Kiwi Wines Star At The 2008 Liquorland Top 100

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.

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