing Chardonnay, but by no means old, showing mandarin, stone fruit and roasted nut aromas. The palate is rich, flavour-packed and polished to a lingering delicious finish.

The lovely perfumed bouquet shows citrus, ripe apple, peach and subtle vanilla characters leading to a fine, focused palate. Lovely integration and sophistication.

www.lawsonsdryhills.co.nz

(L) $28.00

VIDAL LEGACY SERIES HAWKE'S BAY CHARDONNAY 2011

The wine flows beautifully with fine texture, displaying gentle fruit flavours of citrus and peach with a touch of nutty characters. Sleek and precise.

www.vidal.co.nz

(L) $50.00

www.auntsfield.co.nz

(L) $34.00

VILLA MARIA RESERVE BARRIQUE FERMENTED GISBORNE CHARDONNAY 2010

This is luxurious and immensely attractive with peach, cream and vanilla aromas followed by a powerful, concentrated palate. It’s seamless, long and gratifying.

www.villamaria.co.nz

(L)

$37.99

VILLA MARIA RESERVE MARLBOROUGH CHARDONNAY 2011

Intense, vibrant and gratifying, this is packed with lovely yellow peach, mango, citrus and creamy oak characters. It’s full, textured with a very long finish.

www.villamaria.co.nz

(L) $32.99

PINOT GRIS Pure, fragrant and floral aromatics, with rose petals and pear characters. Subtle creaminess on the palate with a pleasingly generous finish.

LAWSON'S DRY HILLS THE PIONEER PINOT GRIS 2010 (MARLBOROUGH)

Showing some maturity, the wine is impressively structured with silky texture, fruit weight and appealing sweetness. The golden apple, apricot and subtle honey notes are irresistible.

www.lawsonsdryhills.co.nz (E) $34.00

GUALA CLOSURES NZ CHAMPION PINOT GRIS ERADUS AWATERE VALLEY PINOT GRIS 2012 (MARLBOROUGH)

MUD HOUSE ESTATE THE HOME BLOCK VINEYARD WAIPARA VALLEY PINOT GRIS 2011

This is rich yet refined, opulent yet beautifully defined. The bouquet is filled with ripe pear, mango, citrus and potpourri then the succulent and textured palate flows to a gratifying finish.

www.eraduswines.co.nz

(L)

Youthful, fragrant and delicate, the inviting bouquet shows citrus and pear notes, followed by a juicy vibrant palate. It’s beautifully poised, and long and crisp on the finish.

www.mudhouse.co.nz

$18.99

(L) $30.00

STONELEIGH MARLBOROUGH PINOT GRIS 2012

WHITEHAVEN MARLBOROUGH PINOT GRIS 2012

It’s beautifully perfumed on the nose with yellow peach, floral and pear notes. The palate is immediately satisfying with succulence and a generous finish.

Showing lovely fruit intensity, the wine is immediately appealing with peach, pear and apple aromas followed by a juicy palate. There’s a hint of spice too, making it a delightful wine to drink.

www.stoneleigh.co.nz

(L) $24.99

GIBBSTON VALLEY LA DULCINEE PINOT GRIS 2012 (CENTRAL OTAGO)

The fruit sweetness and crisp acidity work brilliantly providing a smooth mouth feel, packed with appealing pear and citrus flavours. Excellent power and intensity.

www.gibbstonvalleynz.com (E) $38.00

www.whitehaven.co.nz

(L) $22.90

SPY VALLEY MARLBOROUGH PINOT GRIS 2012

A lovely Alsace rendition displaying superb concentration, rich texture and balance, together with citrus, stone fruit and a touch of savoury notes. A little different but very delicious.

www.spyvalleywine.co.nz (O) $22.95

TIKI ESTATE WAIPARA PINOT GRIS 2011

VILLA MARIA PRIVATE BIN EAST COAST PINOT GRIS 2012

A crowd pleaser showing lifted aromas of mixed spice, pear and apple characters. It’s ripe and rounded on the palate with lovely fruit intensity. A friendly, flavoursome wine.

