Latest News
July 2010
DOUBLE SUCCESS FOR SCHUBERT WINES
The International Wine Challenge in London just announced the 2010 Trophies 
and after awarding both SCHUBERT WINES’ Pinot Noirs with GOLD the Schubert Pinot Noir Block B 2008 was also awarded a TROPHY.
This is a fantastic success for SCHUBERT WINES having recently been awarded the Regional Trophy at Decanter World Wide Wine Awards for BEST NEW ZEALAND PINOT NOIR for the '08 Schubert Pinot Noir Block B as well. Also receiving Decanter GOLD for the 2008 Schubert Pinot Noir Marion's Vineyard.
This double success for SCHUBERT WINES at two of the world’s most prestigious, influential and independent wine competitions has once again confirmed the importance of the Wairarapa Region on the global wine scene.
The International Wine Challenge (IWC) is not only the world’s largest wine competition – it’s motto is “the Ultimate wine competition bringing reassurance through integrity”. The results of the 27th Challenge were announced at the recent London International Wine and Spirits Fair with the Trophies being publicized on 30th June 2010 at the Lords Nursery Pavilion.
With a record number of 46 wine producing countries entering the 2010 Challenge there were only 326 Gold’s; two of which went to SCHUBERT WINES’ Pinot Noir Marion's Vineyard and Block B. 111 wines were awarded a Trophy this year with New Zealand only receiving 8 Trophies in total.
The Trophy stage is the final round for these award-winning wines. Having already achieved a Gold medal through the Challenge’s rigorous judging process, the wines are tasted once more by an elite panel of judges against others in the same category, to determine if they are worthy of a Trophy in addition to their Gold medal.
Of the 2008 Schubert Pinot Noir Marion's Vineyard the Judges said
“Creamy, rich, undergrowth quality. Dense, sweet fruit. Has real intensity with fleshy mid-palate. Lovely!”
And of the 2008 Schubert Pinot Noir Block B
“Mid ruby, dense raspberry and smoke nose with a herb de province overlay. Juicy, jammy palate with good lift. Nice length. Luscious!”
Kai Schubert was “delighted with the international recognition his wines have gained over the past month, reconfirming the regions ability to produce world class wines of intense and complex character”.
May 2010
HIGH FIVE FOR GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR
Gladstone Vineyard’s Pinot Noir has scooped gold for a fifth consecutive year, collecting its latest accolade from one of the most prestigious and influential independent wine competitions, the International Wine Challenge in London.
Owner and Chief Winemaker Christine Kernohan said she was thrilled to receive recognition for the 2008 Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Noir at such a well regarded competition.
“But we’re even more elated that this award cements Gladstone Vineyard’s record for consistently producing Pinot Noir at the top level.
“It’s proof – if we needed it – that Wairarapa Pinot Noir ranks among the world’s best.”
Christine Kernohan said this year’s harvest promised much for an unabated record.
“After a cool summer, autumn was warm and benign and let the fruit ripen nicely. The weather was magnificent during harvest, enabling us to pick when we wanted to optimise fruit flavours and ripeness. The longer, cooler ripening period encourages good flavour development in the grapes at lower potential alcohol levels, so we are optimistic for very good quality wines from 2010.”
The judges described Gladstone Vineyard’s Pinot Noir 2008 as “Lovely, smoky bacon and vegetal character. Soft, quivering mid palate. Lots of fruit delivery and lovely tannins. Excellent expression of Pinot.”
The International Wine Challenge is a renowned international wine contest, which takes place annually in London. With more than 10,000 entries, it is the biggest blind tasting in the world.
BACKGROUND
GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2008
Gold Medal International Wine Challenge London 2010
Silver Medal Royal Easter Wine Show 2010
Silver Medal Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2009
Four Stars, Cuisine Magazine November 2009
GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2007
Wairarapa Pinot Noir Trophy and Gold Medal International Wine Challenge London 2009
Gold Medal New Zealand International Wine Competition 2008
Silver Medal Royal Easter Wine Show 2009
Silver Medal Liquorland Top 100 2008
Silver Medal Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2008
12,000 MILES PINOT NOIR 2007
Gold Medal Liquorland Top 100 Competition 2008
Silver Medal Mondial du Pinot Noir Switzerland 2008
Silver Medal Air NZ Wine Awards 2008
GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2006
Gold Medal Mondial du Pinot Noir Switzerland 2007
Gold Medal Royal Easter Show 2008
GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2005
Gold Medal Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2006
Silver Award Mondial du Pinot Noir Switzerland 2006
Silver Medal Wine Style Asia Awards Singapore 2006
GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2004
Blue-Gold Award Sydney International Wine Competition 2006
4&1/2 Stars Winestate Magazine 2005
For more information visit:
www.internationalwinechallenge.com
www.gladstonevineyard.co.nz
Media contact:
Christine Kernohan 021 509 100
Gladstone Vineyard
RD2, Carterton 5792, New Zealand
T +64 6 379 8563 F +64 6 379 8564
E office@gladstonevineyard.co.nz
W www.gladstonevineyard.co.nz
December 2009
GO TO GLADSTONE!
