MEDIA RELEASE
28 August 2008
Thumbs Up For Martinborough Pinot Noir
Great wine districts produce great wine, consistently. A youngster in world wine terms, Martinborough took an important
step closer to that goal.
Prestigious Decanter magazine unanimously gave Martinborough the "thumbs up" for consistently delivering great Pinot
Noir (September 2008 issue).
The expert UK panel rated 154 New Zealand pinot noir wines, and concluded that "Martinborough, with its depth of
experience and older vines, produces richer, riper Pinots, often with pronounced savoury, mushroom characteristics,
silky textures and firm structures.
"New Zealand's reputation isn't for nothing: its Pinot can be the best in the world. If you want consistency and
reliability, then Martinborough may be your best bet."
Seen as the stand-out region, of the seven 5-star ratings awarded, two were from Martinborough (Martinborough Vineyard
Pinot Noir 2006 and Schubert, Block B Pinot Noir 2006). Regarded as "outstanding", 5 star wines achieve 18.5 – 20 points
of a possible 20.
Wines from Martinborough General Manager Rachael Fletcher said the ratings are "very gratifying for a small scale wine
district focused wholly on quality.
"That consistency is what has established Martinborough's reputation over 25 years – which far exceeds its volume
contribution to the world of fine wines."
The ratings continue Martinborough's golden 2006 vintage – following a series of consistently excellent wines (across a
wide range of varietals) receiving international accolades.
On the domestic market, Vynfields Pinot Noir 2006 achieved the distinction of the first certified organic wine to win
gold at the Romeo Bragato Awards last week.
Palliser Estate was awarded 2 trophies and a Gold for its 2007 Chardonnay – showing consistency and diversity for
Martinborough wines of many varietals.
ENDS
BACKGROUND NOTES FOR EDITORS
• Wines rated 4 stars in the Decanter tasting were Palliser Estate Pinot Noir 2006,and Julicher Pinot Noir 2006; 4
star wines achieve 16.5 – 18.49 points of 20 and are described by Decanter as "Highly Recommended – very Good to
Excellent".
• Martinborough represents just 3% of the total New Zealand wine producing area. Significant planting growth over
the last six years is forecast to continue, with an 10% increase in production 2006-09 anticipated
• Industry forecasts to 2009 anticipate that Pinot Noir will continue to dominate this region with 53% of total
production, followed by Sauvignon Blanc (22%), Chardonnay (9%), Pinot Gris (6%) and Riesling (4%).