The results of the fifth Gisborne Regional Wine Awards were announced at the awards dinner last night. The Supreme Wine of the Show was the Corbans ‘1902’ Chardonnay 2013. Now owned by Lion, Corbans introduced the ‘1902’ brand in October last year marking the year that Assid Corban purchased land in Henderson. The wine is described by chief judge Simon Nunns as a “big, rich, opulent style”.
There were 5 golds awarded from 116 wines judged, these being the Corbans ‘1902’ Chardonnay 2013, Lindauer ‘Special Reserve’ Blanc de Blanc NV, Matawhero ‘Church House’ Chenin Blanc 2014, Huntaway ‘Reserve’ Gewurztraminer 2013 and Honorary Viognier 2013. The 5 golds constituted 4.3% of the wines judged. There were 18 (15.5%) silvers, 38 (32.7%) bronze and a total of 61 (52.6%) medals awarded. Also in the results, John Clarke was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the local wine industry and Denis Irwin was awarded the Bill Irwin Trophy. Matawhero Wines was very successful, winning ‘Overall Top Red’, and topping the ‘Red and Other Blends’ class, as well as heading the ‘Unoaked Chardonnay’, ‘Malbec and Blends’ and ‘Other Whites’ Classes.
The Gisborne Regional Wine Awards is one of a number of regional wine shows that focusses on one region. The class categories reflect the strengths of the region, and the number of entries is far more manageable than the larger shows allowing a less pressured judging process. This year, the panel of judges was led by winemaker Simon Nunns, with Nick Picone, Dave McKee, Jane de Witt, also winemakers, and writers Yvonne Lorkin and Jo Burzynska. The judging was conducted over 20-22 May. www.gisbornewine.co.nz
The Winners
Following are the winners of the Gisborne Regional Wine Awards 2015:
Supreme Wine of Show Trophy: Corbans ‘1902’ Chardonnay 2013
Highest Awarded Wine Company Trophy: LION
Best Value Wine Under $15 Trophy: Honorary Viognier 2013
Best Label: The Prospect Chardonnay Ormond Valley 2011
Bill Irwin Trophy: Denis Irwin
Lead Viticulturist Trophy:Indevin Viticultural
Outstanding Contribution to the Gisborne Industry: John Clarke
Overall Top White:Corbans 1902 Chardonnay 2013
Overall Top Red: Matawhero Wines Pinot Noir 2013
Overall Gisborne Selection:Lindauer Special Reserve Blanc de Blanc NV, Matawhero Wines Pinot Noir 2013, Bensen Block Pinot Gris 2013, Huntaway Reserve Gewürztraminer 2013, Matawhero Wines Chardonnay 2014, The Family Company Viognier 2013
The Class Category Winners were:
Sparkling: Lindauer Special Reserve Blanc de Blanc NV, Grower: Indevin
Rose: Jules Taylor Wines Rose 2014, Grower: Peter & Robyn Briant
Unoaked Chardonnay: Matawhero Wines Chardonnay 2014, Grower: Paul and Jenny Tietjen 66% and Leaderbrand 33%
Pinot Gris: Bensen Block Pinot Gris 2013, Grower: Indevin
Gewurztraminer: Huntaway ‘Reserve’ Gewurztraminer 2013, Grower: Indevin
Viognier: Honorary Viognier 2013, Grower: Indevin Viticultural team
Chardonnay: Corbans ‘1902’ Chardonnay 2013, Grower: Indevin
Other Whites: Matawhero ‘Church House’ Chenin Blanc 2014, Grower:Peter & Robyn Briant
Merlot & Blends: The Family Company Merlot 2013, Grower: Roy Johnson from Tolaga Bay Vineyard
Malbec & Blends: Matawhero ‘Church House’ Malbec 2013, Grower:Paul & Jenny Tietjen
Red& Other Blends, Matawhero Wines Pinot Noir 2013, Grower: Pete and Robyn Briant 42%, Leaderbrand 35% and Paul and Jenny Tietjen 23%
Dessert & Fortified Wines: Stone Bridge Port NV, Grower: David & Mairead Hart
