International Aromatic Wine Competition

Camshorn vineyard produces top aromatic

A Waipara Riesling has taken top honours at this year’s International Aromatic Wine Competition. 

Camshorn produced the winning Camshorn Waipara Classic Riesling 2009, taking out this year’s Supreme Champion Wine in Show Trophy. 

Camshorn Vineyard, originally a suffolk sheep farm, sits sheltered from prevailing winds by hills on both sides in the small, yet diverse winegrowing area of the Waipara Valley. Gracing State Highway One, the Camshorn Vineyard is a mile long and nearly as wide, and features precision planted north/south facing rows, created using laser lights, which cover north facing slopes gaining maximum light exposure.

Chairman of Judges Terry Copeland commented on the winning wine. “Great to see a Waipara Riesling win Best in Show, an exceptional wine which should comfort Riesling lovers throughout the country”.

25 Gold Medals were awarded with 47 Silver Medals and 167 Bronze Medals also awarded from 427 entries received. Record entries were received; the competition is in its sixth year. The competition was open to all Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Viognier and wine varieties made in an aromatic style from any internationally recognised region.

Terry Copeland led a panel of industry experts including Rex Ormandy, Ben Glover, Jane Boyle, Cath Oates, Petter Evans, Sarah Burton, Anna Flowerday, Jim Harre and Sam Smail.    

According to Copeland, it was great to see the high quality of wines across the aromatic spectrum continue into the 2009 vintage. “The obvious quality of the 2009 vintage showed through in the results with the overall standard of wines being higher than the past few years. Great news for wine consumers”.

“Interestingly, more diverse styles were entered this year, showing a willingness from the wine industry to create wines from left field. This demonstrates that our market is becoming very dynamic”, added Copeland.

All medal winning wines will be on display at the Royal New Zealand Show in November as part of the Food & Wine NZ Pavilion.

The Royal New Zealand Show runs from 11-13 November at Canterbury Agricultural Park Christchurch. Attracting 120,000 people, over 7000 livestock and feature competition entries and close to 600 trade exhibitors, plus three full days of entertainment, it is the premier agricultural and pastoral event in the country.

2009 Results

For further information please contact:

Sharon Lloyd
Tel: 03 343 2867
Email: sharon@theshow.co.nz

2008 International Aromatic Wine Competition - Results