“Show celebrates diversity, complexity and age-worthiness of Marlborough wines”
The fourth annual Marlborough Wine Show judged last week, resulted in 35 gold medals, 125 silver and 221 bronze with 77% of entries receiving an award. Judging was led by Chair, Jeff Clarke of Ara who was delighted with the overall quality. “This year’s show has continued to reinforce not only the quality but also the range and diversity of Marlborough wines,” he commented, adding, “The 2012 Pinot Noirs and 2014 Sauvignon Blancs were a definite highlight.”
Clarke was joined by many of New Zealand’s leading wine judges, including winemakers, wine writers and marketers as well as international judge, General Manager of Watson’s Wine, Hong Kong, Jeremy Stockman sponsored by Wine Marlborough.
Stockman enjoyed his involvement, commenting, “The Hong Kong market loves Marlborough wines but also likes wines with a little bit of age.” He continued, “It was brilliant to see complex and rewarding Sauvignon Blanc in each of the sub-regional classes, but particularly in the wines that had some time in bottle.” Echoing these sentiments, Clarke added, “The 2012 and older wines really do prove a point – we can and do make Sauvignon Blanc that has provenance, complexity and the ability to age gracefully.”
The judges were particularly excited by the Legacy Class which saw three vintages of 15 different wines assessed for their quality, style evolution and age worthiness. Entries included Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Commenting on the wines, Clarke said, “This was such a strong line-up and a delight to judge. It was wonderful to see winemakers confident to enter so many of their wines and across the different varietals.”
Gold medal certificates, trophies, the Marlborough Museum Legacy Award and the Wine Marlborough Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced and presented at the celebration dinner being held on 8 November at the Marlborough Convention Centre.
A full list of all medal results can be viewed at www.marlboroughwineshow.co.nz. For further information on the dinner or any other aspect of the Marlborough Wine Show, please call Competition Director, Belinda Jackson on 027 444 8 666 or Competition Administrator, Margaret Cresswell on 0274 343 334.