NZ top performer at Tri-Nations wine competition

New Zealand wines scooped top results in the Tri Nations Wine Challenge, winning eight of 11 trophies at the competition held in Sydney.

New Zealand's Neudorf Moutere Chardonnay 2007 won the White Wine of the Show, with South Africa's Haskell Pillars Shiraz 2007, named both Red Wine of the Show and Overall Wine of the Show.

The results, announced today, were significant for New Zealand wine, as Australian-made wines had dominated the competition since its beginnings seven years ago, said Bob Campbell, the New Zealand representative on the judging panel.

"The quality of New Zealand wines entered this year really demonstrates the ongoing evolution of wine quality in New Zealand."

Each country's representative judge selected their country's best wines in each class. The wines were then sent to Sydney for a blind taste test.

New Zealand wines also won trophies in the Sparkling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Bordeaux Blends and Dessert Wines categories.

New Zealand trophy winners were Deutz Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay 2006 (Sparkling), Neudorf Moutere Chardonnay 2007 (Chardonnay), Saint Clair Pioneer Block 18 Snap Block SB 2008 (Sauvignon Blanc), Martinborough Pinot Noir 2007 (Pinot Noir), Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Merlot 2007 (Merlot), Craggy Range The Quarry Cab Sauv Merlot 2007 (Bordeaux Blends), and Framingham Auslese #3 Riesling 2008 (Dessert Wine)