Mouton, Rothschild, Haut-­Brion…and Mission Estate

Mouton, Rothschild, Haut-­Brion…and Mission Estate

Founded by French missionaries 160 years ago, Mission Estate has always been proud of its French heritage. Now, in an international blind tasting that included eight legendary Bordeaux wines, Mission Jewelstone Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot has been ranked in the top three – a sensational result that stunned the participants.

The exclusive tasting was held last week in Hong Kong, in front of leading media, trade and collectors. Eight 2009 vintage Gimblett Gravels blended red wines went up against eight 2008 vintage classed growth Bordeaux, including Haut-­Brion, Latour, Lafite, Margaux and Mouton-­Rothschild. Singapore-­based MW Lisa Perotti ­Brown led the masterclass.

Unsurprisingly, first growth Mouton Rothschild ($NZ1,350 a bottle) and Haut-­Brion ($NZ1,000 a bottle) were ranked first and second overall.

The astonishing news was the wine that ranked third: Mission Jewelstone Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot 2009, with a cellar door price of just $39.

Mission Estate winemaker Paul Mooney is overwhelmed by the accolade. “My mentor Brother John Cuttance trained in Bordeaux in the 1960s and I hold the Bordelaise wines in the highest regard. Having one of our own wines tasted alongside these legendary names, and being rated third overall, is an extraordinary achievement. It shows that New Zealand reds, and those from the unique Gimblett Gravels terroir in particular, have a big future on the world stage.”

CEO Peter Holley adds: “At Mission Estate, we’re dedicated to producing exceptional wines that express true regional characteristics, all at accessible price points. To be mentioned in the same breath as these iconic names is incredible enough. To be ranked higher than the likes of the Chateau Lafite-­Rothschild, which retails for around NZ$2,500 a bottle, is staggering. This success is a real honour.”

The handcrafted Mission Jewelstone Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot 2009 will soon be released in limited quantities. It will be available from July 4 2011 at all leading retailers, the Mission Estate cellar door and online at www.missionestate.co.nz.

ENDS

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