A pristine expression of the variety showing fragrant aromas of pear, peach and floral, leading to a lush and weighty palate, finishing elegant and dry.

www.tikiwine.com (O) $19.99

www.villamaria.co.nz (O) $22.99

RIESLING Fresh, focussed and pure aromas with lemon-zest and lifted floral notes. Persistently long palate, with citrusy minerality and a fine acid line.

MAUDE MT MAUDE VINEYARD EAST BLOCK RIESLING 2012 (CENTRAL OTAGO)

Feather-light and pure, this exquisite wine shows floral, lemon zest and flinty aromas. Delicate and finely textured, finishing astonishingly long. The elegant sweetness is superbly countered by the acidity, a refreshing palate. www.maudewines.com (E) $25.00

PLANT & FOOD RESEARCH CHAMPION RIESLING ASPIRING FLATS BENDIGO CENTRAL OTAGO RIESLING 2012

ROCKBURN TIGERMOTH CENTRAL OTAGO RIESLING 2011

A wine of scintillating clarity, the delicately fragrant bouquet shows white peach, lemon pith and floral aromas. It’s focused and finely textured on the palate with a stunning persistent finish.

A complex offering with outstanding intensity, the bouquet shows citrus, red apple and a hint of savoury notes. The subtle sweetness and the perfectly pitched acidity make the palate mouthwatering and delicious.

www.nzwinesociety.co.nz

www.rockburn.co.nz (E) $33.00

(L) $24.99

VAVASOUR RIESLING 2011 (MARLBOROUGH)

DRYLANDS MARLBOROUGH DRY RIESLING 2012

A delightfully young wine with a juicy mouth feel and bright acidity providing excellent structure and length with hints of lemon/lime and flinty notes. The varietal purity is beautifully expressed.

Restrained and elegant, this youthful charmer displays green apple and lime zest characters on the nose followed by a mouth-watering palate backed by racy acidity.

www.vavasour.com

(L) $23.99

www.drylands.co.nz (E) $22.99

MT BEAUTIFUL RIESLING 2010 (NORTH CANTERBURY)

WEST BROOK MARLBOROUGH RIESLING 2011

A beautiful infusion of ripe peach and citrus characters together with complex toasty and honey notes make this undeniably delicious. Plenty of appealing flavours, it’s immediate and satisfying.

The wine shows impressive line and length, well supported by racy acidity, fine texture and elegant aromas of fresh apple, lemon zest and floral. It’s stylish, linear and beautifully framed.

www.mtbeautiful.co.nz

(L)

$21.95

www.westbrook.co.nz (E) $20.00

GEWÜRZTRAMINER Immediately appealing with exotic spices, perfumed floral notes and tropical fruit. Warm and luscious, rich palate weight with layers of flavour and a firmly succulent finish.

WAIMEA GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2012 (NELSON)

The classic perfumed bouquet shows floral, spice and apricot notes. It’s lush, rounded and silky on the palate with excellent fruit richness and a lovely finish.

www.waimeaestates.co.nz

COAST FM CHAMPION GEWÜRZTRAMINER LAWSON'S DRY HILLS GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2010 (MARLBOROUGH)

An elegant wine with a gorgeous nose displaying a heady fragrance of white peach, mango and a touch of spice. The palate is concentrated with a rich texture, finishing gloriously long and succulent.

www.lawsonsdryhills.co.nz

(L) $26.00

(L) $23.00

OTHER WHITE STYLES Viognier, Albariño and Grüner Veltliner: Exotic names and exciting wines with fruity exuberance and stylish vitality.

VILLA MARIA SINGLE VINEYARD OMAHU GRAVELS VIOGNIER 2010 (HAWKE'S BAY)

Classic Viognier aromas of floral, apricot and spice, well supported by a succulent, refreshing palate. A sweetly flavoured and generous wine.

www.villamaria.co.nz (E) $32.99

BDO CHAMPION OTHER WHITE AND ROSÉ WINE COOPERS CREEK SV GISBORNE ALBARIÑO 'BELL-RINGER' 2012

WAIMEA GRÜNER VELTLINER 2012 (NELSON)

The wine shows youthful exuberance on the nose displaying floral, lemon/lime, mango and a hint of spice notes. It’s saturated with charming flavours, finishing juicy and fabulously long.

www.cooperscreek.co.nz

(L) $22.00

The lovely perfumed bouquet is filled with citrus, peach and a touch of white pepper. It’s beautifully weighted and rounded on the palate, displaying excellent fruit purity.

www.waimeaestates.co.nz (E) $25.00

SPARKLING WINE Elegant racy fruit with the complex creamy influence of yeast lees ageing in the bottle are the hallmarks of these top quality Sparklings.

