Once again a Central Otago pinot noir has won the trophy for Pinot Noir at the prestigious UK-based International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC), beating contenders from across the world. The Competition - one of the world's most highly regarded and longest running – awarded the Bouchard Finlayson Trophy for Pinot Noir to Mount Dottrel Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007.
Also a stunning result, six Central Otago pinot noir wines from the 2007 vintage won gold medals at the competion this week: Mount Dottrel Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007, Brennan Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 (Best in Class), Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007 (Best in Class), Domain Road Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007, Remarkable Gibbston Pinot Noir 2007, Wooing Tree Central Otago Pinot Noir 2007.
At Mitre Rocks, the makers of Mount Dottrel, Roy McCallum said he was "surprised and delighted" by the award for the estate's third vintage. Giving credit to its winemaker, Carol Bunn and viticulturalist, James Dicey, he added: "We have long held that Central Otago is the place to grow wine, which has been confirmed by winning such an important trophy."
New Zealand-based wine critic, Jo Burzynska, who was part of the panels judging the IWSC's New Zealand classes this year said that she was impressed by the standard of the 2009 vintage. "I tasted some wonderfully fresh and vibrant wines, which promise well for the quality of the vintage," she noted. "The 2007 Pinots also really shone."
Scooping more than half of the Gold Medals awarded to New Zealand this year, Pinot Noirs from the 2007 vintage were some of the strongest performers. "New Zealand Pinot Noir is coming of age and it's this fabulous 2007 vintage that's been chosen to showcase the country's offering at the international Pinot Noir 2010 conference to be held in Wellington next February," said Chris Yorke, Global Marketing Director at New Zealand Winegrowers.
The Competition also awarded the IWSC Trophy for Sauvignon Blanc to the Villa Maria Cellar Selection Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009.

"When it comes to absolute quality and class, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and more recently some if its Pinot Noirs, can upstage the best in the world," commented IWSC chair judge and British wine industry veteran, Luciana Lynch.

Enquire for availability

        

Central Otago Wine Trail | Wine Trail Map | Wine Tours | Vineyard Stays | Accommodation | Other Tourism Activities | Conference & Wedding Venues

All contents and coding of this site is Copyright © 2006 of NZSouth Limited,
All rights reserved, please contact for any enquiries regarding the content of the site.