Air New Zealand Wine Awards
2003 Overview

Chairman of Judges Report

It seems that barely a week goes past that we do not read about a wine competition held somewhere internationally. Often the results include accolades for wines from New Zealand. Are all of these results meaningful? Can judges really get it “right” all the time? Are we in risk of competition overload?

I cannot resolve all of those questions, yet I can assure you that this competition has never been in better health. Entries have increased, yet again, the personnel are dedicated, talented and extremely professional and in my view this show sets the standard for excellence in judging in this country. Any exhibitor with a medal from this competition should feel justifiably proud.

We eclipsed the 2002 record number of entries by 58 from 202 entrants, including 24 new exhibiting wine companies. Chardonnay remained the largest class at 281 entries, Sauvignon Blanc grew modestly to reach 186 entries and Syrah moved steadily onwards to attract 35 entries in only its second year as a stand alone category. The rising star is undoubtedly Pinot Noir which has enjoyed a further 30% growth from last year to cement its third place status at 182 entries, a statistic that is even more remarkable when you consider that only 106 Pinot Noirs were judged in 2001

But what about the calibre you may well ask! Well as we judges keep setting the bench mark higher the exhibitors keep fronting up to it. The comparison with 2002 tells an interesting story, where with only a 1% increase in medals awarded from 56% to 57% there has been a 0.9% lift in the number of Gold medals awarded.

Under closer scrutiny you will note that the largest classes comprising Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling represent 63% of entries and interestingly also reflect 63% of the Gold medal tally. To assume that these wines were rewarded simply because of the significant number of entries would be very dismissive. Get out there and buy these wines as they are truly New Zealand Wines to be proud of. 

It is hardly surprising that calibre of the wines is so high in the most popular classes, as the demanding nature of competition stimulates the desire and requirement to increase wine quality. This is indeed the very essence of the competitive format. Competition in the major categories also encourages winemakers to expand their repertoire and we have seen some glorious examples this year of wines entered in the smaller classes such as Pinot Gris, Merlot, Syrah and Malbec.

Many of the world’s wine critics judge the best producers by determining the quality of their aged wines. If we are to ultimately “make it” in the premium sector of the international marketplace we need to take heed of this. It was not only encouraging to see the increase in entries in the older vintage categories but to also experience the quality of many of these wines.

23 Gold medals were awarded to 2002 and older vintage whites and 10 Gold medals were awarded to 2001 and older vintage reds including a healthy spread of silver and bronze awards in these categories. It would be very encouraging to see this trend continue.

In conclusion the most pertinent accolade that I can bestow on the entrants in this competition is that due to the overall standard across all classes being high, that to single out any individual category would be ultimately unfair. The ultimate test in both the quality of entries and the quality of judging in any competition is the closeness of the adjudication of the champion wine of the show. In my fifteen years of judging at this and other competitions I have never heard the judging room so quiet or seen such prolonged concentration by the judges over that final line up of wines.

We were spoilt this year with the calibre of our international judges. We were very grateful for the invaluable and honest commentary from Louisa Rose, Senior White Wine Maker for Yalumba Wines in South Australia,  as well as the educated and experienced insights from  Peter Marks, Curator of Wine at COPIA ( the American Centre for Wine, Food and the Arts) in Napa, California.
My thanks are extended to Glenda Neil (Competition Coordinator), Mark Compton (Chief Steward) and Shona White (Assistant Chief Steward) who defied logic by improving the already excellent systems once again 

Thank you to all of our sponsors and particularly to our major sponsor Air New Zealand. To have the national airline not only contributing financially to this event but featuring our New Zealand Wines in flight internationally is a major boost to our industry for which we are very grateful.

This has been my final year judging at this competition. I am stepping down having been involved with this event since 1986. Having served my steward’s apprenticeship I have judged in each of the last fifteen competitions, chairing the last five of these. During that time I have not only been privileged enough to adjudicate over many great New Zealand wines, but have enjoyed numerous moments alongside gifted and passionate judges and stewards all of whom have willingly volunteered their time. Those special times have fostered friendships that will long survive my time as a judge in this competition. It has been demanding, rewarding, and an absolute pleasure for which I wish to formally thank the New Zealand Winegrowers (previously the New Zealand Wine Institute) for their confidence in me.

My sincere thanks to the many with whom I have worked with this year and over the previous years, there is insufficient space to name you all but you know who you are. My very best wishes to my successor, Brent Marris, I hope that you enjoy the buzz as much as I have.

John Belsham
November 2003

The Air New Zealand Wine Awards are organised by New Zealand Winegrowers in conjunction with Air New Zealand.