QUARTZ REEF MÉTHODE TRADITIONNELLE BRUT NV (CENTRAL OTAGO)

Rich and complex on the nose displaying citrus, yeast and nutty characters. The full-bodied palate is textured and weighty with an impressive long finish. Bold and expressive.

www.quartzreef.co.nz (O) $32.00

WINEWORKS CHAMPION SPARKLING WINE LINDAUER CLASSIC ROSÉ NV

The bouquet is filled with red cherry, strawberry and floral with a hint of yeasty complexity. It’s fine, silky and superbly long on the finish, backed by lovely crisp acidity.

www.lindauer.co.nz (O)

$15.99

PALLISER ESTATE MÉTHODE TRADITIONNELLE 2007 (MARTINBOROUGH)

Elegant and stylish with delicate aromas of floral, cashew and citrus. Refined and linear on the palate with precision and lovely persistent flavours. An intricately framed bubbly.

www.palliser.co.nz

(L) $48.50

DESSERT WINE These deliciously sweet wines have abundant rich, ripe fruit concentrated by the noble rot botrytis cinerea to enrich the flavours, adding notes of honey, caramel and spicy dried fruit.

AKARUA CENTRAL OTAGO ALCHEMY ICE 2012

An elegant sweet wine displaying ripe citrus, tropical fruit and floral aromas. The palate is sweet and succulent with a long refreshing finish.

www.akarua.com (E) $50.00

KAPITI CHAMPION DESSERT WINE GREYSTONE WAIPARA VALLEY BASKET STAR RIESLING 2011

The wine shows spectacular richness and intensity, exhibiting honey, nutty, marmalade and beeswax aromas, followed by a substantial palate filled with unctuous sweetness leading to a beautifully balanced finish.

www.greystonewines.co.nz

(L) $42.00

BRANCOTT ESTATE LETTER SERIES 'B' LATE HARVEST MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011

Sweetly scented, the bouquet is nicely lifted showing dried apricot, honey and spice characters followed by a powerful palate with gorgeous sweetness and well balanced acidity. Hugely appealing.

www.brancottestate.com

(L) $35.99

LAWSON'S DRY HILLS LATE HARVEST MARLBOROUGH RIESLING 2010

OSAWA WINES LATE HARVEST HAWKE'S BAY GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2011

Elegant, delicate and refined, this light-style sweet wine offers attractive aromas of ripe apple, citrus, tropical fruit and floral, leading to a refreshing palate with crisp acidity.

This is luscious and generous showing honey, dried fruit, spice and potpourri aromas. It’s weighty and concentrated on the palate with lovely sweetness and bright acidity providing excellent frame and structure. www.osawawines.co.nz (L) $30.00

www.lawsonsdryhills.co.nz

(L) $25.00

VILLA MARIA RESERVE MARLBOROUGH NOBLE RIESLING BOTRYTIS SELECTION 2011

A very desirable sweet wine with high energy showing lifted aromas of honey, floral and marmalade, backed by an intensely flavoured and vibrant palate.

www.villamaria.co.nz

(L) $36.99

PINOT NOIR Outstanding Pinots of many styles, showing ripe plum, strawberry and cherry aromas overlaid with earthy truffle and woody notes. Warm and fruity on the palate but with fine tannins and acid to balance.

AIR NEW ZEALAND CHAMPION WINE OF THE SHOW / JF HILLEBRAND NEW ZEALAND LTD CHAMPION PINOT NOIR

FAIRFAX MEDIA CHAMPION OPEN RED WINE ROCKBURN CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR 2011

GRASSHOPPER ROCK CENTRAL OTAGO EARNSCLEUGH VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2010

It’s multi layered and fragrant with red/black cherry, truffle and cedar aromas, leading to a beautifully rounded and velvety palate, backed by lovely supple tannins. Graceful with a voluptuous mouth feel.

