Media release
Monday 4 October 2004
Looking for a good tipple?
Last Friday saw the who’s who of the New Zealand wine industry raise their glasses to celebrate the medal winners of the
“Liquorland Top 100 International Wine Competition”. Over 1740 wines from New Zealand and abroad were tasted and
compared over three days by 23 judges and rated accordingly to help customers choose the perfect drop.
The competition ranks wines across many categories rewarding the worthy with Gold, Silver and Bronze. The overall top
wine in each category is awarded Trophy status giving that wine a “best-of-the-best” standing.
This year’s results show there’s a good chance of picking up a great wine from Villa Maria Estate, as they were awarded
“Champion Winery” for overall excellence covering differing wine styles over many of New Zealand’s top wine producing
regions.
As well as collecting the Trophy for “Champion Chardonnay” for the Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough Chardonnay 2002, the
Pinot Noir 2003 also picked up the Trophy for “Champion Pinot Noir” and overall “Champion Wine of the Show” – the
ultimate kudos.
Sacred Hill Marlborough Vineyards also did incredibly well collecting the Trophy for “Champion Sauvignon Blanc” for
their 2004 vintage. This wine was also awarded the “Champion Commercial White Wine” (judged best white wine under $20).
The “Champion Commercial Red Wine” was awarded to Preece Shiraz 2002 (judged best red wine under $25).
“The aim of the Liquorland Top 100 is to find the best commercially available New Zealand and imported wines,” said
Stephen Berryman, Liquorland Merchandise Manager.
“We’ve produced an award which is not only prestigious for the winners, but an invaluable guide for wine lovers”.
“You can be guaranteed that any Medal winning wine will be a fine drop, and any Trophy winning wine will be
exceptional,” says Stephen Berryman.
The Liquorland Top 100, now in its 11th year, has grown to become the largest and one of the most highly regarded wine
competitions in New Zealand, due to it covering all wine styles at all price points. Every year the Top 100 medal
winning wines are published in a brochure distributed nationwide. All wines are categorised by style and have price
indicators making it easy to choose the best wine for the right occasion, at the appropriate price.
From Monday 4 October, Liquorland stores will have wines, awarded within the Liquorland Top 100, available for purchase.
Look out for these Liquorland Top 100 medal winning wines in store. A brochure that lists out the winning wines will be
available in store for interested wine-enthusiasts, and as an insert in the latest issue of Cuisine magazine.
List of Liquorland Top 100 Trophy Wines attached.
The Liquorland Top 100 Trophy Wines:
Champion Commercial White Wine and Champion Sauvignon Blanc
- Sacred Hill Marlborough Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Champion Chardonnay
- Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough Chardonnay 2002
Champion Pinot Gris
- Johanneshof Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004
Champion Riesling
- Grant Burge Thorn Eden Valley Riesling 2002
Champion Gewurztraminer
- Lawson Dry Hills Gewurztraminer 2004
Champion Sparkling or Champagne
- Pol Roger Champagne Chardonnay 1996
Champion Sweet Wine
- Johanneshof Marlborough Noble Late Harvest Riesling 2003
Champion Merlot predominant
- Esk Valley Reserve Merlot Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Champion Cabernet predominant
- Rosemount Traditional 2002
Champion Commercial Red Wine
- Preece Shiraz 2002
Champion Shiraz
- Wirra Wirra RSW Shiraz 2002
Champion Wine of the Show and Champion Pinot Noir
- Villa Maria Reserve Pinot Noir 2003
Champion Fortified Wine
- Lauriston Show Muscat
Champion Winery
- Villa Maria Estate
ENDS