19 February 2018 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Royal Easter Show Wine Awards Results Reveal Quality of 2017 Vintage
Judges at the 2018 Royal Easter Show Wine Awards judged midweek at the ASB Showgrounds, Auckland, were thrilled with the
overall quality of the medal-winning wines, said the chairman of judges, Kate Radburnd, of Hawkes Bay.
“Pinot Noir (184 entries - 12 gold medals), Sauvignon Blanc (183 - 10 golds) and Chardonnay (153 – 12 golds) were the
dominant classes, with results that can only be described as outstanding, “said Ms Radburnd. “There were strong showings
also in the Riesling, Bordeaux blends and Syrah classes.
“The complex 2017 vintage was best represented by the early release aromatic varieties, which had delightful freshness
and acidity, while the older vintages shone across all wine styles.
“The results endorse the depth of winemaking talent and diversity of winemaking styles, well positioning New Zealand
wine on the world stage to consolidate the remarkable increases in exports over the past few years,” said Ms Radburnd.
Awards Director Shona White said that total entries this year at 1003 were slightly down on the previous year, due to
reduced volumes from vintage 2017, but the ratio of top medal awards reflected its quality. Gold medals awarded were 71
(7%), silvers 221 (22%), and bronzes 389 (39%), meaning that well over half (68.3%) received a medal.
A full list of medals will be available online on Monday at www.wineshow.co.nz
The Champion Wine of Show, and winners of other varietal and style Championship Awards will be announced and presented
at the awards dinner at the Pullman Auckland Hotel on Saturdayevening 3 March, an event open to the public, ticket
enquiries to chelsea@asbnshowgrounds.co.nz
Ends