Confident and dramatic showing power and grace. The bouquet is perfumed showing dark cherry, plum, floral and game characters followed by an expansive, textured palate. Great harmony and complexity.

www.grasshopperrock.co.nz

(L)

www.rockburn.co.nz (O) $40.00

$30.00

ARA RESOLUTE PINOT NOIR 2011 (MARLBOROUGH)

BIRD BIG BARREL PINOT NOIR 2011 (MARLBOROUGH)

Youthful yet impressively fragrant and complex on the nose showing red/black cherry and spice with hints of game and cedary oak. The palate is succulent and beautifully expressed, showing promise to develop even greater richness.

The wine is beautifully understated showing red cherry, plum and floral characters with a touch of spice. It’s fine and focused on the palate with a delicate finish.

www.arawines.com

(L) $49.95

www.birdwines.com

(L) $34.95

CHARCOAL GULLY CENTRAL OTAGO SALLYS PINCH PINOT NOIR 2011

DOMAIN ROAD VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2011 (CENTRAL OTAGO)

Fabulously ripe and sensuous, the bouquet shows game, dark fruits and floral, leading to a powerful, sturdy palate. Lovely focus and density.

It’s ripe and fragrant with red/black cherry, floral and savoury mushroom characters, followed by an elegant refined palate with plenty of polished tannins.

www.charcoalgully.co.nz

(L) $29.00

www.domainroad.co.nz

(L) $40.00

GIBBSTON VALLEY SCHOOL HOUSE CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR 2011

This is youthful, pure and perfumed, displaying dark plum, blueberry and floral characters on the nose. The palate is concentrated and weighty with silky texture. Excellent dimension and length.

www.gibbstonvalleynz.com

(L) $55.00

JULES TAYLOR MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2011

The wine is beautifully framed by velvety tannins, and well supported by lovely cherry, plum and floral aromas. It’s balanced, harmonious and pleasingly dry on the finish.

www.julestaylor.com

(L) $36.00

JUDGE ROCK CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR 2010

A dynamic and flamboyant pinot, the wine is packed with black cherry, plum and spice with beautifully infused vanilla/cedary oak characters. The fleshy, plump palate flows effortlessly with silky texture to a long finish.

www.judgerock.co.nz (E) $40.00

LAST CHANCE BY TWO PADDOCKS CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR 2010

The wine shows bright cherry and plum characters as well as cured meat and savoury notes. It’s beautifully ripe and rounded on the palate with generosity and elegant tannins.

www.twopaddocks.com (E) $65.00

VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2010

VILLA MARIA SINGLE VINEYARD SOUTHERN CLAYS PINOT NOIR 2009 (MARLBOROUGH)

Sweetly fragrant and abundant, the hugely attractive nose displays red/black cherry, roasted nut and floral notes. The palate is powerful and expressive with a sumptuous mouth feel and excellent depth of flavour. www.villamaria.co.nz (L) $32.99

There’s an impression of maturity yet it is still perfumed with youthful fruit flavours of dark cherry and plum combined with mixed spice complexity. It’s plush and silky on the palate, finishing long and gratifying. www.villamaria.co.nz (E) $56.99

ESK VALLEY MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2011

FORREST TATTY BOGLER PINOT NOIR 2010 (MARLBOROUGH)

Inviting on the nose showing red/black cherry, game and floral notes. The palate is elegant, fine and flowing with lovely polished tannins, making the wine delightful to drink.

www.eskvalley.co.nz

(L) $32.99

SAINT CLAIR PIONEER BLOCK 14 DOCTOR'S CREEK PINOT NOIR 2011 (MARLBOROUGH)

A delightful Pinot showing perfumed aromas of red cherry, floral and nutmeg. The palate is delicately poised with fine texture and bright flavours, finishing elegantly dry.

www.saintclair.co.nz

(L) $33.50

Beautifully dense and engaging, it’s fragrant with dark plum, floral, game and smoky notes on the nose. The palate is concentrated and ripe with lovely chocolate coated tannins.

www.forrest.co.nz

(L) $35.00

SCOTT BASE CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR 2011

Beautifully structured with loads of fine-grained tannins, the wine shows lovely complexity and harmony, with floral, spice, red cherry and dried herb characters.

www.allanscott.com

(L) $36.00

SÖDERBERG SINGLE VINEYARD HOME BLOCK MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2010

TUPARI AWATERE VALLEY PINOT NOIR 2011 (MARLBOROUGH)

It’s superbly ripe yet elegant and restrained with floral, red fruits and dried herb aromas, followed by a persistent palate and plenty of fine-grained tannins.

