The trophies for the 2010 Liquorland International Wine Competition,
judged in May, in Blenheim were announced at a ceremony on Friday 2 July in
Auckland. The Champion Wine of the Show
went to Villa Maria ‘Single Vineyard – Keltern’ Chardonnay 2007 and the
Champion Producer went to Villa Maria, confirming them as the most successful
winemaker as judged at wine shows over the last two decades. Of the 17 trophies awards, New Zealand
received twelve, Australia four and France one. Of the New Zealand winners,
seven went to Marlborough and one each to Hawke's Bay, Waiheke Island,
Gisborne, East Coast and Central Otago. Mike
DeGaris, the Chief Judge said, "The overall quality of entries was
significant and these trophy winners are all outstanding examples."
The complete list of trophies is as follows:
Champion Wine of the Show: Villa Maria ’Single Vineyard – Keltern’Chardonnay
2007
Champion Producer: Villa Maria
Champion Methode Traditionnelle: Daniel Le Brun Methode Traditionnelle
Brut NV
Champion Champagne: Duval-Leroy Champagne ‘Fleur de Champagne’ Brut
Champion Varietal White: Montana ‘Showcase Series’ Gisborne Arneis 2009
Champion Viognier: Vidal East Coast Viognier 2009
Champion Gewurztraminer: Johanneshof Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2009
Champion Pinot Gris: Ribbonwood Marlborough Pinot Gris 2009
Champion Riesling: Sanctuary Marlborough Riesling 2008
Champion Chardonnay: Villa Maria ‘Single Vineyard – Keltern’Chardonnay
2007
Champion Sauvignon Blanc: Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc ‘PioneerBlock
19- Bird Block’ 2009
Champion Sweet Wine: Forrest Botrytised Riesling 2009
Champion Rose: Jules Taylor Rose 2009
Champion Varietal Red: Weeping Sands Waiheke Island Montelpulciano
2009
Champion Merlot: Beresford Highwood Merlot 2008
Champion Cabernet Sauvignon: Yalumba ‘The Signature’ CabernetSauvignon
Shiraz 2005
Champion Pinot Noir: Thornbury Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008
Champion Shiraz: Wolf Blass ‘Grey Label’ Shiraz 2008
Champion Fortified: De Bortoli Show Liqueur Muscat