New-world wines that won’t break the bank.
Award-winning wines that won’t break the bank.
The New World Wine Awards is one of this country’s most important competitions. Unlike the host of other awards, the supermarket-run show requires entries to be widely available at $25 or less.
The organisers’ claim that gold medals at the New World Wine Awards are as difficult to win as those handed out elsewhere is open to challenge, because the absence of high-priced labels makes it easier for wines under $25 to shine in the show arena.
That said, the judges’ favourites in the sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, riesling, sparkling and rosé classes were all in the cheapest – under $15 – category.
I recently tasted the 10 trophy-winning wines from this year’s awards. The judges have done a good job in terms of sorting out richly flavoured, smooth wines that are a pleasure to drink now.
Mount Vernon Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Highly aromatic, medium-bodied wine (12.5% alc/vol) with incisive melon/lime flavours, a slightly salty streak and a crisp, dry, lasting finish. $14.99
Giesen Riesling 2015
Delicious young, this light-bodied (10% alc/vol), medium-sweet wine is vivacious, with lemony, limey, slightly peachy flavours, crisp and strong. $11.99
Sandalford Margaret River Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Powerful (14.5% alc/vol) but not heavy West Australian red, with fresh blackcurrant, plum, dried herb and spice flavours, generous and smooth. $22.99
Brancott Estate Brut Cuvée
Pale straw, dryish bubbly with lively, citrusy, peachy flavours, yeasty, biscuity notes adding complexity and a very smooth finish. (12.5% alc/vol) $9.99
Esk Valley Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 Floral, softly mouthfilling red (13.5% alc/vol) with rich plum/spice flavours, oak complexity and lots of drinkyoung appeal. $19.99
Mission Reserve Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2015
Dark, sturdy red (14% alc/vol) with plum and black pepper flavours, showing greater depth and complexity than you’d expect at this price. $19.99
Robert Oatley GSM 2015
Fleshy, full-bodied (14% alc/vol) Aussie red with strong, plummy, gently spicy flavours, ripe and rounded. $21.99
Thornbury Waipara Pinot Gris 2016
Invitingly scented, mouthfilling wine (13.5% alc/vol), with generous, peachy, slightly spicy and gingery flavours, off-dry and smooth. $10.99
Villa Maria Private Bin Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2016
Mostly merlot, this dryish, mediumbodied rosé (12.5% alc/vol) is finely balanced, with plummy, spicy flavours. Distinctly moreish. $11.99