The three peat winemaker
Winning the title of Young Winemaker of the Year is something special. Winning the same title a second time, is even more so. But winning it for a third year in a row – well that is beyond words.
Four international wine judges picked Patrick Newton of Mudbrick Vineyard as the inaugural winner on October 15. The competition replaces the New Zealand Young Winemaker of the Year as part of the New Zealand Aromatic Wine Competition, administered by the Canterbury A&P Show.
The Waiheke Island winemaker describes the award as “quite an honour”.
“Every young winemaker starts out with a goal to win these major awards. To do it at age 34 is fantastic; it’s my best professional achievement to date.”
Newton entered the competition with the 2015 Mudbrick Reserve Chardonnay, 2013 Mudbrick Reserve Syrah and the 2013 Mudbrick Velvet, a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Malbec blend.
Chairman of judges Terry Copeland agreed that the winemaking style was evident in the wines on show.
“The chardonnay was the standout wine in that selection – well-crafted yet restrained. He allowed the fruit to shine through. All three wines presented by Patrick were full bodied, incredibly seductive and very drinkable.”
Judging for the New Zealand Aromatic Wine Competition also took place on October 15 and 16. The Supreme Champion Wine in Show trophy was awarded to the 2016 Hunters Gewürztraminer.
“It was good to see a strongly aromatic style like gewürztraminer showing through when the standard of gold medals across the board was so high. It was the most complete wine across the table -- aromatic with great structure and texture.”
Copeland says that from 316 entries, 27 gold medals were awarded and judges were impressed with the diversity of the wines.
Other trophy winners were: Champion Riesling – TOHU Single Vineyard Riesling 2015, Champion Canterbury Wine – Waipara River Estate Riesling SVR 2012, Champion Sauvignon Blanc – Villa Maria Reserve Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Champion Pinot Gris – Baby Doll Pinot Gris 2016, Champion Gewürztraminer – 2016 Hunters Gewürztraminer, Champion Rosé – Matawhero Pinot Rosé 2016 and Champion Other Aromatic – Saint Clair Marlborough Premium Gruner Vetliner 2015.
Twenty-seven gold, 73 silver and 123 bronze medals were awarded. All winning wines will be on display in the new Food and Wine Village at the 2016 Canterbury A&P Show from November 9 -11 at ASB Agricultural Park.
