Martinborough pinot noir takes top award

Julicher Pinot Noir 2008 was named Champion Wine of the Show at last night's NZ Wine Awards. Photo / Babiche Martens

A Martinborough pinot noir has taken the top trophy in this year's Air New Zealand wine awards.

The Julicher Pinot Noir 2008, produced by Julicher Estate, was named Champion Wine of the Show at last night's awards ceremony in Christchurch.

It was the first time in the competition's almost 30-year history that a Martinborough pinot noir had taken top honours and the win was "truly deserved", said judges' chairman Steve Smith, a Master of Wine.

"The Julicher Pinot Noir 2008 is a true example of New Zealand Pinot Noir at its best, featuring a deep brooding black cherry colour, dusty plum and autumn forests on the nose," he said.

A Central Otago Riesling - Olssens Annieburn Riesling 2009 - was named top sustainable wine.

Thirty-eight elite gold medals, including two pure elite gold medals (awarded to sustainably-produced wines) were also awarded to wines from eight of New Zealand's 10 key winegrowing regions.

The gold, silver and bronze medals were announced on November 11.

This year's awards attracted 1655 entries.

AIR NEW ZEALAND WINE AWARDS 2009 TROPHY WINNERS

Champion Wine of the Show Trophy
Julicher Pinot Noir 2008

Champion Sustainable Wine Trophy
Olssens Annieburn Riesling 2009

Champion Pinot Noir Trophy
Julicher Pinot Noir 2008

Champion Chardonnay Trophy
Villa Maria Reserve Barrique Chardonnay 2007

Champion Sauvignon Blanc Trophy
Catalina Sounds Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Champion Other White Styles & Rosé Trophy
Church Road Reserve Viognier 2007

Champion Open Red Wine Trophy
Waipara Hills Southern Cross Selection Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008

Champion Syrah Trophy
Coopers Creek SV Hawkes Bay Syrah Chalk Ridge 2008

Champion Pinot Gris Trophy
Couper's Shed Pinot Gris 2009

Champion Other Red Styles Trophy
Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Tempranillo 2008

Champion Open White Wine Trophy
Forrest The Doctors' Riesling 2009

Champion Gewurztraminer Trophy
Johanneshof Cellars Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2009

Champion Merlot Trophy
Villa Maria Reserve Merlot 2007

Champion Riesling Trophy
Esk Valley Marlborough Riesling 2009

Champion Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot/Cabernet Blend Trophy
Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Merlot 2007

Champion Sparkling Wine Trophy
Deutz Marlborough Cuvee Blanc de Blancs 2006

Champion Dessert Wine Trophy
Farmgate Noble Harvest Riesling 2007

Champion Exhibition White or Sparkling Wine Trophy
Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough Chardonnay 2006

Champion Exhibition Red Wine Trophy
Georgetown Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007

PURE ELITE GOLD MEDALS

Olssens Annieburn Riesling 2009
R.S.V.P. Crosse Vineyard Marlborough Riesling 2008

ELITE GOLD MEDALS

Gewurztraminer
Johanneshof Cellars Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2009
Waimea Nelson Gewurztraminer 2008

Riesling
Bouldevines Riesling 2009
Esk Valley Marlborough Riesling 2009
Forrest The Doctors' Riesling 2009
Vic Williams Selection Classic Marlborough Riesling 2008

Sauvignon Blanc
Catalina Sounds Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Saint Clair Pioneer Block 19 Bird Block Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Saint Clair Pioneer Block 3 43 Degrees Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Waimea Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Wairau River Home Block Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Chardonnay
Coopers Creek Gisborne Chardonnay Unoaked 2008
John Forrest Collection Chardonnay 2004
Mudbrick Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay 2008
Te Awa Chardonnay 2007
Villa Maria Reserve Barrique Chardonnay 2007
Villa Maria Reserve Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2008
Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough Chardonnay 2006
Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Chardonnay 2006

Viognier
Church Road Reserve Viognier 2007

Dessert Wine Styles
Farmgate Noble Harvest Riesling 2007
Margrain Botrytis Riesling 2009

Pinot Noir
Fairmont Estate Pinot Noir 2008
Georgetown Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007
Greystone Waipara Pinot Noir 2008
Julicher 99 Rows Te Muna Road Pinot Noir 2008
Julicher Pinot Noir 2008
Villa Maria Reserve Pinot Noir 2007
Villa Maria Single Vineyard Southern Clays Pinot Noir 2008

Cabernet Sauvignon and Blends based on Merlot and/or Cabernet Sauvignon
Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Merlot 2007
Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels The Gimblett 2007

Syrah
Church Road Reserve Syrah 2008
Coopers Creek SV Hawkes Bay Syrah Chalk Ridge 2008
Corbans Cottage Block Hawke's Bay Syrah 2007
Mills Reef Elspeth Syrah 2007
Vidal Hawkes Bay Syrah 2007