NEWS

Appellation Marlborough Wine is excited to announce Michael Wentworth as its Chief Executive Officer. Michael’s appointment commences on 15 April, 2024 in what is a new position within the member-led organisation.

The 2023 Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) Annual Collection has been selected. This year’s highly experienced panel - Jane Skilton MW, Erin Larkin and Andrea Martinisi - were given the daunting task of assessing over 70 new release Sauvignon Blancs before determining a unanimous top 12. The resulting collection is a celebration of Marlborough’s diverse landscape.

Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) is excited to announce its Annual Collection tasting will take place on Wednesday, 27 September. Introduced last year and warmly received by wine enthusiasts around the globe, the AMW Annual Collection shines an important spotlight on world-class Sauvignon Blanc.

Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) is excited to announce the launch of the Wine Map of Marlborough, a beautifully designed reference tool that delineates the Marlborough wine growing region for the first time.

The Marlborough Wine Map was created by the Marlborough Wine Map Collective, a subset of AMW.

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. Appellation Marlborough Wine members are committed to producing authentic and exciting wine from 100% Marlborough fruit. Their efforts are getting noticed.

The Appellation Marlborough Wine Annual Collection was launched earlier this month to highlight the calibre of Sauvignon Blanc being produced across the Marlborough region. Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) Chair Ivan Sutherland says “The quality and distinctive flavour on offer when you choose 100% Marlborough is unparalleled. Each year our annual collection will be representative of the season past, whilst showcasing the talented producers in our region and our distinctive terroir.” After a blind selection tasting by impartial industry experts Emma Jenkins MW, Liz Wheadon, and Cameron Douglas MS on 14th September 2022, the inaugural collection can now be revealed: APPELLATION MARLBOROUGH WINE ANNUAL COLLECTION 2022 Astrolabe Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Awatere Valley) Astrolabe Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Multi sub-regional) Blank Canvas Holdaway Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Dillons Point) Blind River Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Awatere Valley) Framingham Nobody’s Hero Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Wairau Valley) Lawson's Dry Hills Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Waihopai & Wairau Valleys) Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Multi sub-regional) Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Wairau Valley) Whitehaven Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Multi sub-regional) Blank Canvas ‘Abstract’ Three Rows Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Dillons Point) Greywacke Wild Sauvignon 2020 (Southern & Wairau Valleys) Nautilus Estate: The Paper Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Renwick) The Appellation Marlborough Wine Annual Collection 2022 is a selection of 12 current release Sauvignon Blancs, incorporating nine classic and three alternative (aged, oak influenced, and/or wild ferment) styles. The collection will be determined yearly by an independent panel of three judges following a comprehensive blind tasting of submitted member wines. This year’s inaugural judges provided expertise that traverses the wine industry from wine media, off-premise and on-premise. “We were ecstatic to draw on such experienced judges and depth of industry knowledge to choose this first Annual Collection,” says Amanda McRae, AMW coordinator. The judges evaluated the 60 Sauvignon Blancs individually before a robust discussion on findings and, by day’s end, an unanimous final selection. The challenging conditions of the 2022 vintage, with Marlborough and New Zealand as a whole witnessing untimely weather events, seasonal labour shortages and an ongoing pandemic, underscore the need to be selective when choosing between wines. “Appellation Marlborough Wine was established to safeguard our region, not the least during these more strenuous times. Our members are committed to crafting the best possible wine they can, harnessing the vitality of our region and respecting the season,” says Ivan. “The breadth and quality of wines submitted to our Annual Collection tasting reiterate AMW’s unwavering objective to safeguard Marlborough and respect our unique turangawaewae.”* “Whilst I’m probably too much of a purist,” says Liz. "Vintage variation is so important and needs to be part of the narrative to a greater extent from Marlborough. Some consistency is key year to year; for me it’s celebrating the differences and the opportunity to talk about a vintage.” “I enjoyed the number of wines that had not tried too hard,” says Liz. “They knew what they had in terms of the quality of the grapes and made beautifully balanced wines.” Emma says she was curious to get a good look at the 2022 vintage, being one that challenged most regions throughout New Zealand. “It was an impressive looking collection of wines, making it hard to choose the final 12.” Cameron agreed saying that there were 18 wine that could easily have made it to the final selection. The judges’ final selection showcases Marlborough’s hallmark purity of fruit, freshness, and vivid, juicy acidity says Emma. “It also covers the broad range of styles now typical across the region.” “There are some very clever, thoughtful winemakers in Marlborough,” says the master of wine. “And this was a year that they rose to the challenges of the season to deliver wines of quality and character. We were impressed by the number of wines with texture and elegance, and think wine-lovers will find much to enjoy.” Throughout the blind tasting, conversations around Marlborough subregions, regional subsets, and wine styles began. It came as no surprise that with such a large numbers of Sauvignon Blancs side by side that the judges were drawing connections and conclusions. “Wines that were a bit edgy grabbed my attention,” says Cameron. “I am really pleased AMW is continuing to refine and improve the initiative’s philosophy and principles via their own internal quality control tastings and with this independently-selected tasting,” says Emma. “Now more than ever, it is really important to put a stake in the ground emphasising the values and aspirations of Marlborough as a region. It’s easy to forget just how youthful Marlborough is as a region, only just approaching its 50th anniversary of vines in the ground, and it is very heartening indeed to see AMW members’ commitment to integrity and quality, for they highlight the most important path forward to its future.” *Turangawaewae is the Maori word for ‘a place to stand’.

Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) is proud to announce the Appellation Marlborough Wine Annual Collection. “This is an opportunity for AMW to put the lens back onto the serious side of Sauvignon Blanc,” says master sommelier Cameron Douglas. Comprised of both classic and alternative styled Sauvignon Blancs, the Annual Collection will ‘make a case’ for Marlborough excellence says Amanda McRae, AMW’s co-ordinator. “The aim is to highlight the quality and distinctive flavour on offer when you choose 100% Marlborough.” The selection of AMW certified wine will be determined by a trio of judges each year, incorporating a representative from media, off-premise and on-premise. “We are delighted to welcome Emma Jenkins MW, Liz Wheadon, and Cameron Douglas MS as our inaugural tasting panel,” says Amanda. “They are experienced judges and leaders in their sector.” “I was very chuffed to be asked to judge the AMW Annual Collection,” says Emma Jenkins MW. “I have followed AMW’s progress with interest since its inception, as I believe it is a very important and useful initiative for the region. To see AMW grow and gain in rigour and integrity is really pleasing and I’m looking forward to now being a small part of this progress.” Glengarry general manager Liz Wheadon says that the Annual Collection is an opportunity to identify those achieving top notch quality. “Benchmarking is very important in the industry, in all categories. Without knowing what good (great) looks like, it is hard for new entrants or those striving to do better to know the direction to go.” Cameron says that too many quality focussed Sauvignon Blanc producers - whether it's specific vineyards, parcels of fruit or permaculture managed sites - are getting lost in the noise. “This is the perfect time to showcase the best of the Sauvignon Blanc variety and 2022 vintage from a region of growing diversity and competition.” The Annual Collection is open to all members with the structured blind tasting ensuring that every wine is evaluated for its merits in the glass. Emma hopes the Appellation Marlborough Wine Annual Collection will demonstrate the quality and depth of certified Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. “There is no doubt that Marlborough is world class terroir for Sauvignon Blanc, and I’m hoping we will put together a collection that not only provides a benchmark for what’s in the market now, but also helps to spur on those who are serious about showing just how good Marlborough wines can be.” The Annual Collection will provide a halo effect for the entirety of AMW. “It gives our forward thinking organisation another opportunity to celebrate its people and the breadth of our maturing region,” says Amanda. “Highlighting success, breeds success,” says Liz. “Marlborough is a dynamic region that is full of colourful characters. I’m looking forward to next weeks tasting and getting under the skin of the region.” The Annual Collection tasting is set for September 14th with the final selection and judges feedback presented by months end.

Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) is extending and strengthening its guardianship of New Zealand’s largest wine growing region by updating its criteria for inclusion from 2022.