Marlborough’s Top Wines About to be Judged
Seventeen judges are preparing to swirl, sip and spit their way through 549 wines entered in this year’s 2020 Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect.
Judging for New Zealand’s largest regional wine show will begin tomorrow (October 14) with two days set aside for the task.
Leading the judging team is renowned Marlborough judge and winemaker Ben Glover, with two special guest judges helping out; Master of Wine Emma Jenkins and Master of Wine student Sophie Parker-Thomson.
Wine Marlborough’s GM, Marcus Pickens, says four judging panels will be led by Marlborough winemakers, Jeremy McKenzie, Wendy Stuckey, Helen Morrison and Nikolai St George.
“Also, The Tonnellerie de Mercurey Marlborough Young Winemaker of the Year 2020, Peter Russell from Matua, will join the judging team, as part of his winning prize package.”
“It’s fair to say all the judges, from Chief Judge down to the associates are really looking forward to the event, especially given the stellar wines of 2020 will be on display,” Mr Pickens says.
Taking Notes
Close to 120 Sauvignon Blancs from the recent vintage, are among the 549 entries. Despite the pressure of Covid-19 restrictions during vintage, winemakers throughout Marlborough are touting it as one of the best on record.
One of the highlights of the Marlborough Wine Show is the judging of wines in sub regional categories, highlighting the diversity of the region and the wines produced.
Following on from that, the Marlborough Museum Legacy Award will go to one of 23 entries of any three wines of the same variety, produced within the last decade by a single producer.
Jaron McLeod, GM of QuayConnect, says as a company that efficiently connects wine to market, they are proud to support the 2020 Marlborough Wine Show.
Swirling
“Supporting the Marlborough Wine Show is a great way we can connect and support the wine industry. The judging line up looks fantastic and we look forward to presenting the award for the QuayConnect Champion Wine of the Show at the celebration lunch later this month.”
With judging commencing tomorrow, the medal results will be announced on Friday October 23, with all Trophies announced at a Celebration Long Lunch being held October 30. During the Celebration Lunch, Wine Marlborough will also present a Lifetime Achievement Award to an outstanding member of the Marlborough wine industry.
Tickets for the Celebration Lunch are available at; https://www.marlboroughwineshow.com/celebration