Crossroads Milestone Series Merlot Takes Trophy at Spiegelau International Wine Competition

The Crossroads Milestone Series Merlot 2012 has been recognised as one of the best wines in New Zealand, at the 2013 Spiegelau International Wine Competition.

Crossroads winemaker, Miles Dinneen, says the Trophy for Champion Merlot acknowledges the quality of Merlot being produced in the Hawke’s Bay region.

“The 2012 vintage wasn’t an easy one, so this trophy for our 2012 Merlot is a great reward for some smart viticulture in a cooler season. This wine is a good example of why Merlot works so well in this region, creating wines with vibrant fruit, silky tannins and great drinkability.”

The trophy-winning wines were assessed by a 12-strong judging panel, including judges from Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. The judges’ described the Crossroads Milestone Series Merlot as “herbal with savoury characters on the nose, some of which are echoed on the palate. Plum and spice flavours, tobacco and a more forward, developed character.”

The trophy win follows a strong performance for the entire Yealands Wine Group at the Spiegelau International Wine Competition. A total of 21 medals were awarded to Yealands Wine Group across the Crossroads, Yealands Estate, Peter Yealands and The Crossings ranges. A gold medal was also awarded to the Yealands Estate Single Block Series S1 Sauvignon Blanc 2012.

Almost 1,200 wines were entered into the Spiegelau International Wine Competition. The competition assesses wines available to New Zealand drinkers. It is 100 percent independently owned and operated, providing a comprehensive, independent review of wines available on the New Zealand market.
 

About Crossroads Wines

For over 20 years, Crossroads has brought wine lovers the very best of small parcel Hawke’s Bay winemaking. Crossroads has six purpose-designed vineyards in selected sub-regions of Hawke’s Bay, including four in the Gimblett Gravels. These vineyards shape the essence of Crossroads wines.

All Crossroads wines are crafted with passion, expertise and unwavering dedication to quality – from the benchmark Milestone Series to the reserve level Winemakers Collection to their signature wine, Talisman, with its secret blend of varieties known only to the winemaker.

Crossroads Wines is part of Yealands Wine Group, one of the largest privately-owned wine companies in New Zealand, with a global reach of more than 70 international markets.