Sample award-winning wines

Size really does not matter when it comes to fine wine. Martinborough produces less than four percent of New Zealand’s wine but took 20 percent of Decanter magazine’s Top 20 picks for “exciting producers and stunning wines”.

Ata Rangi, Dry River and Martinborough Vineyard are founding local vineyards, celebrating 30 years of wine this year. Escarpment’s Larry McKenna was instrumental in establishing the district’s reputation, especially for our flagship pinot noir.

Criteria for the prestigious UK Decanter magazine included “achieving the highest standards across their range” and “a long history of quality wines”. A representative wine for each winery was featured – all rated as “outstanding” in scoring 18.5 – 20 of a possible 20 points. The wines selected are Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2008, Dry River Gewurtztraminer 2009, Escarpment Kupe Pinot Noir 2008 and Martinborough Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007.

Here are a few more of the ‘don’t-miss’ Award-winning wines we recommend you try as you journey through the region:

  • Gladstone Vineyard: The Estate Pinot Noir 2008 has again won Gold this past year, International Wine Challenge 2010. The 12,000 MILES Pinot Noir 2008 is also a medal winner, with a Silver Medal New Zealand International Wine Show 2009. The viognier is a real treat (with 4 1/2 stars from Michael Cooper) and sells out fast!
  • Johner Estate: 2009 winners of the Buyers Choice Winery Award at the Wine New Zealand show in Auckland. Try their 2009 Riesling and their specialist noble wines, such as Syrah and Pinot Noir.
  • Tirohana Estate: five stars in Cuisine Magazine for the Pinot Noir 2007; at the Romeo Bragato Wine Awards 2007 the K1 Gold Medal, the Mike Wolter Memorial Trophy for Championship Pinot Noir and the Reserve Championship and Richard Smart Trophy all for the Pinot Noir 2006.
  • Schubert Wines: The 2008 Pinot Noir Block B has won the Trophy for best overall NZ Pinot at the 2010 International Wine Challenge in London. The 2008 Pinot Noir Marion's Vineyard also won Gold.
  • From Vynfields comes their breakthrough certified organic wine, the 2006 Pinot Noir. With a Gold at Romeo Bragato and Silver at Air New Zealand 2008, this wine is delightful: a deep glowing colour is followed by flavours of vibrant black cherry, chocolate and silken roses. Compare it in tastings at the cellar door with the magnificent 2007 Reserve.
  • Where do you start (or finish!) with Ata Rangi’s accolades? Far too many to list here – just drop in to the cellar door and try the full range!
  • Alana’s 2008 Pinot Noir was the star as outright best overall pinot noir in the varietals section at the 2010 Los Angeles International Wine Competition. Alana also picked up Best of Class gold medals for the pinot as well as its 2009 sauvignon blanc.