AMW Wines Recognised in Wine Spectator's Annual Top 100
Nov 18, 2022
Wineries across the globe hold their breath in the lead up to Wine Spectator’s annual Top 100 Wines announcement. Originating in 1988, the magazine describes the list as a collection of the most exciting wines discovered by their editors over the previous year. This year’s coveted list named four wines from New Zealand including two certified Appellation Marlborough Wine members.
“It is heartening to see Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc being recognised by the team at Wine Spectator magazine,” says John Buchanan, chair of Appellation Marlborough Wine. “It is a variety that our region excels at growing and the calibre and diversity that members are today producing is rather exciting. Greywacke and Astrolabe produce exceptional examples, representing the best of Marlborough, and they exemplify what AMW was set up to respect and protect.”
Wine Spectator editors select their Top 100 based on quality, value, (USA) availability and excitement. ‘Excitement’ has been defined by the magazine as one of the most important components, describing it as “the passion and story behind the wines - the X-factor”.
Securing the lucky 13 ranking, Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2021 was the highest scoring New Zealand wine on the Top 100 wines of 2022 list. It is Greywacke’s fourth time being included in Wine Spectator’s short list: their 2014 Pinot Noir ranking #64 in 2017, the 2011 Pinot Noir achieving #48 in 2013, and the 2011 Sauvignon Blanc placing #53 in 2012.
Senior editor MaryAnn Worobiec scored Greywacke’s 2021 Sauvignon Blanc a beguiling 94 points. “This stunning white is aromatic, fresh and intense, with notes of lemon curd, yuzu, peach, ripe melon and honeysuckle that are effortless and mouthwatering, backed by lemongrass and candied ginger notes on the long, expressive finish.”
Worobiec gave the Astrolabe Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2020 an equally glowing review, scoring it 92 points. “Mouthwatering and intense, offering a juicy mix of Key lime, pineapple, green apple and lemongrass flavours on a sleek, vibrant frame. Features a hint of peach blossom on the finish.”
Astrolabe has also been recognised previously by Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list and were excited to secure their third placement. “We were really chuffed to get this amazing recognition for our Awatere Sauvignon Blanc,” says Jane Forrest-Waghorn, owner and founder of Astrolabe Wines. “Our family live and work in Marlborough because we believe in the potential to make amazing wines here, and it is thrilling to be placed on this list alongside some of the best wines in the world. It is great to see the high standard of New Zealand wine being celebrated internationally.”
Named after New Zealand’s most prolific bedrock, Greywacke is owned and operated by Kevin and Kimberley Judd. Kevin is a pioneering and highly regarded winemaker who helped raise Marlborough’s wine profile through his 25 years as Chief Winemaker at Cloudy Bay Vineyards. The decision to establish Greywacke in 2009 was driven largely by Kevin and Kimberley’s desire to craft small and distinct parcels of wine that shone a spotlight on Marlborough subregions. Their love of Marlborough is evident in all that they do, from their preference of fermenting with wild yeast through to living alongside their Greywacke Vineyard and Farm where they personally care for its entirety.
“We are humbled by Wine Spectator magazine’s recognition," says Kevin. "It is an absolute honour to be sitting alongside so many iconic international wineries. And we love sharing this achievement for a third time with our good friends at Astrolabe wines.”
Astrolabe was established in 1996 by Jane & Simon Waghorn. Simon says that the diverse terroir of Marlborough’s sub-regions broadens his ‘artistic palette’ as a winemaker and enables him to craft complex and individual wines.
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