Wine Awards

Trophy wines

The Air New Zealand Wine Award's trophy winners were announced at a glittering dinner in Nelson Saturday night. We take at look at the best wines of 2015

If you're wondering what the best wines are to grace your table this festive season, you can't do much better than the trophy winners from the Air New Zealand wine awards. Announced this weekend, the gala dinner saw the Church Road McDonald Series Syrah 2013 grace the top spot, taking home the prestigious Wine of the Show Trophy, as well as the Fruitfed Supplies Champion Syrah Trophy. 

“It’s a wine with lovely ripe black-fruit and floral Syrah characters, and very well-handled subtle oak influence,” said Chair of Judges and Master of Wine Michael Brajkovich. “The palate is full-bodied, with rich berry fruit and firm tannins to fill out the finish and ensure a long maturation potential."

The standard of the entries this year was exceptionally high, with 18 trophies awarded across all the categories. 

“We’ve been a proud sponsor of the awards for 29 years, and are passionate about promoting home-grown wines and showcasing New Zealand as a destination for wine tourism,” said Air New Zealand Chief Operating Officer Bruce Parton. 

“It’s been fantastic to see such a large number of entries in this year’s competition from wineries across the country. We wish to congratulate all medal and trophy winners.”

Other must-try trophy winners include Lake Chalice Raptor Chardonnay 2014, from the Marlborough region. The winner of the O-I New Zealand Reserve Wine of the Show Trophy, expect peach and nectarine flavours, and underlying spice and a creamy palate. Fancy a splash of fizz? The Nautilus Cuvée Marlborough Brut NV won the WineWorks Limited Champion Sparkling Wine Trophy, and it's one of our team favourites too. With full, toasty characters and a beautiful palate, it's a perfect start to any soiree. 

Peter Yealand Riesling Marlboroough 2015 won the Plant and Food Research Champion Riesling. The welcoming citrus aromas and off-dry style with lemon, lime and honey notes make it the perfect light drinking wine for a sunny afternoon. The pot pouri perfection that is the Johanneshof Cellars Gewürztraminer 2014 won the New Zealand Winegrowers Champion Gewürztraminer Trophy. Expect rose petals, spices and banana on the nose, with lingering characteristics of white chocolate and lychees.

Last, but not least, we would love to say congratulations to Aspiring Flats 2015 Rose from Central Otago, winner of the Toast by Liquorland Champion Rose Trophy. Fragrant strawberries on the nose, with a generous palate and balanced finish, this rose is fabulous with practically any food.  

Chin, chin!

Better buying for festive fun

Now you know which wines will work on your dinner table, how about an easier way to buy? Try Liquorland's Click and Collect service for a faster trip to the shops - if you take a wingman you won't even need to search for a parking space. Simply go online to www.liquorland.co.nz, chose your local store and add the items to your cart. Once you've finished your shopping you can pay in advance with a Mastercard or Visa and then wait for the email telling you when your order is ready to collect. It's free, easy and time-saving, so why not give it a try? 

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