Seventeen judges are preparing to taste and judge over 500 wines entered in this year’s 2020 Marlborough Wine Show.
Judging for New Zealand’s largest regional wine show will begin today with two days set aside for the task.
Leading the judging team is renowned Marlborough judge and winemaker Ben Glover, with two special guest judges; Master of Wine Emma Jenkins and Master of Wine student Sophie Parker-Thomson.
Wine Marlborough’s general manager Marcus Pickens says four judging panels will be led by Marlborough winemakers Jeremy McKenzie, Wendy Stuckey, Helen Morrison and Nikolai St George.
“The Tonnellerie de Mercurey Marlborough Young Winemaker of the Year 2020, Peter Russell from Matua, will join the judging team as part of his winning prize package,” Pickens said.
“It’s fair to say all the judges, from Chief Judge down to the associates are really looking forward to the event, especially given the stellar wines of 2020 will be on display.”
Close to 120 Sauvignon Blancs from the recent vintage are among the 549 total entries. Despite the pressure of COVID-19 restrictions during vintage, winemakers throughout Marlborough are touting it as one of the best on record.
General manager of QuayConnect Jaron McLeod – the event sponsor – says, as a company that efficiently connects wine to market, they are proud to support the 2020 Marlborough Wine Show.
“Supporting the Marlborough Wine Show is a great way we can connect and support the wine industry. The judging line up looks fantastic and we look forward to presenting the award for the QuayConnect Champion Wine of the Show at the celebration lunch later this month,” he said.
With judging commencing tomorrow, the medal results will be announced on Friday October 23, with all trophies announced at a Celebration Long Lunch being held on October 30.
During the Celebration Lunch, Wine Marlborough will also present a Lifetime Achievement Award to an outstanding member of the Marlborough wine industry.
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