New Zealand Pinot Noir Trophy awarded to Mud House Estate Claim 431 Pinot Noir at IWC
Mud House has been awarded two trophies from the highly acclaimed 2014 International Wine Challenge (IWC). The 2012 Mud House Estate Claim 431 Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Noir was recipient of the overall ‘New Zealand Pinot Noir Trophy’, as well as the ‘Central Otago Pinot Noir Trophy’.
Accolade New Zealand Sales and Marketing Manager, Jack Glover, is delighted with the result. “We have always known that in the Claim 431 vineyard we have something pretty special and having this endorsed with a couple trophies at such a globally recognised wine show is tremendous. The quality of Pinot Noir that New Zealand is making has never been better and this award certainly means a great deal to our winemaking and viticulture teams,” Jack said.
Ben Glover, Group Winemaker for Accolade NZ, remarked ”the 2012 Claim 431 was always a cracker and so unashamedly Bendigo – rich and robust, but also delicate and lively; a great drink!”.
The 2012 Mud House Estate Claim 431 Vineyard Central Otago Pinot Noir was dedicated upon release to the current Vineyard Manager, Duncan Cramp, commending his 10th anniversary with the company. Duncan is only weeks away from his final day at Claim 431, so the awarding of these trophies is very timely. “What a way to go out”, Ben said, “eleven years in charge developing, planting and managing our stunning Bendigo vineyard. All that passion has paid off with two Trophies at the IWC for our Mud House Estate Claim 431 Pinot Noir.”.
Charles Metcalf, the Co-Chairman of the IWC commented, “The New Zealand trophy winners really blew us away at this year’s competition. The International Wine Challenge is committed to rigorous and fair tasting and has subsequently earned its reputation as the most well-respected wine competition in the world.”
This year for the first time the IWC hosted two separate tasting events, Tranche 1 in November 2013 and Tranche 2 in April 2014. This split tasting was designed to accommodate the different production and sales schedules across the globe, giving winemakers more flexibility of when to enter their wines.
For further information, bottle shots, images or samples please contact Hannah Armstrong, PR, Communications and Events Coordinator. Accolade Wines NZ Ltd.
Hannah.armstrong@accolade-wines.co.nz +64 3 520 6222.