Record gold haul for 2013 vintage

Clearview's most acclaimed wine, its flagship Reserve Chardonnay, led the way picking up the gold award. Photo / Duncan Brown

For Te Awanga-based Clearview Estate Winery co-owner and co-founder Tim Turvey there were six reasons to smile yesterday.

After submitting six of their wines for the Air New Zealand Wine Awards, they received news that all six had picked up medals - one gold, three silvers and two bronze.

"To have every wine entered into any competition gain an award is historic," Mr Turvey said, adding it was a unique and highly satisfying first for the winery.

"And that this is widely considered to be the country's most prestigious wine competition makes it even more thrilling."

Clearview's most acclaimed wine, its flagship Reserve Chardonnay, led the way picking up the gold award, while the Vineyard Selection Chardonnay 2013, Black Reef Blush 2014, and Two Pinnacles (Malbec Cabernet Franc) 2013 were awarded silver.

The Beachhead Chardonnay 2013 and Reserve Sauvignon Gris 2013 all gained bronze awards.

"Our Clearview Estate Reserve Chardonnay has been produced in every vintage since its first release in 1991," fellow co-founder Helma van den Berg said.

She and business partner Turvey were responsible for grafting and planting the original vines that still provide fruit for the Reserve Chardonnay.

It has been a true flagship for the winery having picked up at least one gold medal or a five-star rating every year.

The latest win is the third for the 2013 vintage with the overall tally of awards through the years standing at 60.

For Clearview's sales and marketing general manager Charles Gear the gold underlined what all winemakers had been saying.

"Without a doubt these awards are further proof that the stellar 2013 Hawke's Bay vintage is a truly memorable one."

The Air New Zealand Wine Awards started in 1974 and this year's awarding of 112 gold medals was the highest ever - further underlining the strength of the 2013 season, particularly for chardonnay.

Of the 17 gold medals awarded for the variety 13 were from the 2013 vintage.

There were 1552 wines entered across 16 different classes.

In addition to the 122 golds, there were 226 silver medals and 411 bronze awarded.

The Elite Gold Medal and Trophy winners will be announced at a black tie dinner awards evening on November 22 at the Pettigrew Green Arena.