Media release
6 October 2008
Kiwi Wines Star At The 2008 Liquorland Top 100 International Wine Competition
New Zealand wines have triumphed at the 2008 Liquorland Top 100 International Wine Competition, taking out the top
accolades in 11 of the 19 classes.
The stars of the competition were Cottage Block Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2006, which was named Champion Wine of the Show,
while Villa Maria was awarded Champion Producer.
Cottage Block Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay also took out the Trophy in the Chardonnay class of the competition, and Villa
Maria was awarded trophies for its Single Vineyard Omahu Gravels Hawke’s Bay Viogner 2007 and Private Bin East Coast
Pinot Gris.
Director of the awards and well known wine consultant, Belinda Jackson, says the 2008 Liquorland Top 100 offers an
independent guide to the best wines available in New Zealand.
“Whether consumers are after wines for everyday enjoyment, a special occasion or even a gift, they will find them in the
Top 100. With every style of wine at every price point, there is definitely something for everyone and consumers can
relax in the knowledge they are buying a truly great wine, as confirmed by independent experts.”
Belinda says it is pleasing to see New Zealand wines performing so well against other internationally renowned wine
producing countries such as France and Australia.
“This year New Zealand wineries scooped the top awards in a wide variety of classes including Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer
and Riesling as well as the traditional Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir classes, which shows the strength and depth of
the local industry.”
The other New Zealand trophy winners in the 2008 Liquorland Top 100 International Wine Competition are: Huntaway Reserve
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008; Deutz Marlborough Cuvee Rose; Alexandra Wine Company alex.gold Pinot Noir 2007;
Lawson’s Dry Hills Gewurztraminer 2007; Vidal Reserve Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 and Charles Wiffen Late
Harvest Riesling 2007.
Australian wines were the second best performers in the competition, receiving seven trophies. The Australian trophy
winners are: Richmond Grove Watervale Riesling 2004; Shingleback McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2005; Penfolds Thomas
Hyland Shiraz 2006; Rosemount Show Reserve McLaren Vale GSM 2005; Sandalford Margaret River Classic Dry White 2008; De
Bortoli Show Liqueur Muscat and Mitolo Jester Sangiovese Rose 2008.
The Champagne trophy was awarded to the Henriot Champagne Brut Souverain NV
Liquorland Top 100 trophy winners and medal winners are available in Liquorland stores across the country from today
(Monday 6 October). For a full list of the Top 100 wines and award winners see www.top100.co.nz or visit your local
Liquorland store.
ENDS
Belinda Jackson
Belinda has been in the wine industry for over 20 years after discovering her life’s passion in Bordeaux. She has worked
across Europe and New Zealand in all aspects of the trade, including selling, buying, educating, marketing and making
wine. As well as director of the Liquorland Top 100 International Wine Competition, Belinda is also a consultant to
various wine producers.