The beautiful Wairarapa has always been Wellington’s playground. The attractive rural towns of Greytown and Carterton are bustling with cafes and craft shops, and one only need to visit the village of Martinborough to taste world-class wines. And those a little more curious will have found the wine producers of Gladstone and Masterton are of equal ability, only less well-known. If you are in the Wairarapa, enjoying the benevolent weather and pastoral scenery, it is well-worth spending some time at Gladstone where there are plenty of attractions for wine and food lovers especially.
Highly recommended are the Gladstone Vineyard and Café. Christine and David Kernohan have seen the winery and café business grow phenomenally over the past few years. The Gladstone Vineyard wines have fared very well in competitions and the demand for the wines necessitated the building of a new 250 tonne winery in 2005. Regional Wines has featured the 2009 Rosé, 2008 Pinot Gris and 2006 ‘Auld Alliance’ in promotions recently, but all the wines are recommended. The café is beautifully set, and the food from Zane Saba, ex Café Cecille in Masterton is first-class. With Leo Donworth (wife of Rusty, at Boulcott Street) looking after the wines, there is considerable expertise on-site. A superb matching is the scallops with the winery-only 2008 ‘Sophie’s Choice’ oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc.
While in Gladstone, you can visit Fairmont Estate next-door to Gladstone Vineyard. They’ve been very successful with their Pinot Noirs. And you must call in to the Gladstone Inn, just a kilometer or so down the road towards the Ruamahanga river, to say ‘hello’ to Sara (ex Regional Wines) and Warren, who took over the pub six years ago. If you drive to nearby Dakins Road, you will see the striking growth in vineyard plantings typical of the area. Fruit for the wines of Borthwick, Johner, Joseph Ryan, Mebus and Urlar is grown here, and a number of the vineyards can now accommodate visitors.
The Wairarapa is a wonderful place to be in the summer, and the wine and hospitality scene is such a boon for those who wish to enjoy the region.
Raymond Chan
Regional Wines & Spirits
15 Ellice Street (Basin Reserve)
P O Box 11-037, Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
Tel: 00 64 4 385-6952, Fax: 00 64 4 382-8488
Web Site: http://www.regionalwines.co.nz
November 2009
FAIRMONT ESTATE CELEBRATES ELITE GOLD IN PINOT NOIR CLASS
Boutique and specialist pinot noir producer Fairmont Estate has celebrated its 9th Gold by achieving an Elite Gold Medal for the 2008 Pinot Noir at this year’s Air New Zealand Wine awards.
Thirty-eight elite gold medals were awarded at an awards dinner held in Christchurch last Saturday. Elite gold recognises gold medal-winning wines that are truly outstanding achieving a score of 19 or better out of 20.
The Pinot Noir class was one of the standout varietals at this year’s show, attracting over 300 entries nationwide. The Wairarapa region as a whole performed extremely well winning the Pinot Noir trophy and overall best wine of the show, both were awarded to the 2008 Julicher Pinot Noir from Martinborough. Julicher 2008 99 Rows Te Muna Pinot Noir and Fairmont Estate 2008 Pinot Noir both achieved Elite Gold’s.
In addition Margrain Botrytis 2009 Riesling was awarded an Elite Gold, Margrain 2009 Botrytis Sauvignon Blanc, Margrain 2009 Botrytis Chenin Blanc and Pond Paddock Te Muna Pinot Noir 2008 were all awarded Gold Medals.
For further information you can contact Jon McNab (06) 3798-498 or email: PINOT@xtra.co.nz
October 2009
NEW TOURISM VENTURE OPENS AT HEART OF CLASSIC NZ WINE TRAIL
March Hare Cycling is a brand new cycling experience situated in the Northern Wairarapa wine region, offering a leisurely afternoon of pedalling across paddocks, amongst local vineyards and through olive groves on top quality bikes. Based at the heart of the Classic NZ Wine Trail, just 5 minutes north of Masterton and 1½ hours north of Wellington, guests are encouraged to take their time on this self guided tour, sampling boutique wines and olive oils, and picnicking at the special picnic spots along the way. Whilst wine tourism experiences are popular in Southern Wairarapa (Martinborough), this type of visitor experience is new to this part of the region.
The owner of March Hare Cycling, Gretchen Bunny, has recently returned to the Wairarapa to set up her business after almost 15 years working outside of the region and said “6 months ago I was made redundant from a job that I loved, and I was contemplating moving to Australia or back to the UK to find work. However I’ve been really excited by the development of the wineries in Wairarapa and I realised that it was a great opportunity for me to provide a new tourism experience here.”
