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.
Saint Clair Pioneer Block 5 Bull Block Pinot Noir 2021 won the Champion Wine of the Show as well as the Classic Oak Products Trophy for Champion Pinot Noir. Its winemaker, Kyle Thompson, also took home the Laffort Trophy for Champion Gewürztraminer.
Meanwhile, the Martinborough Vineyard Home Block Sauvignon Blanc 2023 won the Guala Closures New Zealand Trophy for Champion Sauvignon Blanc. Chair of Judges, Jane Cooper, commented on the incredible balance of the wine, noting the tension between acid and fruit, calling it "a beautifully crafted Sauvignon Blanc that balances all the components with absolute precision."
Wanaka's Sarah-Kate and Dan Dineen, from Maude, took home the Winemaker of the Year award. They also won the Auckland A&P Association Heritage Rosebowl for the second year running, with a trio of vintages of Mount Maude Reserve East Block Riesling taking that title, as well as the Antipodes Riesling Trophy.
A new Organic Trophy was won by Loop Road Pinot Noir 2022, a wine from Quartz Reef Winemaker and organic winegrowing advocate Rudi Bauer.
