Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2009:
Great Wins By Pinot Noir And Chardonnay

By Jasmine Lee

For the first time in the competition’s almost 30-year history, a Martinborough Pinot Noir has claimed the top trophy. Among the 1,655 entries received, Chardonnay was awarded eight elite gold medals; the most awarded to any single varietal this year.

Organised by New Zealand Winegrowers and supported by Air New Zealand, the Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2009 saw 19 trophies and 38 elite gold medals being awarded to outstanding wines from eight of New Zealand’s 10 key winegrowing regions.

New Zealand’s 10 key winegrowing regions include Northland, Auckland, Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury/Waipara and Central Otago. All wines were judged against rigorous international standards by a team of local and international experts.

Awards dinner was held on November 21, 2009, at the Christchurch Convention Centre, with a quality focus both in terms of wine and fine New Zealand cuisine.

The 2009 awards also saw the most number of elite gold medals ever awarded in the history of the Air New Zealand Wine Awards. The Julicher Pinot Noir 2008 was awarded the top trophy. The last time any Martinborough wine was awarded the Champion Wine of Show trophy was in 1989.

Chair of judges Steve Smith, Master of Wine, said Pinot Noir was one of the standout varietals of 2009 competition, and it was fitting that this varietal claimed the top trophy.

“We have had two extremely good vintages in a row of Pinot Noir with over 300 wines entered in the 2009 competition - the most ever entered,” Smith said.

“The Julicher Pinot Noir 2008 is a true example of New Zealand Pinot Noir at its best, featuring a deep brooding black cherry colour, dusty plum and autumn forests on the nose. This is the first time the Pinot Noir pioneers of Martinborough have claimed the top trophy, and it is truly deserved.”

A Central Otago Riesling - Olssens Annieburn Riesling 2009 – was named top sustainable wine, taking out the Bell Gully Sustainable Wine Trophy. Chardonnay was awarded eight elite gold medals, the most awarded to any single varietal this year.

Air New Zealand Champion Wine of the Show Trophy
Julicher Pinot Noir 2008
JF Hillebrand New Zealand Ltd Champion Pinot Noir Trophy
Julicher Pinot Noir 2008

Label & Litho Champion Chardonnay Trophy
Villa Maria Reserve Barrique Chardonnay 2007

Fruitfed Supplies Champion Syrah Trophy
Coopers Creek SV Hawkes Bay Syrah Chalk Ridge 2008

Fairfax Media Champion Open Red Wine Trophy
Waipara Hills Southern Cross Selection Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008

Newstalk ZB Champion Other Red Styles Trophy
Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Tempranillo 2008

Bell Gully Champion Sustainable Wine Trophy
Olssens Annieburn Riesling 2009

BDO Champion Other White Styles & Rosé Trophy
Church Road Reserve Viognier 2007

O-I New Zealand Champion Sauvignon Blanc Trophy
Catalina Sounds Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009

LatitudeGT Champion Pinot Gris Trophy
Couper’s Shed Pinot Gris 2009

New World Champion Open White Wine Trophy
Forrest The Doctors’ Riesling 2009