Yealands Estate Single Block Sauvignon Blanc Named Best Sauvignon Blanc In The World
A Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc has been recognised as the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world at the 2012 International Wine Challenge.
The single vineyard wine is made exclusively from fruit grown in the Yealands Estate Seaview Vineyard, in the Awatere Valley, Marlborough.
The wine, sold through Marks and Spencer in the UK, was awarded the International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy and the trophy for the best white wine from Marlborough.
The International Wine Challenge is considered the largest and most prestigious competition in the world, featuring over 12,000 wines. Trophies are awarded to the very best examples from their class after a rigorous process where the wines are judged at least three times.
Yealands Estate Owner and Founder, Peter Yealands, says this international recognition for a wine from the Seaview Vineyard is testament to the unique flavours and quality of fruit grown in the Awatere Valley.
“This is the holy grail of wine competitions and we are thrilled to be judged the very best in the world. This reflects our unique location and the efforts of our vineyard and winemaking teams,” says Peter Yealands.
The judges described the wine as “a great example of a Sauvignon Blanc from the Awatere Valley with a fragrant slightly floral nose with herbal aromas, striking acidity on the palate with a fresh finish. A thrilling wine!”
Yealands Estate Chief Winemaker Tamra Washington is delighted with the recognition.
“The single block wines provide the purest expression of our Seaview Vineyard and show the unique potential of this sub-region for producing outstanding wines. We’re privileged to work with such premium cool-climate fruit.”
New Zealand Winegrowers Chief Executive, Philip Gregan, says this win for New Zealand wine, in a key overseas market, confirms the world-class quality Sauvignon Blanc that New Zealand continues to produce.
“Sauvignon Blanc is New Zealand’s top exported varietal and international awards, such as this, reiterate the exceptionally high-quality of New Zealand wine, and are important for marketing our wine to the world.”
The Yealands Estate Single Block S1 Sauvignon Blanc 2011 is currently sold exclusively through Marks & Spencer in the UK, however will be released globally later this year.
Judges at the helm of this year's International Wine Challenge include Tim Atkin MW, Oz Clarke, Charles Metcalfe, Sam Harrop MW, Derek Smedley MW and Peter McCombie MW.