A Marlborough Chardonnay has won the top prize at the 2017 Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
The Isabel Chardonnay Marlborough 2016 won the prestigious Air New Zealand Champion Wine of the Show trophy, as well as the Rabobank Champion Chardonnay trophy, at an Art Deco inspired awards dinner in Hawke’s Bay last night.
Chair of Judges Warren Gibson said the Isabel Chardonnay Marlborough 2016 was a very classy example of the Chardonnay in this year’s competition.
“It has a beautiful balance of components with a rich long finish,” said Mr Gibson. “It’s packed with flavour but still maintains a remarkable lightness on its feet.”
 Air NZ Champion Wine of Show – Left, Bruce Parton, COO at Air New Zealand – Right, Jeremy McKenzie, Chief Winemaker at Isabel Estate Vineyard |
 O-I Reserve Wine of Show – Left; Stu Marfell, Chief Winemaker at Family Foley Wines, Middle; Paul Vine, O-I New Zealand General Manager, Right; Alastair Maling MW, Chief Group Winemaker at Family Foley Wines |
The producer of this champion Chardonnay, Isabel Estate Vineyard, is a pioneering winery in Marlborough and planted their first vineyards in 1980. They also have some of the oldest Chardonnay vines in the region. Chief Winemaker Jeremy McKenzie says Isabel Estate Vineyard’s philosophy on working the land is simple.
“Respect the soil where the grapes grow and allow the unique characters of each vineyard and variety to be expressed in the final wine.”
The second highest accolade of the evening, the O-I New Zealand Reserve Wine of the Show trophy, went to the Dashwood Pinot Noir Marlborough 2016. This impressive Pinot Noir, made by Chief Winemaker Stu Marfell of Foley Family Wines, also won the JF Hillebrand New Zealand Champion Pinot Noir trophy.
“As with many of the best wines in this class there is perfume and length with elegant tannins and a lingering and powerful finish,” stated Mr Gibson.
Air New Zealand Chief Operating Officer Bruce Parton says the airline is proud to have sponsored the New Zealand wine industry’s official awards for 31 years.
“Through our partnership with New Zealand Winegrowers we are committed to championing the success of the industry right around the world, both through these awards as well as by working together to help grow wine tourism.
“It’s been great to see entries from wineries across the country this year and we’d like to congratulate all the medal and trophy winners.”
Seventeen trophies were announced at the dinner, which was emceed by Jack Tame and Renee Wright. This year’s competition saw over 1,300 wines entered.
Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2017 – Trophy Winners
| Air New Zealand Champion Wine of the Show Isabel Chardonnay Marlborough 2016 |
O-I New Zealand Reserve Wine of the Show Dashwood Pinot Noir Marlborough 2016 |
| JF Hillebrand New Zealand Champion Pinot Noir Dashwood Pinot Noir Marlborough 2016 |
Label and Litho Limited Champion Sauvignon Blanc Goldwater Sauvignon Blanc Wairau Valley Marlborough 2017 |
| Rabobank Champion Chardonnay Isabel Chardonnay Marlborough 2016 |
Dish Magazine Champion Open Red Wine Dashwood Pinot Noir Marlborough 2016 |
| Bayleys Real Estate Champion Merlot, Cabernet and Blends Villa Maria Cellar Selection Organic Merlot Hawke’s Bay 2016 |
Fruitfed Supplies Champion Syrah Coopers Creek Reserve Syrah Hawke’s Bay 2016 |
| Guala Closures New Zealand Champion Pinot Gris Saddleback Pinot Gris Central Otago 2017 |
New World Champion Open White Wine Goldwater Sauvignon Blanc Wairau Valley Marlborough 2017 |
| New Zealand Winegrowers Champion Sweet Wine Forrest Botrytised Riesling Marlborough 2016 |
Plant & Food Research Champion Riesling Mount Riley Riesling Marlborough 2017 |
| Quay Connect Champion Other White Styles Nautilus Albariño Marlborough 2017 |
Riedel New Zealand Champion Gewürztraminer Lawson’s Dry Hills Gewürztraminer Marlborough 2016 |
| WineWorks Champion Sparkling Wine Aotea by the Seifried Family Méthode Traditionnelle Nelson NV |
New Zealand Winegrowers Champion Exhibition White or Sparkling Wine Isabel Wild Barrique Chardonnay Marlborough 2016 |
| New Holland Agriculture Champion Exhibition Red Wine Falcon Ridge Estate Syrah Nelson 2016 |