Restrained and youthful on the nose showing red cherry, blueberry, floral and a hint of game notes. It’s fine and linear on the palate with a firm profile and a lengthy finish.

www.soderbergwines.co.nz (E) $49.00

www.tupari.co.nz (E) $35.00

VILLA MARIA PRIVATE BIN MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR 2011

WOOING TREE BEETLE JUICE CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR 2011

The wine is built around a firm structure, beautifully supported by sweet aromas of red cherry, plum and floral with a hint of mixed spice notes.

The wine shows outstanding depth and intensity with beautifully ripe dark cherry, truffle and cedar aromas, as well as richly textured palate, finishing impressively long with a gentle grip of ripe tannins. www.wooingtree.co.nz (L) $28.00

www.villamaria.co.nz (O) $26.99

WOOING TREE CENTRAL OTAGO PINOT NOIR 2010

This is bold and expressive while remaining perfectly balanced and integrated with black cherry, game, floral and cedar characters. It’s impressively structured and full of interest.

www.wooingtree.co.nz (O) $46.00

SYRAH A collection of exciting styles from attractive cool types with vibrant white pepper, spicy herbs and subtle wood; through to wines that are more weighty, gamey, ripe plum and red berry fruit with toasted oak.

FRUITFED SUPPLIES LIMITED CHAMPION SYRAH

STUFF.CO.NZ CHAMPION EXHIBITION RED WINE

PASSAGE ROCK RESERVE WAIHEKE ISLAND SYRAH 2010

VIDAL LEGACY SERIES GIMBLETT GRAVELS SYRAH 2009 (HAWKE'S BAY)

The wine shows both power and finesse brilliantly. The engaging bouquet is filled with blackberry, game and cedar characters, leading to a rich and opulent palate that’s smooth and beautifully padded by velvety tannins.

www.passagerockwines.co.nz

It’s imposing and vigorous, showing dark plum, liquorice, game and spice characters on the nose followed by a superbly dense palate, finishing long and supple.

www.vidal.co.nz (E) $70.00

(L) $55.00

COOPERS CREEK SV HAWKE'S BAY SYRAH 'CHALK RIDGE' 2011

TRINITY HILL GIMBLETT GRAVELS SYRAH 2011 (HAWKE'S BAY)

Beautifully pure, the attractive bouquet shows red/black plum and floral characters. It’s succulent, mellow and flowing with lovely vibrancy and tasty flavours.

It’s ripe and lifted on the nose with dark plum, blueberry and subtle spice notes, followed by a superbly ripe and textured palate. The acid/tannin balance is outstanding.

www.cooperscreek.co.nz

(L) $28.00

www.trinityhill.com

(L) $34.95

VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION HAWKE'S BAY GIMBLETT GRAVELS SYRAH 2010

VILLA MARIA RESERVE GIMBLETT GRAVELS HAWKE'S BAY SYRAH 2010

A lovely expression of pure Syrah, the elegantly perfumed bouquet shows blueberry, dark plum and floral notes. It’s ripe and rounded on the palate with a refreshing mouthfeel and a delicate dry finish. www.villamaria.co.nz (L) $32.99

Beautifully fragrant and complex on the nose displaying dark plum, cocoa, game and floral characters. The palate is equally satisfying with excellent weight and ripeness, finishing long and pleasingly dry. www.villamaria.co.nz (L) $60.99

VIDAL RESERVE GIMBLETT GRAVELS HAWKE'S BAY SYRAH 2007

A beautifully maturing stunner with game, dark fruit, chocolate and cedar characters, backed by an impeccably woven palate filled with gorgeous ripe flavours.

www.vidal.co.nz (E) $56.99

VILLA MARIA RESERVE HAWKE'S BAY SYRAH 2009

The wine shows lovely integration and multi-layered flavours of dark plum, cherry, game and mixed spice. Sumptuous and silky, this is delectable and cuddly.

www.villamaria.co.nz

(L) $60.99

MERLOT Ripe and rich, with aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry and cedar.

