Thornbury wins Pinot Noir Trophy

Thornbury Wines has won the trophy for the Champion Pinot Noir for their 2008 Central Otago Pinot Noir at the Liquorland International Wine Competition.

A combination of perfect growing conditions, top vineyard management, and a winemaker’s determination to let wine express its natural characteristics, saw Thornbury take out the top award for Pinot Noir.

Winemaker Simon Fell was thrilled with the win stating that when he saw the exceptional quality of the grapes during harvest that there was real potential for a mind-blowing wine.

He adds: “The Thornbury approach of crafting wines from New Zealand’s top wine regions is the label’s point of difference and is proving to be a success with judges. The Central Otago Pinot Noir 2008 has already won gold at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards, and received five stars in Cuisine’s annual Pinot Noir judging.”

“Thornbury Pinot Noir has a distinct ripe plum and black olive flavour. It also exhibits Otago’s unique dried herb flavour from the natural wild thyme which grows all around the vineyards.”

Simon Fell’s philosophy is minimal handling of the grapes, and to keep the same winemaking style year to year: “I think it is a mistake to get heavy handed in the winemaking process. It is important to let wine express the special characteristics of the vineyard it comes from.”

“This wine showed well when it was young and will continue to improve as it ages. It is a real thrill to receive such a top award when you’re up against not just New Zealand but international wines too”.