New Zealand’s largest wine judging competition has been completed with the judges awarding a record number of gold medals. The excellent vintages of 2019 and 2020 provided spectacular wines and the judges were treated to many of the best varietal line-ups they have ever encountered.
Standout varieties included Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz where record numbers of gold medals were awarded. Rosé wines also fared well with 5 Double Gold and 11 Gold Medals awarded.
Having worked the show last week as a Steward; I have to say it was an impressive line up of wines. For example, In Pinot Gris, several judges commented there were wines in this class that would rank as the best Pinot Gris they have tasted.
It’s good to see that New Zealand Syrah has bounced back this year after a lean run last year – Church Road will be happy with their Double Gold for the McDonald series 2019 Syrah. This is the first year for Double Gold awards at the show. To be awarded an NZIWS DOUBLE GOLD Medal, a wine will be required to receive ‘unanimous gold medal scores’ from the Chief Judge, the three Assistant Chief Judges, and the three-person Senior Judging team.
Note – the NZ International Wine Show Awards Dinner scheduled for the Hilton on October 24th has been cancelled due to Covid concerns. There will be an Awards Event – the venue and date yet to be confirmed. The Pick the Trophies public tasting is still on track for the 21st October but again there could be changes due to government restrictions.
