Pernod Ricard named champion at Hawke's Bay A & P Bayleys Wine Awards

Craig Thomas of Pernod Ricard accepts an award for its Syrah at the Hawke's Bay A and P Bayleys Wine Awards. Photo Duncan Brown

Craig Thomas' Pernod Ricard 2015 Syrah claimed Champion Wine of the Show last night at the 16th Hawke's Bay A & P Bayleys Wine Awards.

Almost 500 people revelled under the open marquee in the Waikoko Gardens, as glasses of the region's finest wines flowed.

They toasted to the beginning of the 2016 Royal A & P Show of New Zealand and the success of the Hawke's Bay's wine industry with MC and journalist Kerre McIvor leading the way.

Chairman of the judges and chief winemaker for Trinity Hill Warren Gibson said nowhere else in the country or even around the world is there a region producing a wider range of wine styles at this "outstanding level of excellence".

"With four great vintages in a row it was fair to proclaim that in 16 years of these awards this was the strongest line of wines put forward."

Craig Thomas, the winemaker of this year's champion wine, Pernod Ricard's Boundary Vineyards Farm Lane Hawke's Bay Syrah 2015, said they had aimed to produce an elegant but approachable wine that was dark, savoury and had that peppery spice finish.

"That finish, which typifies Syrah from the Hawke's Bay region," Mr Thomas said.

Mr Gibson said it showcased the personality of Hawke's Bay with its "juicy drinkability and characteristic pepper and red liquorice".

The Reserve Champion Wine of Show, Church Road's Blanc de Noirs 2006 portrayed the ageability of the style and how delicious it was to drink.

"These champions of champions wines highlight the versatility of the region."

Mr Gibson said the great range of award-winning wines took Hawke's Bay well beyond the traditional Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Syrah styles the region has become known for in the wine world.

A new category introduced this year, Outstanding Wine of Provenance Award, celebrated a winery that had shown consistent delivery of a wine and brand, which gave consumers total confidence in purchasing and cellaring.

Newton Forrest for Cornerstone was the debut recipient for their ability to deliver a dynamic and unique Cabernet/Merlot from the Gimblett Gravels, which shone as a wine style.

A & P Society general manager Brent Linn said the atmosphere was simply amazing.

"There is such a buzz around the room and it is such a great opportunity to get together and celebrate success. Our purpose is to champion industries and wine is such a significant land use in Hawke's Bay."

Tracy Jack, who is the wife of Napier City Council's CEO Wayne Jack, said the wine awards were her all-time favourite Hawke's Bay event.

"I just love it. I mean you only have to look at it and see the atmosphere, it actually rocks. The wine and food is amazing and it just showcases everything good about Hawke's Bay."

Business development manager of Hawke's Bay A & P Society Hillary Riches said it was great to see the event so well supported.

"We sold out three weeks ago and it just shows how great the event really is for the region. It has all gone really well."