Six leading independent wine experts have come together to create "The Fine Wines of New Zealand" a list of the country's most prestigious wines which has a solid line-up from Hawke's Bay.
A selection panel comprising Masters of Wine Alastair Maling, Michael Brajkovich, Sam Harrop, Simon Nash and Steve Smith, along with Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas, has agreed on the list for 2016, which includes 47 wines representing seven varietals.
This group of New Zealand wine experts met several times late last year and earlier this year to define the criteria that had to be met for a wine to earn the prestigious Fine Wine of New Zealand status.
One of the key criteria is consistency, with a wine having had to have been produced to an exceptional standard for a minimum of five consecutive years.
A wine could only earn its Fine Wine of New Zealand status if all of the selection panel, which was supported by Master of Wine Bob Campbell, agreed it met the highest of standards.