The New Zealand International Wine Show 2023

The judges have done their work and all the medals have been decided at the 2023 NZ International Wine Show – this country’s largest wine judging competition. Entry numbers bounced back with a significant increase after a couple of years affected by Covid issues.

Pinot Noir numbers were up, Chardonnay numbers were up and more than 200 entries in the important Sauvignon Blanc category gave us a good look at what mother nature gave us from the current vintage in Marlborough. Over 100 of the Sauvignon Blancs came from 2023 and the judges awarded 2 Double Gold and 25 Gold medals to these exciting new wines. A good sign for another big vintage.

Chardonnay was another standout class with the judges very impressed with the overall standard.

Pinot Noir once again excelled with the awarding of 7 Double Gold and 33 Gold Medals – 15 from Otago, 13 from Marlborough and 6 from Martinborough.

Rosé continues it’s popularity and a total of 147 wines were entered into this category – the result, 21 Double Gold or Gold medals and the 38 silver medals is an indication of the effort wineries now put in to this now serious style of wine.

Once again for the 19th year Bob Campbell MW was the Chief Judge and he was supported by Assistant Chief Judges Larry McKenna, John Hancock and Tony Bish along with 18 senior judges.

The increase in entry numbers was a clear indication of the respect wineries have for seriously judged wine competitions.