NEW Zealand wines just keep getting better, according to the judges at last week’s Air New Zealand Wine Awards. This is the country’s most highly rated wine show of the eight in existence. There were 102 gold medals awarded, up 13% on last year., and 112 “pure” medals were handed out, recognising sustainable wines – nearly double last year’s number.
Pinot noir came out tops, with 19 golds, chardonnay second with 18, and sauvignon blanc third with 13. Not only are we making more wines worthy of a gold medal, but the number of bottles on the affordable side of $20 is on the rise.
Everyone is saying that the latest vintage savs are the best in years. I tried the Stoneleigh Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($17.90) and the Montana Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($11.99) when they were first bottled back in July. They were full of lively fruit flavours back then, so are well worth checking out now.
I met the next two gold medal winners at the launch of Esk’s new label in August. Esk Valley Riesling 2009 ($17.90) is dry and limey. My favourite was the Vidal Reserve Syrah 2006 ($44) paired with venison and cherry foam.
Wine of the week: Gold medal-winning Alan Scott Marlborough Pinot Noir 2008 is on special for $19.90.  It’s bright raspberry-laced cherries in the Marlborough style.