Laithwaite's comes to New Zealand
For 30 years Tony Laithwaite has been championing New Zealand wines in the UK. Now he is hoping wine lovers will champion his new operation here in New Zealand.
He has been loyal to small wine producers from this country ever since he first invited Ernie Hunter to showcase his wines at the Sunday Times Wine Club's Vintage Festival back in 1986.
That invitation marked the beginning of the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc story, given Hunter's 1985 Fume Blanc (an oak aged Sauvignon) took out the top award at the Festival. Hunter's did it again the next year, in 1987 and created a record by winning yet again in 1988.
Now 30 years on, Hunter's has done it again, with the 2015 Sauvignon Blanc being voted as the top wine at this year's festival, held in London in mid April.
It has to be noted, that there have been other wins between 1988 and now, given Hunter's Sauvignon Blanc has also taken out top awards at the same festival in 1992 and 2001.
But this latest accolade is extra special, given it is exactly 30 years since Hunter's stormed the world of wine in the UK, placing Marlborough and New Zealand on the world map. It is also the very first vintage that Jane Hunter's nephew, James MacDonald was in charge of the vintage as chief winemaker.
Which as Jane says, makes it "very special".
MacDonald says the 2015 was a fantastic vintage, with low crops, and a great growing season, resulting in lots of flavour.
"We were able to make a Sauvignon Blanc that was bone dry but full of fruit sweetness, which is perfect for the UK market."
Now Laithwaites are keen to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Hunter's original win and their latest success, with an anniversary oak aged Sauvignon Blanc 2016. Both will be offered to Laithwaite customers throughout the UK.
