For the first time a Martinborough pinot noir has taken out the top title at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards .
The Julicher Pinot Noir 2008, produced by Julicher Estate in Martinborough, was named the champion wine, with judges saying this year pinot noir was one of the stand-outs.
"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," chair of judges, Steve 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," said Smith.
A Central Otago Riesling - Olssens Annieburn Riesling 2009 - was named top sustainable wine and Smith said it was also a world-class wine that left a lasting impression on the judging panel.
"It has a beautifully intense nose of flowers, lime and spearmint leaves and delivers a brilliantly juicy start to the palate."
Thirty-eight elite gold medals, including two pure elite gold medals (awarded to sustainably-produced wines) were awarded to wines from eight of New Zealand's 10 key winegrowing regions at the awards dinner in Christchurch.
