Johanneshof Cellars Shines Bright at the Holy Grail
In some circles searching for the Holy Grail of the biblical kind is shrouded in circumspect and fraught with academic
folly.
For Johanneshof Cellars of Marlborough, attaining the Holy Grail of the Winemakers kind is one of circumstance, not one
of circumspect.
Reaching the hallowed zenith has not been achieved by just following in the footprints of traditional winemaking. It is
the culmination of a marriage between tradition, passion and craftsmanship which, when handled expertly, can evolve into
an art form. The result is the ultimate expression of the artisan winemaker.
In the past 12 months Johanneshof Cellars has been recognised for just such expressions of artisan craftsmanship.
Their windfall of accolades began with the Gewürztraminer 2009 being awarded Gold Medals at both the Royal Easter Show
and the New Zealand International Wine Awards.
The same wine was again recognised at the Liquorland Top 100 in 2010 as Champion Gewürztraminer with a Gold Medal and
Trophy.
Almost as if the wine itself was not content to rest upon those prestigious laurels, Johanneshof Gewürztraminer 2009 was
awarded Champion Gewürztraminer, winning Trophy and the Elite Gold Medal Winner at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
Judges declaring the wine; Beautiful sparkling bright straw colour, a little of the aroma takes you straight to Vietnam
and the mix of France and the Far East. Lots of lifted rose, lychee and chalky Asian spices, graceful and intoxicating,
with a hint of the back streets to make it interesting. Lovely flowing silk robe feel on the palate, sugar and spice,
all things nice, long, alluring, exotic.”
Proving that such an outstanding run of top awards is by no means happenstance, but rather circumstance, the
Gewürztraminer 2010 vintage has just been awarded a Gold Medal at the 2010 New Zealand International Wine Awards.
Winemaker and Johanneshof co-owner Edel Everling is rapturous with this vintage. "With the 2010 vintage only just being
bottled we are thrilled to have impressed the judges with such a young wine. Having crafted fine wines in this country
for 20 years we are confident that the 2010 wines will become some of the most outstanding we have made. Ideal growing
conditions and a superb team of growers have supported our constant effort to craft wines of distinct flavour, longevity
and exceptional value."
Joining all of these awards in the trophy cabinet will be other accolades from the 2009/2010 current releases;
Johanneshof Cellars Gewürztraminer Trocken/Dry 2008, Silver
Johanneshof Cellars Pinot Gris Medium 2008, Gold.
Johanneshof Cellars Late harvest Riesling 2007, Champion Sweet Wine, Gold and Trophy
While these latest additions to the trophy cabinet sparkle like a shrine to the Winemakers Holy Grail, Johanneshof
winemakers Edel Everling and Warwick Foley can take great comfort in knowing that while their quest has yielded envious
rewards, the search for the Holy Grail is a pilgrimage that runs in perpetuity.
Aiming for the summit will be repeated with next season’s releases and the thrill of conquering it all over again will
be in the hands of the many dedicated artisans who embark upon this quest with a passion akin to a breed possessed.
Until then, Johanneshof Cellars deserves to bask in the glow radiating from their trophy cabinet.
While the trophy cabinet is not transferable, the glow is. It’s in every bottle this boutique winery produces.
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