Chardonnay Shines at 2017 Air New Zealand Wine Awards
A Marlborough Chardonnay has won the top prize at the 2017 Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
The Isabel Chardonnay Marlborough 2016 won the prestigious Air New Zealand Champion Wine of the Show trophy, as well as
the Rabobank Champion Chardonnay trophy, at an Art Deco inspired awards dinner in Hawke’s Bay last night.
Chair of Judges Warren Gibson said the Isabel Chardonnay Marlborough 2016 was a very classy example of the Chardonnay in
this year’s competition.
“It has a beautiful balance of components with a rich long finish,” said Mr Gibson. “It’s packed with flavour but still
maintains a remarkable lightness on its feet.”
The producer of this champion Chardonnay, Isabel Estate Vineyard, is a pioneering winery in Marlborough and planted
their first vineyards in 1980. They also have some of the oldest Chardonnay vines in the region. Chief Winemaker Jeremy
McKenzie says Isabel Estate Vineyard’s philosophy on working the land is simple.
“Respect the soil where the grapes grow and allow the unique characters of each vineyard and variety to be expressed in
the final wine.”
The second highest accolade of the evening, the O-I New Zealand Reserve Wine of the Show trophy, went to the Dashwood
Pinot Noir Marlborough 2016. This impressive Pinot Noir, made by Chief Winemaker Stu Marfell of Foley Family Wines, also
won the JF Hillebrand New Zealand Champion Pinot Noir trophy.
“As with many of the best wines in this class there is perfume and length with elegant tannins and a lingering and
powerful finish,” stated Mr Gibson.
Air New Zealand Chief Operating Officer Bruce Parton says the airline is proud to have sponsored the New Zealand wine
industry’s official awards for 31 years.
“Through our partnership with New Zealand Winegrowers we are committed to championing the success of the industry right
around the world, both through these awards as well as by working together to help grow wine tourism.
“It’s been great to see entries from wineries across the country this year and we’d like to congratulate all the medal
and trophy winners.”
Seventeen trophies were announced at the dinner, which was emceed by Jack Tame and Renee Wright. This year's competition
saw over 1,300 wines entered.
-ENDS-
Editors’ notes:
The Air New Zealand Wine Awards celebrate excellence in New Zealand winemaking and are widely considered to be the
country’s most prestigious wine competition. New Zealand Winegrowers, the national organisation for the country's 1,500
grape growers and winemakers, has owned and organised the competition for over 40 years.