The LSC sees roughly 2000 spirits brands from more than 80 countries assessed over three criteria.
To be an award winner they need to have top-quality spirits, that offer both the trade and the consumer great value for money, and need to look good and truly stand out on the shelf and on the back bar. Congratulations!
Felton Road Winery admired in London
The 13th edition of the World’s Most Admired Wine Brands by Drinks International magazine has been released and Central Otago winery Felton Road maintains its 19th placing, once again securing top spot for New Zealand. With Villa Maria, Cloudy Bay and Craggy Range all securing spots in the top 30, it’s a strong showing for our industry among a "who’s who" of world wine.
"The 50-strong ranking is voted for by an academy of leading masters of wine, sommeliers, wine buyers, journalists and other industry experts from six continents around the world."
Yet more Central golds in London
The 2023 London Wine Competition was held in March with more than 1300 wines from 32 countries up for judging. Sister show to the spirits competition above, wines are rated by a combination of quality (which has the highest loading), value for money and packaging.
New Zealand wines were awarded 10 of the 112 gold medals, with five of those coming to Central Otago. Rising above their peers were the Rockburn 2021 Pinot Noir and 2021 Nine Barrels Pinot Noir, Amisfield 2020 Pinot Noir and 2017 RKV Reserve Pinot Noir, and the 2015 Remarkable Dry Riesling.
2022 Hawkshead Central Otago Pinot Blanc
Rating Excellent
Floral, white flowers,
wisps of anise,
peachiness, smoky,
dusty nuances, just
ripe apricot with time.
An element of fruit
sweetness, fresh
grapes, musk,
stonefruits building to
a little grainy touch
on the long, dry
finish. Nicely done,
excellent palate
weight and depth of
flavour here provides
a lot to enjoy in this
less common variety.
2022 Giesen The August Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc
Rating Excellent to outstanding
Ripely fruited, tropical
notes, banana,
greengage plum,
musk, an undercurrent
of nettle shifting to
grassiness, sweat and
fruit jube with aeration.
Sweetly fruited, supple
in the mouth,
gooseberry and green
herb notes paired with
fruit jube. Develops a
touch of salinity as the
acidity gets into its
stride closing with a
mouth-watering
quality. Lovely now.
NV Ara Zero Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Rating Very good
An interesting mix
here; sweetly fruited
with a toffee apple,
caramel like note yet
also some green herb
elements, bonfire
smoke and
fragrance. Green
apple and citrus flood
the lighter-bodied
palate, while a sour
worms-like fruit jelly
element lends a
sweet/sour interplay.
Bright, lively, with
some Roses lime
cordial on the close.
Zero alcohol.