Starting within the leafy groves of Loop Line Olives, visitors cycle cross country, meandering amongst the vineyards and olive groves nearby. With an easy to follow map and a well marked route, they experience first hand the unique characteristics and eclectic personalities that make up the Northern Wairarapa winegrowing area.
March Hare Cycling is focused on making the day as easy and relaxed as possible “For Wellingtonians the train is a great option – not only is it incredibly scenic, but it means you can enjoy tasting the wines without worrying about the drive back. Plus we’re able to collect you from the Masterton Train Station, deliver you to March Hare Headquarters, then drop you off again in time for your train home”.
Cost is $65 per person and includes hire of top quality bikes and helmets, a delicious picnic of locally sourced produce, route map, and exclusive access across private farmland and between vineyards. In addition to taking bookings for the summer, March Hare Cycling are also able to offer vouchers as gifts for Christmas.
Open from 1 October – April. Maximum number of persons 20. Bookings are essential for catering purposes. Phone 021 668 970, email info@march-hare.co.nz, or see www.march-hare.co.nz for bookings.
For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact Gretchen Bunny on 021 668 970 or email Gretchen@march-hare.co.nz.
FAIRMONT ESTATE DOMINATES PINOT NOIR CLASS
Boutique and specialist pinot noir producer Fairmont Estate has cemented their position as one of New Zealand’s leading pinot noir producers, by recently winning two gold medals at the 16th annual Liquorland Top 100 Wine Awards. The gold medal winning wines were, the wineries flagship wine, Fairmont Estate Block one pinot noir 2008, and the standard, Fairmont Estate pinot noir 2008.
The Liquorland Top 100 is New Zealand’s largest commercial wine show. This year 21 judges selected 100 winners out of 1480 wines. The director of the event, Belinda Jackson commented,”The high standard of wine entries in the competition made judging a tough job, but I know consumers will be pleased with the final 100 wines that made the cut.”
The Top 100 and trophy winners will be announced at an awards dinner in Auckland on October 2nd.
For more information contact Jon McNab (06) 3798-498.
A TOAST TO THE 2009 VINTAGE
MARTINBOROUGH, GLADSTONE AND MASTERTON
When: Tuesday 20 October 2009, 11am-4pm, Chaffers Dock Function Centre, Oriental Bay
RSVP: by 5pm Monday 12 October to Alexandra Barton alexandralbarton@gmail.com
Wairarapa Wines and Wines from Martinborough invite trade and media to an exclusive tasting of new release and award-winning wines, and lively discussion.
THE WAIRARAPA - THE MOST VERSATILE WINEMAKING REGION IN NEW ZEALAND?
Hosted Tasting - 11am-12 midday
Limited to 30 people - for our invitation click here
Join us for a tasting of 11 distinct wines from Martinborough, Gladstone and Masterton, and a provocative discussion on what makes our region arguably the most versatile winemaking region in New Zealand. The panel will be led by wine writer John Saker, and will consist of winemakers Larry McKenna (Escarpment); Helen Masters (Ata Rangi) and Jane Cooper (Matahiwi Estate). The discussion is guaranteed to be both lively and informed. Lunch will follow.
Open Tasting - Midday-4pm
Enjoy an exclusive tasting of new release and award winning wines from the region that continues to punch well above it's weight on the international stage. This is a superb opportunity to sample over 90 wines from 30 artisan wineries, and learn first-hand about the wines presented from those who have made them.
Alexia, Ata Rangi, Big Sky Wines, Borthwick Estate, Brodie Estate, Burnt Spur, Coney Wines, Craggy Range, Escarpment Vineyard, Fairmont Estate, Gladstone Vineyard, Hudson Vineyard, Johner Estate, Joseph Ryan, Little Vineyards of Wairarapa, Loopline Vineyard, Martinborough Vineyard, Matahiwi Estate, Mebus Estate, Margrain, Murdoch James Estate, Nga Waka, Palliser Estate, Paulownia, Porters Pinot, Schubert Wines, Te Kairanga, The Cabbage Tree Vineyard, Urlar, Vynfields, Waipipi, Wycroft
August 2009
WAIRARAPA WINEMAKERS AMONG THE TROPHIES AT 2009 ROMEO BRAGATO AWARDS
Wairarapa winemakers triumphed with two trophies at the annual Romeo Bragato Awards, which were announced in Napier in the weekend.
Martinborough’s Mark Haythorthwaite won the Champion Dessert Wine Plaque for the Haythornthwaite Wines Gewürztraminer Susan 2009. The Brother Cyprian Trophy and Champion Pinot Gris was awarded to Dave Munro for his Ohau Gravels Pinot Gris 2009. The grapes were grown in the Wellington region, with the wine being made by Masterton winemaker Jane Cooper.
