New World Vanguard

NZ doubled its gold medal count from 2004 at this year’s International Wine Challenge in London, picking up an impressive 15. This gold increase was almost entirely due to red wines, showing that the world has finally looked beyond Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc (great as it is). According to Wine International magazine, NZ was the only nation to receive medals for more than half (56%) of its reds entered. As if the gold medals weren’t enough, NZ also won the International Pinot Noir trophy for St Clair Doctors Creek Marlborough Pinot Noir 2003 and trophy for Sileni Estate Cellar Selection Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2004.