Record golds at Marlborough Wine Show

Judges at this year’s Marlborough Wine Show have awarded the highest ever number of gold medals at the event and praised the outstanding quality of the 2021 vintage. 

A total of 53 gold medals were awarded to Marlborough wines, with 12 of those going to 2021 Sauvignon Blancs. 

Chief Judge Ben Glover described the Sauvignons as “out of this world”. “The concentration, the poise, precision and depth of styles showed the quality of this year’s vintage,” he said. 

Marlborough Wine Show is run by Wine Marlborough Ltd to promote the sub regionality and diversity of wines grown in New Zealand’s largest wine region. 

The judging panel of 10 tasted a total of 544 wines including 24 entries in the Marlborough Museum Legacy Award, which is judged on three wines of the same variety, produced within a 10-year period. 

Judging underway at the Marlborough Wine Show 2021

Describing the line-up as one of the best he had ever seen, Ben Glover said the naturally lower yields this year may have played a part. “It really showed the quality and turned the Sauvignon Blanc into exceptional wines, not just very good wines.”  

Judges were also impressed with 2020 Pinot Noir, awarding seven golds, and another four gold medals to Pinots older than 2020.  

Five gold medals were awarded to Sparkling wines, three to Gewürztraminer, and both an Albariño and a Gruner Veltliner also received Golds. “It shows the diversity of the Marlborough region,” said Glover. 

Alongside the 53 gold medals, the judges awarded 148 silver medals and 195 bronze.

Full medal results are available at marlboroughwineshow.com  

Varietal trophies, along with the Best Organic Wine, Alternate Style Sauvignon Blanc, Provenance Award and Legacy Award will be announced at a Celebration Long Lunch planned for 18 November.  

The Board of Wine Marlborough will also present a Lifetime Achievement Award at the celebration event in recognition of an individual’s contribution to the Marlborough wine industry. 

W: Find full medal results at marlboroughwineshow.com