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Proud of our two more 'wines of distinction'

ROD MCIVOR (Marsden Estate), left, and Ben Dugdale (Karikari Estate) - enjoying the sweet taste of success once more. Photo supplied.

Just three wines that made the top bracket in Cuisine Magazine's 2009 chardonnay tasting came from north of Gisborne _ and the Far North produced two of them.
Karikari Estate's 2007 vintage was awarded four-and-a-half stars, and Marsden Estate's Black Rocks 2007 four, placing them among the very best in the country. The judges' comments included: "In the Far North, on the very beautiful Karikari Peninsula, Ben Dugdale and his team are producing wines
of distinction. This round, rich chard offers almond and grapefruit flavours seasoned with oak char," and, "Talented Rod McIvor is making a name for himself with chardonnay, and this weighty big fruit/big oak composition hits the target."
Ben Dugdale said the results reinforced chardonnay's strong future in the North, noting that Lochiel and Okahu Estate had also gained national recognition in recent competitions. And this success, achieved as one of Northland's best harvests wound up, had given him plenty to be happy about.
"Northland produces intense, rich and powerful chardonnays, and our long growing season allows the fruit to fully ripen," he said.
"The variety also has the abilities to withstand high humidity, leading to consistent quality even in poorer areas.
"These results come just as we've completed harvest, and this year's fruit looks fantastic.
"The chardonnay in particular looks exceptional, but our reds are also very high quality."
Rod McIvor agreed. "The long dry summer has produced some of the best fruit I've seen in 15 years, and the highest sugar level we've experienced," he said.
"Growers and winemakers are now understanding how to get the best from their vineyards, and these results reflect Northland's ability to be among New Zealand's best."
Okahu Estate's Monty Knight was equally enthusiastic about this year's harvest, which he said had produced some of his cleanest and ripest fruit ever, especially the reds, for which Okahu was recognised.
"If this is global warming then bring it on," Mr Knight said.
"With summers like this, and increased recognition in national awards, the future looks positive for the vibrant Northland wine industry."