“PLATINUM – BEST NEW ZEALAND SAUVIGNON BLANC”
Wairau River 2016 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc has won the Platinum Award for Best New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2017.
With more than 17,200 entries into the competition, only a select few were able to attain Platinum awards.
Winemaker Pierre Vienings comments “We believe the 2016 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is the ‘stand out’ parcel from our 10 estate vineyards. We wanted this wine to be a complete expression of the climate, province, season and the unique single vineyard site. This wine continues to amaze us with its mix of power and elegance.”
Alongside the Platinum Award, the Wairau River 2016 Estate Sauvignon Blanc received a Gold medal and 95 points, followed by Wairau River 2015 Reserve Pinot Noir receiving a Silver medal and 92 Points.
The Decanter World Wine Awards brings together 219 expert judges, including 65 Masters of Wine and 20 Master Sommeliers. The Platinum Best in Show judges at DWWA 2017 were: Steven Spurrier Chairman, Sarah Jane Evans MW – co-chair, Gérard Basset MW MS OBE – co-chair, Michael Hill Smith MW – co-chair, Andrew Jefford - award-winning Decanter columnist, and Andy Howard MW.
Judges comments “This is textbook Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc: very fruity and varietal with plush peach, passionfruit and tropical fruit moments and a herbal edge. Juicy and fresh with marked depth. Should appeal to a broad church. Difficult to ask for more.”
Wairau River Wines (pronounced why-row) was established in 1991 taking its name from the beautifully braided river on whose banks Phil and Chris Rose planted their first vines. Wairau River Wines is 100% family owned and run, nurturing the skills and talents of each member of the family, from viticulture and winemaking, to the very popular Wairau River restaurant. Wairau River embodies the Rose family’s strength, individuality and teamwork.
Visit https://www.wairauriverwines.com/ to read more and to purchase these award-winning wines online.
JB REVIEWS:
Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016
Cross region blend – Bright pale straw, fresh citrus / juicy tropical fruit in the nose, rich stonefruit, passionfruit and slightly tart citrus on the palate, lovely balance / weight, crisp dry finish! 13.0% $20.00 Gold DWWA 2017
Wairau River Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016
Soft lemon with green tinges, herbal, tropical, green stalk, armpit? Wonderful textural palate of citrus fruit, ripe acidity, rich mineral / saltiness, mouthfilling long finish – stunning! Platinum DWWA 17 13.5% $30.00 Platinum DWWA 2017