It’s a Chardonnay day at the inaugural National Wine Awards waterfront celebration – Chardonnay wins top honours at the inaugural National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Isabel Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2020 won the Champion Wine of the Show as well as scooping the New World Trophy for Champion Chardonnay and its winemaker Jeremy McKenzie took top honours as Winemaker of the Show at the Awards of Excellence luncheon celebration at Auckland’s Hilton waterfront hotel today.
Chair of Judges, Jane Cooper, commented on the incredible balance of the wine, noting the tension between acid and fruit.
“It’s a feat of brilliance to bring that richness and texture to the palate while maintaining spark and lightness,” Cooper said. “It’s a thrill of a wine, and Jeremy’s understanding and mastery are on clear display. I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Isabel Estate has a long tradition of Chardonnay, with 30-year old Mendoza vines contributing to this stellar wine. McKenzie has been in charge since 2014 (starting there on his birthday) converting much of the vineyard to organic principles with an eye on top end chardonnay for the long haul.
Image Courtesy: Dean Cohen Photographer
The Luncheon, emceed by Jesse Mulligan, the “affordable John Campbell” (in his own words) awarded 17 Trophies, including the Auckland A&P Association Heritage Rosebowl that rewards wines that reflect a consistency of style over time, the winner of which was Wanaka’s three vintages of Mount Maude Reserve East Block Riesling (2012, 2016, 2021).
Family-owned Hawke’s Bay winery Askerne was the popular winner of two trophies, including the New Zealand Couriers Trophy for Champion Gewürztraminer, and Central Otago’s Providore Pinot Noir 2019 took out the hotly contested Rural News Group Trophy for Champion Pinot Noir.
Trophy Winners
Rapid Labels Trophy for Champion Sparkling
Lindauer Vintage Series Brut Cuvée 2017
Dish Magazine Trophy for Champion Pinot Gris
Duck Hunter Marlborough Pinot Gris 2022
Antipodes Trophy for Champion Riesling
Mud House Single Vineyard The Mound Riesling 2021
Guala Closures NZ Trophy for Champion Sauvignon Blanc
Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Wineworks Trophy for Champion Rosé
Squawking Magpie First Flight Startled Pink 2022
Trophy for Champion Other White Varieties
Askerne Viognier 2021
Rural News Group Trophy for Champion Pinot Noir
Providore Pinot Noir 2019
Mainfreight Trophy for Champion Export Wine
Blind River Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Guala Closures NZ Trophy for Best Presented Screwcap Wine Bottle
Te Kano Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2021
New World Trophy for Champion Chardonnay
Isabel Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2020
Trophy for Champion Merlot & Blends
Mud House Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2021
Trophy for Champion Syrah
Giesen Single Vineyard Clayvin Syrah 2021
Fruitfed Trophy for Champion Cabernet & Blends
Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2020
New Zealand Couriers Trophy for Champion Gewurztraminer
Askerne Reserve Gewurztraminer 2021
Trophy for Champion Other Red Varieties
Leftfield Hawkes Bay Malbec 2020
winejobsonline.com Trophy for Champion Sweet Wine
Villa Maria Reserve Noble Riesling 2021
Auckland Agricultural & Pastoral Association Heritage Rose Bowl
Mount Maude Reserve East Block Riesling 2012 / 2016 / 2021
Trophy for Champion Wine of the Show
Isabel Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2020
Auckland Agricultural & Pastoral Association Winemaker of the Show
Jeremy McKenzie
For full medal results visit:
https://www.wineshow.co.nz/Results/20/86/1
