While it’s rather stretching the imagination to call them the ‘Best Red in the World’ and ‘Best White in the World’, Brokenwood and Stonier are doubtless tickled pink having collected trophies for the Best Red Wine and Best White Wine at the recent International Wine Challenge (London). The winning wines were Brokenwood’s 1999 Rayner Vineyard Shiraz 1999 (16.8, drink 2001-2004+) from a 50 year-old vineyard at McLaren Vale and Stonier’s 1999 Reserve Chardonnay (18.2, drink 2001-2004+). Last year’s red trophy was also won by an Australian wine, Evans & Tate’s 1999 Margaret River Shiraz (17.0, drink 2004-2007). Best Sauvignon Blanc went to Villa Maria for its Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2000, while Central Otago will have done its reputation for pinot noir no harm at all with the gong for Best Pinot Noir being awarded to Gibbston Valley for its Reserve Pinot Noir 2000. Villa Maria’s talented Group Winemaker, Michelle Richardson, was named White Winemaker of the Year. Of the 226 gold medals, 976 silver medals and 2022 bronze medals awarded at this year’s IWC, New Zealand collected 10 golds, 59 silvers and 105 bronze medals.
