Record entries for Easter Show wine awards

New Zealand's oldest wine competition, the Royal Easter Show Wine Awards, had a record number of entries and gold medals.

The awards have been running for 53 years and this year yielded 70 gold medals.

The 1261 wines entered in this year's competition was also a record, up from 1014 entered last year.

Wine awards director Terry Dunleavy said the increase reflected rapid growth in the number of New Zealand wineries.

Four panels of judges tasted entries over a two-day period, led by chairman of judges and Master of Wine Bob Campbell. Next year five panels would be used to cope with the increased number of wines.

The 2005 Royal Easter Show Wine Awards were:

Show champion: : Olssens Slapjack Creek Pinot Noir 2003.

Methode champenoise or sparkling wine: Paradox Marlborough Methode Traditionnelle NV.

Pinot gris: Bladen Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004.

Chardonnay: Villa Maria Reserve Marlborough Chardonnay 2003.

Gewurztraminer: Johanneshof Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2004.

Sauvignon blanc: Astrolabe Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2004.

Riesling: Sacred Hill Marlborough Riesling 2004.

Sweet wine: Villa Maria Noble Riesling Botrytis Selection 2004.

Wine of other varieties or blends (red or white): Blue Rock Cabernet Franc 2003.

Cabernet sauvignon or cabernet predominant blend: Villa Maria Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2002.

Merlot or merlot predominant blend: Villa Maria Hawkes Bay Merlot 2002.

Pinot noir: Olssens Slapjack Creek Pinot Noir 2003.

Syrah: Trinity Hill Shepherds Croft Shiraz 2003.

Export wine: Matua Valley Shingle Peak Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2004.

Winemaker of the Year: Alastair Maling, MW, Villa Maria.