McArthur Ridge Pinot Noir scoops FOUR awards at Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), London
Alexandra-based vineyard McArthur Ridge has once again been recognised for its outstanding wine-making, taking home the following awards, placing Sothern Tor among the top four scoring Pinot Noirs from New Zealand and one of only three wines to earn 96 points in this category.
• Gold Medal / 96 Points – McArthur Ridge | Southern Tor | Alexandra | Pinot Noir | 2020
• Gold Medal / 95 Points – Brassknocker | Central Otago | Pinot Noir | 2021
• Best Value Medal / 94 Points – Brassknocker | Alexandra | Pinot Noir | 2021
• Silver Medal / 94 Points – McArthur Ridge | Reserve | Alexandra | Pinot Noir 2020
This year a record was topped again with 18,244 wines judged from 54 countries. “Now in its 19th year, Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) is the world’s largest and most influential wine competition, with unrivalled global reach. Judged by top wine experts from around the globe. DWWA is trusted internationally for its rigorous judging process.”
Judges noted that the McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Pinot Noir was “Bursting with bright, pure red and black fruit aromas framed by spicy vanilla. Succulent, expansive plum and raspberry character with lovely ripe and supportive tannins. ”That the Brassknocker Pinot Noir displayed a “Nice bouquet, pretty and fresh, a core of light red berry fruits with a fine savoury layer adding depth and charm. Lovely mouthfeel, delicious and long.” And that the McArthur Ridge Reserve Pinot was brooding with a “Rich, bold and powerful bouquet with aromas of sweet raspberries, framboise liqueur and sweet vanilla. Lush and juicy, appealing.” they concluded.
Chief Viticulturist for McArthur Ridge, Murray Petrie, says the extraordinary elegance and purity of our wines reflects the location in which they are grown. “The area around Alexandra provides an exceptional example of cool climate viticulture,” he explains. “While the mountainous region might seem unforgiving to some, it really is the perfect place to plant and tend Pinot Noir grapes. With careful vineyard management, a rich, ruby, savoury Pinot Noir is achieved.”
Winemaker for McArthur Ridge, Matt Connell, says he imagines the wine impressed the judges due to its unique qualities. “I believe the flavour profile from Alexandra matches very well with the European palate,” ays Matt. “Southern Tor is the name given to exposed rock mass, thought to be formed by freeze-thaw weathering found throughout the Alexandra region. This landscape is also responsible for growing some of the world’s greatest Pinot Noir.”
Mike Herrick, McArthur Ridge Sales & Marketing Director, says these Decanter awards add to a raft of recent achievements for McArthur Ridge Wines Ltd this year, including two trophies and a gold medal at the International Wine Challenge London and two trophies and two gold medals at the New Zealand International Wine Show – where Matt Connell was also awarded Winemaker of the Show – and a Champion Pinot Noir at the New World Wine Awards.
“It is really wonderful to have our wine recognised at such a prestigious and highly-respected international competition,” says Mike. “And it’s fantastic for the New Zealand wine industry as a whole; we are producing some of the best wines in the world down here. These events and awards help us to prove that and really put the spotlight on Kiwi wine.”