New Zealand wine has blasted into the upper echelons of global winemaking with acknowledgement by one of the world's most influential critics.
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Five New Zealand wineries have been rated highly in the rigorously independent Parker's Wine Guide, the mouthpiece of Robert Parker, considered to be the most informed, independent and influential wine commentator in the world.
Hawkes Bay's Te Mata Estate has been given the ultimate Outstanding Wine five-star accolade, along with Ata Rangi in Martinborough, Felton Road Wines in Bannockburn, Pegasus Bay in Waipara and Rippon Vineyard in Wanaka.
Te Mata founder and chairman John Buck said such high praise elevated the company to the "rarefied atmosphere" of the world's finest wine producers.
Mr Buck said Parker's blessing established global reputations and fortunes.
"Twenty years ago, Robert Parker was completely dismissive of the New Zealand wine industry and saw no future for it," he said.
"Now we are rated alongside the elite and international classics."
More than 100 other New Zealand wines were rated as excellent or good.
Mr Buck announced Te Mata's inclusion to Robert Parker's Guide at a celebration in Auckland today.
"This acknowledgement will transpose into major global benefits for Te Mata Estate and more broadly the New Zealand wine industry and brand New Zealand."
Mr Buck said it was an important milestone for Te Mata Estate and for New Zealand wine as a brand as the country's premium wines had, until now, been a well-kept secret.
"Robert Parker shows no favour and is beholden to no one as he does not take advertising for any of his publications and ignores wine awards.
"He and his colleagues base their judgment solely on the true quality of the wines they taste - in the worldwide wine industry they are the epitome of integrity."
- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY
