2008 Lake Hayes Pinot Noir Wins Gold

Amisfield Wine Company’s expertise as a Pinot Noir producer has been further highlighted, with the awarding of a gold medal to the signature 2008 Lake Hayes Pinot Noir, at the prominent Royal Easter Show Wine Awards.

General Manager Fleur Caulton says the Lake Hayes label is inspired by the location of Amisfield’s Cellar Door and Bistro, overlooking Lake Hayes near Queenstown.

“We began producing Pinot Noir under the Lake Hayes label in the late 1990s, before we introduced the Amisfield range. The success of the 2008 Lake Hayes vintage is a reflection of its popularity both locally and nationally, and we consider our ‘grown not made’ philosophy which influences our winemaking process has played an important role in this achievement.”

“Receiving a gold medal is a significant milestone for the Lake Hayes Pinot Noir, and for our winemaker Claire Mulholland, whose skill is widely recognised in the industry. There was strong competition with over 270 wineries entering the Royal Easter Show Wine Awards and we are obviously very proud of this result,” says Ms Caulton.

“Our Amisfield Pinot Noir 2007 made headlines when it won a gold medal at the New Zealand International Wine Show and a Top Blue Gold award at the Sydney International Wine Competition in 2009. The 2008 Lake Hayes Pinot Noir gold medal again endorses the quality of our Pinot Noir, putting us on centre stage both in New Zealand and overseas.”

Royal Easter Wine Show chair of judges Kate Radbund congratulated Amisfield Wine Company and other gold medal winners for the improved quality of their wines which has raised the bar.

“This reflects the focus of the winemaking community on improving quality, by lower yields in vineyards and continued honing of their winemaking techniques,” she says. “The gold medal wines are top class by the highest international standards.”