Thumbs Up For Martinborough Pinot Noir

MEDIA RELEASE
28 August 2008

Thumbs Up For Martinborough Pinot Noir

Great wine districts produce great wine, consistently. A youngster in world wine terms, Martinborough took an important step closer to that goal.

Prestigious Decanter magazine unanimously gave Martinborough the "thumbs up" for consistently delivering great Pinot Noir (September 2008 issue).

The expert UK panel rated 154 New Zealand pinot noir wines, and concluded that "Martinborough, with its depth of experience and older vines, produces richer, riper Pinots, often with pronounced savoury, mushroom characteristics, silky textures and firm structures.

"New Zealand's reputation isn't for nothing: its Pinot can be the best in the world. If you want consistency and reliability, then Martinborough may be your best bet."

Seen as the stand-out region, of the seven 5-star ratings awarded, two were from Martinborough (Martinborough Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006 and Schubert, Block B Pinot Noir 2006). Regarded as "outstanding", 5 star wines achieve 18.5 – 20 points of a possible 20.

Wines from Martinborough General Manager Rachael Fletcher said the ratings are "very gratifying for a small scale wine district focused wholly on quality.

"That consistency is what has established Martinborough's reputation over 25 years – which far exceeds its volume contribution to the world of fine wines."

The ratings continue Martinborough's golden 2006 vintage – following a series of consistently excellent wines (across a wide range of varietals) receiving international accolades.

On the domestic market, Vynfields Pinot Noir 2006 achieved the distinction of the first certified organic wine to win gold at the Romeo Bragato Awards last week.

Palliser Estate was awarded 2 trophies and a Gold for its 2007 Chardonnay – showing consistency and diversity for Martinborough wines of many varietals.

ENDS

BACKGROUND NOTES FOR EDITORS

• Wines rated 4 stars in the Decanter tasting were Palliser Estate Pinot Noir 2006,and Julicher Pinot Noir 2006; 4 star wines achieve 16.5 – 18.49 points of 20 and are described by Decanter as "Highly Recommended – very Good to Excellent".
• Martinborough represents just 3% of the total New Zealand wine producing area. Significant planting growth over the last six years is forecast to continue, with an 10% increase in production 2006-09 anticipated
• Industry forecasts to 2009 anticipate that Pinot Noir will continue to dominate this region with 53% of total production, followed by Sauvignon Blanc (22%), Chardonnay (9%), Pinot Gris (6%) and Riesling (4%).

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