FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY OCTOBER 4 2010

Judges impressed by Regional Wine Show’s Decade of Success

It took two teams of some of the finest palates in New Zealand two full days in the confines of EIT’s sensory laboratory to work their way through 356 entries in the 10th Annual Hawke’s Bay A&P Mercedes-Benz Wine Awards show earlier this week. 

Led by Chairman of Judges Rod McDonald, the judges swirled, sniffed, sipped and spat their way through wines submitted by over 51 wineries and student winemakers, each vying for recognition at New Zealand’s biggest regional wine show.  McDonald (one of New Zealand’s most awarded and experienced winemakers) guided the teams through the two, tooth-staining days of tasting. He was joined by Masters of Wine Jane Skilton and Bob Campbell (both judges at the inaugural show back in 2000), along with Australia’s Corey Ryan (Group Chief Winemaker for McWilliams Wine Group) wine writer Yvonne Lorkin, Ant Mackenzie of Te Awa and Barry Rewai (winemaker at Clearview Estate) and four highly skilled associate judges of whom Marty Wallace assistant winemaker at Te Mata Estate was one.  “Being involved (in the judging) really bought home to me the potential Hawkes Bay has, the wines that came through on top were, in my eyes, fabulous examples of their variety.  Makes me proud to be working in the region” he says.

The consensus amongst the judges was that the level of quality of wines entered was better than ever before with over 60% of all entries being awarded medals.  “Before the first show, there was a concern we’d be overly generous because it’s our own regional show but that’s never been the reality” says McDonald. “We’ve worked really hard since the show’s inception to always have top judges from outside Hawke’s Bay, who regularly judge internationally, coming in to work alongside our local professionals. That way we can ensure that the quality of our wines are up to the mark nationally and internationally.  Having two MW’s involved this year definitely endorses that” he says.  “The high percentage of gold medals and indeed medals given across the board, says to me that the quality is definitely there in Hawke’s Bay, and that each and every medal-winning wine has been judged in a national and international context.  Medals of any colour are not easily won in this show” he adds.  

The results of a phenomenal run of recent vintages are already starting to show in the media.  “The Hawke’s Bay cabernet merlot styles and syrah from the 2008/2009 vintages that I’ve tried so far have been really impressive” says Yvonne Lorkin. “The wines are fresh and youthful, but also appear to have fantastic depth of character, weight, tannin and texture; the 2009 chardonnays are also looking very sexy indeed”. 

McDonald agrees.  “We’ve had a string of really good vintages since 2007 and that’s been reflected in the results.  We’re improving the breed, the vines are getting older and it’s showing that Hawke’s Bay’s in good health.  Syrah and Chardonnay again were the stars, with some exceptional scores also being given to Cabernet and Merlot dominant blends” he says.

An exhibitor tasting was held for the first time the day after judging closed. “We’ll definitely develop the tasting as part of the awards from here on in and build on it. Wineries attending found it of great benefit to benchmark their entries against those that won medals and vice versa, says Rod.  Judges were there to feed comment on the entries, to talk about styles and explain what it was about the wines that were awarded that made them successful”. 

Full results and Trophies will be celebrated at a glittering black tie gala event on Tuesday 19th October at Waikoko Gardens in Hastings. 

ENDS

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