Hunter's Marlborough 2009 Riesling has taken out the best Riesling from New Zealand at the 12th annual Canberra International Riesling Challenge held last week in the historic Albert Hall.
Seven judges tasted over 440 wines from ten countries over two days to find the winners of the each category. Chairman of Judges, David O'Leary, from O'Leary Walker Wines said that this year's judging proved to be challenging, caused by the difficult vintages in recent years in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. "Despite the difficult vintages, some great wines were presented which finger printed the individual characteristics of the regions," Mr O'Leary said.
Chair of the Riesling Challenge, Ken Helm AM, said the judging of wines from each region across all countries highlights the unique characteristics of the individual regions. "This is a major feature of the Canberra International Riesling Challenge in its promotion of Riesling as the pre-eminent white wine of the world," he said.
Hunter's Marlborough 2009 Riesling has picked up a long list of awards since its release including the same award in 2010 from the Canberra International Riesling Challenge, GOLD at the International Cool Climate Wine Show 2010 and GOLD at The Marlborough Wine Show 2011.
"We are really pleased to have the honour of accepting this accolade for our 2009 Riesling for the second year in a row" says Jane Hunter.
Hunter's Wines was established in 1979 by Irishman, the late Ernie Hunter, now led by Jane Hunter CNZM, O.B.E. Hunter's have a reputation of producing the highest quality wines year after year - Riesling's are no exception to the rule with winemaker Gary Duke behind the wheel.
Hunter's Rieslings have been scooping up awards since 1986 with a GOLD MEDAL for its Rhine Riesling at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards, continuing in 1989. The 1994 Riesling took out GOLD at the Canberra Wine Show and the National Wine Show Australia. Many more gold medals were awarded through the 90's and 2000's. Hunter's 2008 Riesling picked up a Blue-Gold Top 100 at the Sydney International Wine Competition 2010 and 2010 Riesling 5stars, Top Ten and Best Buy in Cuisine NZ Riesling tasting 2011 and at the Royal Easter Show Wine Awards 2011 Hunter's Marlborough Rieslings (2010, 2007 & 2004) picked up the Heritage Rose Bowl Inaugural Winner.
Moral of the story – Hunter's Riesling's are ageing very nicely!
For more information contact
Hunter's Wines
+64 3 572 8489
sarah@hunters.co.nz
