A Central Otago pinot noir was named the best in New Zealand at last week's 2014 International Wine Challenge in London.
Mud House Estate's Claim 431 2012 pinot noir took the top New Zealand honour, along with the best pinot noir in Central Otago at the 31st awards.
Each medal-winning wine was tasted on three different occasions by at least 10 judges in the rigorous judging process.
Central Otago won a total of three trophies, seven gold medals, 16 silvers, 18 bronzes and 11 commended awards.
The trophy for champion international pinot nor went to the 2012 Jean Claude Boisset Clos De La Roche Grand Cru from Burgundy.
• Central Otago wine results:
Best Earnscleugh Valley pinot noir: 2010 Two Paddocks Last Chance.
Best Central Otago pinot noir: 2012 Mud House Estate Claim 431.
Best New Zealand pinot noir: 2012 Mud House Estate Claim 431.
Gold medals: 2012 Akarua pinot noir; 2011 Coal Pit Tiwha pinot noir; 2012 Lowburn Ferry Home Block pinot noir; 2012 Mud House Estate Claim 431 pinot noir; 2012 Squealing Pig pinot noir; 2010 Two Paddocks First Paddock pinot noir; 2010 Two Paddocks Last Chance pinot noir.
Silver medals: 2013 Akarua `Rua' pinot noir; 2010 Akarua Vintage Brut Methode Traditionelle; 2011 Amisfield pinot noir; 2013 Amisfield pinot gris; 2011 Domain Road pinot noir; 2012 Huntaway Reserve pinot noir; 2012 Invivo Central Otago pinot noir; 2012 Matua Single Vineyard Lowburn pinot noir; 2012 Chard Farm Mata-au pinot noir; 2012 Mt Difficulty Bannockburn pinot noir; 2012 Mt Difficulty Bannockburn pinot gris; 2011 Rockburn pinot noir; 2012 Rockburn pinot noir; 2012 Rockburn Tigermoth riesling; 2012 Soho McQueen pinot noir; 2012 Tatty Bogler pinot noir.
Bronze medals: nv Akarua Rose Brut Methode Traditionelle; nv Akarua Brut Methode Traditionelle; 2013 Amisfield sauvignon blanc; 2012 Carrick riesling; 2011 Carrick Bannockburn pinot noir; 2012 Mud House Central Otago pinot noir; 2012 Crown Range Cellar Signature Selection Grant Taylor pinot noir; 2013 Invivo Central Otago riesling; 2012 Invivo Central Otago Reserve pinot noir; 2010 John Forrest Collection Bannockburn pinot noir; 2011 Lowburn Ferry Home Block pinot noir; 2013 Mission Estate Reserve Central Otago pinot noir; 2010 Rockburn Parkburn riesling; 2012 Roaring Meg pinot noir; 2013 Roaring Meg pinot gris; 2010 Surveyor Thomson Single Vineyard pinot noir; 2010 Two Paddocks pinot noir; 2010 Wild Earth pinot noir.
Commended awards: 2012 Black Grape Society pinot noir; 2012 Waipara Hills Central Otago pinot noir; 2012 Drumsara pinot noir; 2012 Grasshopper Rock pinot noir; 2009 Lowburn Ferry Home Block pinot noir; 2012 Mokoblack Central Otago pinot noir; 2011 Nevis Bluff pinot gris; 2011 Nevis Bluff pinot noir; 2010 Wooing Tree pinot noir; 2011 Wooing Tree pinot noir; 2012 Rocky Point pinot noir.
