Recognised as the world's top wine awards, the International Wine Challenge (IWC) involves wines form around the globe being sampled by leading judges in blind tastings. Each wine is assessed for how true it is to the variety of wine, where it’s grown and its vintage – and is tasted on three separate occasions by at least 10 different judges (lucky them!).

Amongst stiff competition in a popular category, Soho wines’ Black Collection Havana Pinot Noir 2015 was awarded the best New Zealand Pinot Noir trophy and the best Marlborough Pinot Noir trophy. 

TASTING NOTES

Toast says: “You could spend time reading the countless international accolades that’ve been heaped on this delicious pinot noir, or you could just dive straight into its dark fruits and wallow in its spicy oakiness. We know which one we’d prefer to do.”

Havana winemaker David Clouston says: “Lifted red cherries with earthy, forest floor complexity and lots of intensity on the nose. The palate is full and rich with an excellent tannin structure which supports a lovely core of ripe red fruits.” 

IWC judges say: “Delicate and leafy with notes of spiced berries and raspberry confit. On the palate, the wine has incredible freshness and excellent structure showing balance and a juicy finish with oodles of tart cranberry fruit.”