Hawke's Bay wine rival Bordeaux counterparts in Hong Kong

A Hawke's Bay wine that sells for about one thirty-fifth of the top-ranked Mouton Rothschild was voted third at an international wine event - stunning many participants.

The decision delighted the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowers Association.

At the Hong Kong event, which drew 27 leading wine media and trade judging participants, eight wines produced from Gimblett Gravels were rolled out against eight wines from France's prestigious Bordeaux region for a blind tasting.

While there was no great surprise that the $1500 a bottle Mouton Rothschild took top spot, followed by the $1000 a bottle Haut-Brion, there were stunned glances and reactions when it was announced that third spot had been taken by Mission Estate Jewelstone Cabernet Merlot - which retails for $39.

As well, 12 of the 27 experts selected a wine from Gimblett Gravels as their preferred choice.

Hong Kong wine media representative Ronny Lau said it was obvious Gimblett Gravels winemakers were doing a world-class job.

He said while there was a substantial price difference between Bordeaux and Gimblett Gravels wines there was very little difference in quality.

The most expensive Bordeaux was the Chateau Lafite-Rothschild Paulliac at $2500, while the priciest Gimblett Gravels wine was the Craggy Range Sophia at $70.