MEDIA RELEASE
29th October 2019
The New Zealand International Wine Show (NZIWS) is the largest wine competition held in New Zealand. Trophy winners were announced at the awards dinner held at Auckland’s Crowne Plaza on Friday 25th October. Saint Clair were awarded an outstanding three trophies.
TROPHY – Eurovintage Champion Sauvignon Blanc Trophy – Saint Clair Pioneer Block 1 Foundation Sauvignon Blanc 2019
TROPHY – Selini Estates Champion Commercial White Wine Trophy – Saint Clair James Sinclair Chardonnay 2018
TROPHY – Winemaker of the Show – Hamish Clark, Saint Clair Family Estate
Saint Clair were thrilled to be awarded an astounding eight gold medals in this prestigious wine show across a range of varieties and price points. The following Saint Clair wines achieved gold medal status at the NZIWS;
GOLD MEDAL – Saint Clair James Sinclair Chardonnay 2018
GOLD MEDAL – Saint Clair Pioneer Block 1 Foundation Sauvignon Blanc 2019
GOLD MEDAL – Saint Clair Pioneer Block 11 Cell Block Chardonnay 2018
GOLD MEDAL – Saint Clair Pioneer Block 17 Plateau Merlot 2018
GOLD MEDAL – Saint Clair Pioneer Block 22 Barn Block Pinot Noir 2018
GOLD MEDAL – Saint Clair Pioneer Block 4 Sawcut Chardonnay 2017
GOLD MEDAL – Saint Clair Premium Sauvignon Blanc 2019
GOLD MEDAL – Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2019
For the 2019 awards, a group of 24 senior judges tasted wines from all around the globe awarding 291 gold medals. The number of gold medals awarded is a clear reflection of the excellent overall quality of the entry submissions. Bob Campbell MW was the Chief Judge and is ranked as one of the most experienced wine judges of New Zealand.
Hamish Clark Senior Winemaker from Saint Clair who attended the awards dinner of Friday night comments; “It’s an absolute pleasure to be receiving all three of these trophies on behalf of the Saint Clair team.
The Sauvignon Blanc Trophy is special in that almost 20 years ago it introduced us and the world to the special qualities of this single vineyard site. Aptly called the Foundation block it has been instrumental in helping set the direction and aspirations with this variety so it’s great to see it continue to be recognized.
Amongst some very tough competition it was great to come away with a Chardonnay trophy not just for Saint Clair but also for Marlborough and then humbly accept the Winemaker of the Show trophy on behalf of the whole team back at the winery, not forgetting Neal and Judy Ibbotson whom without them none of this would have been possible.”
This news came on the same day as the Marlborough Wine Show also announced its trophies. After being awarded two gold medals at this well-recognised wine competition, Saint Clair are pleased to announce a trophy win for the Saint Clair Pioneer Block 9 Big John Riesling 2018.
TROPHY – De Sangosse NZ – Champion Riesling Trophy – Saint Clair Pioneer Block 9 Big John Riesling 2018
Gold medals were awarded to the following;
GOLD MEDAL – Saint Clair Pioneer Block 9 Big John Riesling 2018
GOLD MEDAL – Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2019
An abundance of gold medals followed by the announcement of such highly esteemed trophies reflect the quality focus that Saint Clair is able to consistently adhere to throughout its winemaking. A tribute to the hard work and dedication from the team of the family owned Marlborough winery.
