5 September 2011
Results announced from inaugural Marlborough Wine Show

46 wines judged to be ‘excellent’ from a total of 424 entries has resulted in an outstanding achievement at Marlborough’s first regional wine competition. Chief Judge, Jeff Clarke comments, “With just over 10% of wines awarded the equivalent of a gold medal, this is a tremendous result and reflects just how good the last few vintages have been.”

Director of the event, Belinda Jackson says, “It has been so exciting to judge Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir by sub-region and by vintage. We have been able to see the area’s characteristics and consider the range of styles they produce.”

Melbourne-based Ben Edwards, President of Sommeliers Australia and ‘imported wine’ contributor to the Halliday Australian Wine Companion website and magazine, was a guest international judge. Edwards was pleased to be involved saying, “While everyone loves Marlborough wines it’s time to expand on the story. Looking at wines by sub-region and highlighting the differences is certainly going to help show that Marlborough has a lot to offer wine lovers around the world.”

Although the scoring is identical, the move away from traditional gold, silver and bronze medals to the more indicative and exciting, consumer-driven promotional labels ‘excellent’, highly recommended’ and ‘recommended’ is also felt to be a huge positive. Jackson explains, “Now wine buyers can see at a glance exactly what the judges are saying about a wine, rather than have to work out what the medals actually mean.”

105 ‘highly recommended’ and 179 ‘recommended’ were also awarded.

Full results will be available on www.wineshow.co.nz by Wednesday 7 September and trophies will be announced at the celebration dinner being held on 17 September 2011 at Marlborough Vintners Hotel.

ENDS

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