Church Road Winery celebrates trophy win

Church Road is celebrating a trophy win after their Church Road McDonald Series Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 was awarded the Champion New Zealand Bordeaux Red Wine Trophy at the New Zealand International Wine Show 2014.

The award-winning 2013 vintage, announced as a gold medal recipient earlier this month, was chosen as the very best in the Bordeaux Red Wine category and was described as inky, opulent, full-bodied and bright with fruit vibrancy by the judging panel chaired by Bob Campbell MW, along with assistant chief judges Larry McKenna, Peter Cowley and John Hancock.

In addition to winning the trophy for the Church Road McDonald Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Church Road McDonald Series Chardonnay 2012, Church Road McDonald Series Pinot Gris 2013 and Church Road McDonald Series Marzemino 2012 also received gold medals, rounding off a quadruple gold win for Church Road in the country’s largest wine competition, further demonstrating the quality of the winemaking across the range.

Church Road Senior Winemaker Chris Scott says he is very proud of the trophy win and the medals received by the range at this year’s New Zealand International Wine Show.

"We are delighted to be announced as Champion New Zealand Bordeaux Red Wine in this year’s competition" says Chris. "The Church Road McDonald Series Cabernet Sauvignon is the first red wine we have released from the much anticipated 2013 vintage, of which the Cabernet Sauvignon was the star variety for me. It is fantastic to have this recognition and receive these awards on behalf of the highly dedicated Church Road winery team."

The Church Road McDonald Series is a range of premium, complex wines that celebrate the life and legacy of the late Tom McDonald (1907-1987). Tom dramatically elevated the quality of winemaking in Hawke's Bay, and his lifelong dedication to creating fine wines helped establish the superb reputation that the Hawke's Bay region and Church Road Winery enjoys today. Founded in 1897, Church Road Winery continues Tom's legacy crafting wines of depth and character using traditional French winemaking techniques.

Church Road McDonald Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 is available from selected restaurants, fine wine retailers and from the Church Road Winery Cellar Door, RRP $26.59.

New Zealand International Wine Show 2014

Champion New Zealand Bordeaux Red Wine Trophy Church Road McDonald Series Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Gold medal winners

Church Road McDonald Series Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Church Road McDonald Series Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2012

Church Road McDonald Series Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2013

Church Road McDonald Series Hawke’s Bay Marzemino 2012

Silver medal winners

Church Road McDonald Series Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2011