Royal Easter Show Wine Awards 2007

Royal Easter Show Wine Awards 2007

In spite of record entries again this year in New Zealand’s oldest wine competition, the 54th Royal Easter Show Wine Awards judged at the newly re-named ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland last weekend showed a slight drop in gold and bronze medals.

Total entries were a record 1375, up 2.4% from last year’s previous record; total medals (754) were 54.8% of entries, down slightly from 54.last year.

Gold medals were down from 79 last year to 76 this year, for a tally of 5.5%. Silver medals rose to 176 (12.8%) from 169 last year, and bronzes were 502 (36.5%) down from 507 last year.

Judging was under the guidance and supervision of long-serving chairman of judges, Bob Campbell MW, and as his deputy, the highly respected Australian judge and author, James Halliday.

According to the long-time director of the competition, Terry Dunleavy, there were three main features this year:

“First was the move into new judging premises in the rebuilt front area of the Carter Holt Pavilion at the ASB Showgrounds. The wines were judged in the glass fronted cafeteria known as The Hub, in clear, natural light and with plenty of room. The wines were poured in a large backroom area, well away from the judging tables, again with plenty of room. Everyone involved agreed that the facilities were the best they had experienced in any wine competition in New Zealand.

“Second was the consolidation of screwcaps as the closure of choice for still wines. Of the 75 still wines only eight were not under screwcap. Among the dry whites, only one, a 2004 Chardonnay, was sealed with cork.

“Third was the continuing improvement in wine quality. New Zealand’s signature variety, Sauvignon Blanc, reflected a very good 2006 vintage, while Pinot Noir continued its rise, as did Riesling , especially in the case of the latter from South Island regions. Syrah golds dropped from the remarkable seven awarded last year to four this year, but the variety continues to consolidate. A surprising feature this year was the failure of any of the Merlots to win gold.

“In general, and from a perspective of active senior managerial involvement in one or other of the two major national wine competitions every year since 1975, I am satisfied that the 2007 Royal Easter was judged to the highest professional standards and produced fair and accurate results which will be a reliable guide to both wine producers and their consumers.

"It is probably necessary to remind consumers that every class of medal is an indicator of superior quality in a wine. While gold medals are undeniably the creme de la creme, the dividing line between silver and bronze can be extremely fine, so that it is a mistake to downgrade bronze medal wines in anyone's esteem as they offer quality wine drinking, and, very often, amazing value," said Mr Dunleavy.

A full list of medals won can be viewed on the website www.wineshow.co.nz

Trophies won at the 2007 Royal Easter will be announced at the gala black tie Awards Dinner in the Logan Campbell Centre, ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane on Saturday evening, 24 March commencing at 6.30 p.m. Wine lovers are welcome to attend. Tickets will be available at Glengarry wine shops throughout Auckland, or by application to emma@asbshowgrounds.co.nz

ENDS

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