Jane Cooper also won a gold medal for the Alexia Pinot Noir 2008.
“These awards are further endorsement of Wairarapa’s position as a leading wine growing and producing region in New Zealand,” said Wines From Martinborough Chair Janine Tulloch.
“They also reflect the region’s burgeoning reputation for producing premium quality wines across the range of varietals.”
New Zealand Winegrowers chief executive Philip Gregan said the Bragato Wine Awards are a unique opportunity for the industry to recognise New Zealand’s grapegrowers, who play a critical role in producing New Zealand’s world-renowned wines.
“The Bragato Awards are New Zealand’s only awards for the grapegrower, a group that play a critical role in the New Zealand wine industry. Once again we’ve been extremely impressed with the quality of wines entered.”
For more information contact:
Wines From Martinborough General Manager Rachael Fletcher
Phone 06 306 9183 or 021 586 278
Mark Haythornthwaite, Haythornthwaite Wines
Phone 06 306 9889
Jane Cooper, Winemaker Alexia & Ohau Gravels
Phone 0274 494 272
OTHER WINNERS:
Champion Wine of Show and Bragato Trophy/ Bill Irwin Trophy and Champion Chardonnay - Villa Maria Reserve Gisborne Chardonnay 2007, Tony Green, McDiarmid Vineyard – Gisborne
Richard Smart Trophy and Reserve Champion Wine/ Mike Wolter Memorial Trophy and Champion Pinot Noir - Aravin Pinot Noir 2007, Evan and Kay Moore, Aravin – Central Otago
Friedrich Wohnsiedler Trophy and Champion Riesling - Vic Williams Selection Classic Riesling 2008, Willie and Linda Crosse, Korohi Vineyard – Marlborough
Champion Gewurztraminer - Saint Clair Pioneer Block 12 Lone Gum Gewurztraminer 2008, Chris and Judi Simmonds, Lone Gum Vineyard – Marlborough
New Zealand Wine Cellars Spence Brothers Trophy and Champion Sauvignon Blanc - Saint Clair Pioneer Block 18 Snap Block Sauvignon Blanc 2009, John and Cayley Blackmore, Park Orchard Vineyards Ltd – Marlborough
Champion Other White Wine - Villa Maria Single Vineyard Omahu Gravels Viognier 2008, Phil Holden, Omahu Vineyard – Hawke’s Bay
Tom Mcdonald Memorial Trophy and Champion Classical Red Wine - Sacred Hill Helmsman Cabernet Merlot 2007, Mike Connor, Deerstalkers Vineyard – Hawke’s Bay
Alan Limmer Trophy and Champion Syrah - Esk Valley Reserve Syrah 2007, Bob Newton, Newton Forrest Vineyard – Hawke’s Bay
Champion Other Red Wine - Craggy Range ‘Te Kahu’ 2007, Michael Goldwater, Gimblett Gravels Vineyard – Hawke’s Bay
Sustainability Trophy - Villa Maria Single Vineyard Keltern Chardonnay 2007, Mark Dixon,
Keltern Vineyard – Hawke’s Bay
2007 PADDY BORTHWICK PINOT NOIR IN OZ CLARKS 2010 BOOK "TOP 250 WINES"
June 2009
THEY'RE DRINKING OUR WINE, THERE
Gladstone Vineyard’s long association with the Bard has been further cemented this year (in the 400th anniversary of his first sonnet!) making it on the wine list at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London.
Both the Gladstone Pinot Noir 2007 and Sauvignon Blanc 2008 feature on the extensive wine list of new and old world wine at the Swan at the Globe Brasserie – leading patrons to no doubt ponder:
“To drink Gladstone Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc: that is the question”
May 2009
GLADSTONE VINEYARD'S TRACK RECORD FOR PINOT NOIR CONTINUES
Gladstone Vineyard’s track record for world class Pinot Noir continues unabated with yet another gold medal won on the world stage.
The Wairarapa Vineyard’s Gladstone Pinot Noir 2007 has won gold at the one of the most prestigious and influential independent wine competitions, The International Wine Challenge in London.
Owner and Chief Winemaker Christine Kernohan said this was significant international recognition once again for Gladstone Vineyard, and for Wairarapa Pinots.
“We are absolutely thrilled with this award which ranks our Pinot Noir with the world’s best.
“And even more thrilling is that we are consistently seeing our Pinot Noir – both from our Gladstone and 12,000 Miles ranges – getting recognised at this level, year after year.”
The judges described Gladstone’s Pinot Noir 2007 as “Strawberries, cream and spice notes on the nose. Complexity lasts through the finish. Saturated with flavour: spice, cranberry, rhubarb. Lots of red fruit and a persistent earthiness.”
The International Wine Challenge is a renowned international wine contest, which takes place annually in London. This year’s competition included entries from a record 41 different countries.