‘Blind River Sauvignon Blanc 2015 awarded a gold medal at the 2016 International Wine Challenge’

Blind River, a small vineyard in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley, has been awarded a gold medal for its 2015 Sauvignon Blanc at the International Wine Challenge held in London.

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) is now in its 33rd year. The competition assesses every wine blind and judges each for its faithfulness to style, region and vintage. Throughout the rigorous judging processes, each medal-winning wine is tasted on three separate occasions by at least ten different judges and awards include medals (Trophy, Gold, Silver, Bronze) and Commended and Great Value awards.

Made from low-yielding vines, the Blind River Sauvignon Blanc includes 10% that has been fermented on old French oak. This contributes additional complexity and texture to the wine without detracting from the characteristic Awatere fruit profile and mineral finish.

According to an IWC official press release, New Zealand winemakers had a standout year at the International Wine Challenge 2016, with 441 medals being awarded to its wines, including 36 Gold medals, 189 Silver medals and 216 Bronze medals.

The Gold medal count was spilt almost evenly across red and white styles, with 18 Gold medals being awarded to red wines and 17 going to white wines, as well as a single Gold medal for a Kiwi Rosé wine.

Charles Metcalfe, Co-Chairman of the IWC commented: “Another standout year from New Zealand’s winemakers. We have come to expect exquisite Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir from Kiwi winemakers, and they definitely delivered. But we also had some top-quality Chardonnays, Merlots and Syrahs, and not only from Marlborough. The future looks very bright for New Zealand wines.”

For further information, please contact Blind River General Manager, Belinda Jackson belinda@blindriver.co.nz (64 27) 444 8 666
Blind River Estate – PO Box 4020 – Blenheim – Marlborough – New Zealand – www.blindriver.co.nz