NZ wines strike gold

New Zealand wines have claimed a record 11 gold medals at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London. File photo / Hawke's Bay Today

New Zealand wines had their best results at the annual International Wine and Spirit Competition in London yesterday, winning 11 gold medals.

The sauvignon blanc and pinot noir trophies once again went to New Zealand wines.

New Zealand has won the sauvignon blanc trophy every year since 2000, and the pinot noir trophy for three consecutive years.

The Remarkable Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir Central Otago 2006 was awarded the Bouchard Finlayson Pinot Noir Trophy, and the Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2008 claimed the IWSC Sauvignon Blanc Trophy.

New Zealand's 11 gold medals this year compared with seven last year.

It also won 123 silver medals and 111 bronze medals in this year's competition.

Full list of New Zealand's gold-winning wines:

Gold awards (Best in Class)

* Saint Clair Pioneer Block 12 Gewürztraminer Marlborough 2007
* Koura Bay Blue Duck Awatere Valley Pinot Noir 2005
* Remarkable Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir Central Otago 2006
* Drumsara Ventifacts Block Pinot Noir Central Otago 2007
* Tohu Rore Pinot Noir Marlborough 2006
* Villa Maria Reserve Pinot Noir Marlborough 2007
* Spy Valley Riesling Marlborough 2007
* Waipara Hills Southern Cross Selection Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2007
* Astrolabe Voyage Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2008
* Saint Clair Pioneer Block 6 Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2008

Gold awards

* Mount Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir Central Otago 2007

- NZPA, NZ HERALD STAFF