Pinot Pioneers
Wairarapa Wine Region's Pinot Pioneers celebration dinner in early August paid homage to Nick Hoskins of Vine Managers and the late Richard Riddiford of Palliser Estate.
Shed 530, home to the Mutu label, required a complete rebuild after the 2023 storm destroyed three buildings and most winemaking equipment. "Thankfully a majority of our latest vintage had already been moved off-site, allowing us to continue sharing these delicious Hawke's Bay wines," Kel says. "Our team's perserverance and the support from the community has been incredible and we plan to be back open this summer."
The 2022 Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Chardonnay was also awarded a Platinum medal in the awards, with Senior Winemaker Stewart Maclennan describing the wine as "unapologetic in its design, staunch in character and traditional in method. It represents the best of what we believe well treated Marlborough Chardonnay can produce".
The McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Pinot Noir 2022, from the Alexandra Basin in Central Otago, was the only New Zealand wine to win a Best in Show in the awards, with judges noting that the wine "shows why there is so much excitement about Central Otago".
McArthur Ridge International Sales Manager Jason Dellaca says the "outstanding result" is testament to the vineyard site in Alexandra and the ability and quality of the vineyard team.