Sturdy tannins, with creamy, chewy and concentrated berryfruit flavour that goes on and on.

NEW ZEALAND WINEGROWERS CHAMPION MERLOT VILLA MARIA RESERVE GIMBLETT GRAVELS HAWKE'S BAY MERLOT 2010

Pure essence of Merlot on the nose with dark plum and blueberry characters, subtle cedar and cocoa notes. A concentrated palate which is fleshy with loads of ripe tannins. An extraordinary wine.

www.villamaria.co.nz

(L) $50.99

CABERNET SAUVIGNON OR MERLOT/CABERNET BLENDS Ripe blackcurrant, blueberry and cedar with a slight hint of violets and mint. Firm flavours, with well-structured, long-lasting tannins.

VILLA MARIA RESERVE GIMBLETT GRAVELS CABERNET SAUVIGNON MERLOT 2010 (HAWKE'S BAY)

Classic Bordeaux aromas of cassis, cigar and dark plum lead to a beautifully weighted and textured palate, showing lovely richness and core of sweet fruit flavours.

www.villamaria.co.nz

(L) $50.99

GOLD MEDAL VINTAGE INSURANCE CHAMPION CABERNET SAUVIGNON OR MERLOT/CABERNET BLEND ESK VALLEY WINEMAKERS RESERVE MERLOT MALBEC CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 (HAWKE'S BAY)

The wine shows layers of appealing flavours within a perfect frame of cedary oak, sturdy tannins and rich texture. The seductive aromas of dark plum, blueberry, floral and mixed spice are compelling and irresistible.

www.eskvalley.co.nz

(L)

$60.99

VILLA MARIA RESERVE HAWKE'S BAY CABERNET SAUVIGNON MERLOT 2007

It’s extravagant and striking on the nose displaying dark plum, game and spice characters with a hint of dried fruit richness. The palate is dense and rich with velvety tannins and substantial mouthfeel.

www.villamaria.co.nz (E) $50.99

OTHER RED STYLES Tempranillo shows the complex depth and gamey richness that can be achieved with this variety, and Grenache has very pretty, fragrant juicy fruit notes and soft tannins.

VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION GIMBLETT GRAVELS HAWKE'S BAY GRENACHE 2010

Sweet scented and undeniably aromatic on the nose displaying red/black plum, vanilla, coconut and floral characters. It’s succulent, silky and creamy.

www.villamaria.co.nz

(L) $32.99

WINE AVAILABILITY AND PRICING NEW ZEALAND WINEGROWERS CHAMPION OTHER RED WINE TRINITY HILL GIMBLETT GRAVELS TEMPRANILLO 2010 (HAWKE'S BAY)

A terrific wine. Lavishly perfumed, the bouquet shows game, floral, dark fruit and meaty characters. It’s beautifully weighted and textured with plenty of rounded tannins.

www.trinityhill.com

(L) $34.95

The key below indicates quantities available for sale by wineries by entry category as at 26 November 2012. If you cannot find any of the wines please contact the winery directly.

(O) Open — 2500 cases (L) Limited — 250 cases (Note Sparkling 100 cases & Dessert Wine 55 cases) (E) Exhibition — 50 cases Prices do vary between winery and low-to-high volume wine sales outlets and cannot, therefore, be guaranteed. All prices are quoted in $NZ.

DISCOVER MORE TROPHY AND GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

AIR NEW ZEALAND WINE AWARDS WEBSITE This guide provides a snap shot of the Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2012; you can discover more by visiting our website airnzwineawards.co.nz. Here are just some of the highlights: WINE SEARCH TOOL Search for award-winning wines from the Air New Zealand Wine Awards with our Wine Search tool at airnzwineawards.co.nz/ thewines. You can search by keyword, award type, variety, region, vintage, price and award year (or a combination of these).

If you prefer, you can also browse the award-winning wines by wine style or variety.

BUY THE WINES Once you know which awardwinning wines you wish to try, visit airnzwineawards.co.nz/ try+buy to find your nearest wine outlet. From time to time, our wine outlet partners hold Trophy and Gold Medal tastings.

