Sacred Hill scoops top accolades at the Romeo Bragato Wine Awards

Sacred Hill Helmsman 2007 collected the Champion Classical Red Wine and Tom McDonald Memorial Trophy at the Romeo Bragato Wine Awards held in Hawkes Bay (22nd – 23rd August).

As well as the top trophy accolade Sacred Hill also walked away with two Gold and three Silver medals. The Gold medals were awarded for the 2007 Sacred Hill Helmsman Cabernet Merlot and the 2007 Sacred Hill Deerstalkers Syrah, whilst Silver was given for the 2008 Wine Thief Chardonnay, Sacred Hill Rifleman’s Chardonnay and 2007 Sacred Hill Brokenstone Merlot.

The Awards give recognition to viticultural excellence and recognize the influence of grape growers and their vineyards in creating the unique qualities of New Zealand wine.

The Sacred Hill Helmsman result comes on the back of strong recognition and accolades for the 2005 and 2006 vintages. Already the 2007 vintage, which was only recently released, has been pre-sold on allocation.

As with the Helmsman, grapes for the other Gold winner Sacred Hill Deerstalker Syrah are sourced from estate Gimblett Gravels vineyards. Currently Syrah is the ‘rising star’ of Hawkes Bay and this wine highlights this ascent.

“Hard work in Sacred Hill’s Gimblett Gravels vineyards has been duly rewarded. Our vineyard team is passionate about growing super premium grapes, and no stone has been left unturned in their efforts to achieve excellence in the field of viticulture,” says Bish.