The inaugural National Wine Awards of Aotearoa released it’s trophy winners at a celebration on Auckland’s Waterfront and it seems like it was a win for chardonnay with Isabel Estate’s Chardonnay taking the wine of the show in addition to their trophy in the chardonnay class.
To be the best wine out of 800 is no mean feat, so huge congratulations to the team at Marlborough’s Isabel Estate.
This from the National Wine Awards:
It’s a Chardonnay day at the inaugural National Wine Awards waterfront celebration
Chardonnay wins top honours at the inaugural National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Isabel Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2020 won the Champion Wine of the Show as well as scooping the New World Trophy for Champion Chardonnay and its winemaker Jeremy McKenzie took top honours as Winemaker of the Show at the Awards of Excellence luncheon celebration at Auckland’s Hilton waterfront hotel today.
Chair of Judges, Jane Cooper, commented on the incredible balance of the wine, noting the tension between acid and fruit.
“It’s a feat of brilliance to bring that richness and texture to the palate while maintaining spark and lightness,” Cooper said. “It’s a thrill of a wine, and Jeremy’s understanding and mastery are on clear display. I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Isabel Estate has a long tradition of Chardonnay, with 30-year old Mendoza vines contributing to this stellar wine. McKenzie has been in charge since 2014 (starting there on his birthday) converting much of the vineyard to organic principles with an eye on top end chardonnay for the long haul.
The Luncheon, emceed by Jesse Mulligan, the “affordable John Campbell” (in his own words) awarded 17 Trophies, including the Auckland A&P Association Heritage Rosebowl that rewards wines that reflect a consistency of style over time, the winner of which was Wanaka’s three vintages of Mount Maude Reserve East Block Riesling (2012, 2016, 2021).
Family-owned Hawke’s Bay winery Askerne was the popular winner of two trophies, including the New Zealand Couriers Trophy for Champion Gewürztraminer, and Central Otago’s Providore Pinot Noir 2019 took out the hotly contested Rural News Group Trophy for Champion Pinot Noir.
Full list of trophy Winners
Rapid Labels Trophy for Champion Sparkling: Lindauer Vintage Series Brut Cuvée 2017
Dish Magazine Trophy for Champion Pinot Gris: Duck Hunter Marlborough Pinot Gris 2022
Antipodes Trophy for Champion Riesling: Mud House Single Vineyard The Mound Riesling 2021
Guala Closures NZ Trophy for Champion Sauvignon Blanc: Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Wineworks Trophy for Champion Rosé: Squawking Magpie First Flight Startled Pink 2022
Trophy for Champion Other White Varieties: Askerne Viognier 2021
Rural News Group Trophy for Champion Pinot Noir: Providore Pinot Noir 2019
Mainfreight Trophy for Champion Export Wine: Blind River Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Guala Closures NZ Trophy for Best Presented Screwcap Wine Bottle: Te Kano Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2021
New World Trophy for Champion Chardonnay: Isabel Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2020
Trophy for Champion Merlot & Blends: Mud House Hawke's Bay Merlot 2021
Trophy for Champion Syrah: Giesen Single Vineyard Clayvin Syrah 2021
Fruitfed Trophy for Champion Cabernet & Blends: Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2020
New Zealand Couriers Trophy for Champion Gewurztraminer: Askerne Reserve Gewurztraminer 2021
Trophy for Champion Other Red Varieties: Leftfield Hawkes Bay Malbec 2020
winejobsonline.com Trophy for Champion Sweet Wine: Villa Maria Reserve Noble Riesling 2021
Auckland Agricultural & Pastoral Association Heritage Rose Bowl: Mount Maude Reserve East Block Riesling 2012 / 2016 / 2021
Trophy for Champion Wine of the Show: Isabel Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2020
Auckland Agricultural & Pastoral Association Winemaker of the Show: Jeremy McKenzie