Meanwhile, across the Tasman, a wine which fared very poorly at Pepper Tree’s Merlot Masters (see cover story), CJ Pask’s Reserve Merlot 1998 was named Champion Wine of the Show at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2000. It also won the trophy for best merlot. The Reserve Wine of Show went to boutique Marlborough winemaker Lake Chalice for its Marlborough Riesling 2000, which was also Champion Riesling. The Kaituna Valley Awatere Vineyard Pinot Noir 1999 (Marlborough) was the Champion Pinot Noir and Corbans’ Stoneleigh Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2000 was named Champion Sauvignon Blanc and/or Semillon.
