Yealands Estate Wins Inaugural Gold Medal

MEDIA RELEASE
28 October 2008

Yealands Estate Wins Inaugural Gold Medal

In its first vintage, Yealands Estate is proud to announce its first gold medal awarded at the International Aromatic Wine Competition 2008.

The Yealands Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 was one of just 22 wines to be awarded a gold medal - of which just seven went to Sauvignon Blanc.

With tough competition from almost 500 entries the gold medal signifies a promising start for Yealands' winemaking team.

"We're thrilled our first vintage has been recognised through this award," says Tamra Washington, Yealands Estate winemaker.

Regarded as one of the rising stars of New Zealand's wine industry at just 30 years old, Tamra has already captured attention for crafting award-winning wines in Europe, but it is this latest award that she is most proud of.

"We have been privileged to work with super premium cool climate fruit produced at our unique Seaview vineyards, and have enjoyed the unique challenge of being involved from scratch in the set up of a new winery and wine brand where there's a total commitment to green sustainable principles."

For local entrepreneur and founder Peter Yealands, the medal is a sweet victory for critics who claimed the land at Seaview was unsuitable for viticulture.

"It's a great start for Yealands Estate and proof that sound environmental practices can produce outstanding wines," he says.
The International Aromatic Wine Competition was open to all Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Viognier and wine varieties made in an aromatic style from any internationally recognised region.
Both the Yealands 'Y' and Estate range Riesling fared well receiving silver medals for this increasingly popular wine.

Terry Copeland, leader of the panel of judges, noted the increase in the volume and quality of wines the aromatic category - especially Gewürztraminer. All medal winning wines will be on display at the Royal New Zealand Show in November as part of the Food and Wine New Zealand Pavilion in November.

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