Details of these tastings are on our website.

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! Look out for a range of exciting competitions to win wine, prestige wine glasses, food and wine magazines, Kapiti cheese and other great products. Join the e-newsletter database and enter the prize draws to win at airnzwineawards.co.nz/win.

2012 JUDGING TEAM Meet our dedicated team of international judges, senior judges, associate judges, stewards and judging personnel.

To view judges’ profiles, go to airnzwineawards.co.nz/about.

CHAIR OF JUDGES Michael Brajkovich MW COMPETITION CO-ORDINATOR Shona White INTERNATIONAL JUDGES Julia Harding MW (United Kingdom), Navneet Singh (Australia / India), Bill Zacharkiw (Canada) SENIOR JUDGES Jane Boyle, Sarah Burton, SarahKate Dineen, Cameron Douglas MS, Rod Easthope, Anna Flowerday, Jim Harré, Warren Gibson, Ben Glover, Oliver Masters, Alan McCorkindale, Simon Nunns ASSOCIATE JUDGES Matthew Deller, Damian Fischer, Jack Glover, Greg Harris, Emma Jenkins MW, Dave McKee, Helen Morrison, Barry Riwai, James Rowan, Stephen Wong CHIEF STEWARD Mark Compton ASSISTANT CHIEF STEWARD Michelle Little

STEWARDS Janet Blackman, Nigel Cottle, Carlos de La Barra, Joanne Eaton, Duncan Gibson, Hugh Girling, Felicity Johnston, Tim Judd, Ric Little, Gerard Logan, Deborah Makea, Peter Maxted, Robbie McKinnon, Matt Patterson-Green, James Porter

SUSTAINABILITY

New Zealand winemakers lead the world in sustainable wine growing. Every wine entered into the Air New Zealand Wine Awards from vintage 2010 onwards must be 100 percent sustainably grown and produced in order to enter the competition. Pure Medals are awarded to wines that are 100 percent sustainable and that have achieved medal status.

In 2012, a record 91 percent of wine entries were sustainably accredited and 578 Pure Medals were awarded.

To find out more about what sustainability means for New Zealand wine, head to the New Zealand Winegrowers website nzwine.com/sustainability.

NAMING RIGHTS SPONSOR CHAMPION WINE OF THE SHOW TROPHY

Air New Zealand

ASSOCIATE SPONSORS RESERVE WINE OF THE SHOW TROPHY

CHAMPION PINOT NOIR TROPHY

JF Hillebrand New Zealand Ltd

O-I New Zealand

CHAMPION SAUVIGNON BLANC TROPHY

CHAMPION CHARDONNAY TROPHY

Label and Litho Limited

Rabobank New Zealand Limited

SILVER SPONSORS CHAMPION OTHER WHITE & ROSÉ WINE TROPHY

CHAMPION GEWÜRZTRAMINER TROPHY

BDO

Coast FM

CHAMPION OPEN RED WINE TROPHY

CHAMPION SYRAH TROPHY

Fruitfed Supplies Limited

Fairfax Media CHAMPION CABERNET SAUVIGNON OR MERLOT/ CABERNET BLEND TROPHY

CHAMPION PINOT GRIS TROPHY

Guala Closures NZ

Gold Medal Vintage Insurance CHAMPION DESSERT WINE TROPHY

CHAMPION OPEN WHITE WINE TROPHY

Kapiti

New World

CHAMPION MERLOT TROPHY

CHAMPION OTHER RED WINE TROPHY

New Zealand Winegrowers

New Zealand Winegrowers

CHAMPION RIESLING TROPHY

CHAMPION SPARKLING WINE TROPHY

Plant & Food Research

Wineworks

EXHIBITION SPONSORS CHAMPION EXHIBITION RED WINE TROPHY

CHAMPION EXHIBITION WHITE OR SPARKLING WINE TROPHY

Stuff.co.nz

Waitoa Free Range Chicken

New Zealand Winegrowers would like to thank all of their sponsors.

airnzwineawards.co.nz

t twitter.com/@AirNZWineAwards

f facebook.com/AirNewZealandWineAwards