Just for the record...

As much as I dont like them (or quite often, agree with the judges!) Wine Competitions appear to be a neccessary evil in the ongoing battle, especially for smaller producers such as us, to sell wine. It seems that the wine buying public need the reassurance of a sticker on the bottle in order to make a purchase. And this rule applies the world over. Even our agents and distributors in other countries seem to like stickers or competition results as it gives them a degree of comfort in the product they are trying to sell.

In an ideal world people would trust their own judgement and palate ! Competitions have too many variables in play. The country factor - how would one foreign Sauvignon Blanc fare against a sea of NZ Sauvignons? The judging factor - do they have a nationalised cellar palate - will a wine that is a bit left field do as well? Does Gold Medal in one country mean Gold in another - most unlikely. What about wine age - does a Gold medal now mean it will still taste 'gold' 2-3 years later? All competitions dont use the same judging criteria or scoring systems. Big wine companies who make 'show reserve' wines just in an attempt to win medals - just part of the advertising budget or a sideline to keep the winemakers interested ? I could go on. However, theres no getting away from it so I had better get used to it.

So after all that heres the Sandihurst list to guide you when you are next out..

2004 Riesling Medium Canterbury - Winestate - 5 STARS, Wine NZ - Shortlist Best Buy

2004 Riesling Dry Canterbury - Winestate - 4 STARS
2004 Gewurztraminer Canterbury - Winestate- 5 STARS
2004 Pinot Gris Canterbury - Winestate- 5 STARS

2006 Pinot Noir Canterbury - Liquorland Top100 GOLD, Decanter - 4 STARS, Cuisine - 4 STARS, International Wine & Spirit London - SILVER Best in Class
2006 Riesling Canterbury - Air New Zealand Wine Awards - SILVER, Selections Mondiale des Vins Canada - SILVER, Canberra International Riesling Challenge - BRONZE, International Wine & Spirit London - SILVER Best in Class
2006 Pinot Gris Canterbury - Bragato Wine Awards - BRONZE

2007 Pinot Noir Waipara - Air New Zealand Wine Awards- BRONZE
2007 Riesling Nelson - International Aromatics Competition - BRONZE, Air New Zealand Wine Awards - BRONZE

2008 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough - Bragato Wine Awards - BRONZE

Modest success then. The one interesting theme for me from this is that we tend to score better for wines that are entered after at least a years maturation in the bottle. Confirmation to me of our wines ability to improve as they age.