Wine columnist and connoisseur DENNIS KNILL gives his views on two award-winning wines for the month.
Church Road has achieved yet another milestone at the annual Winestate Wine of the Year Awards with chief winemaker, Chris Scott, crowned New Zealand Winemaker of the Year for the record fifth time. As an unprecedented five-time winner of Winestate New Zealand Winemaker of the Year (2013, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022), Chris Scott represents the culmination of 125 years of winemaking excellence. Church Road showcases the natural expression of some of Hawke’s bays most prized grapes and vineyards.
Church Road 1 Terraces 2021 Chardonnay was awarded both Winestate Chardonnay of the Year across New Zealand and Australia, with Church Road also awarded Merlot of the Year for New Zealand and Australia.
Pernod Ricard Winemakers New Zealand, who owns Church Road. also won New Zealand Wine Company of the Year for the second year in a row.
For wine lovers and connoisseurs, these two wines should not be passed by.
’21 Church Road
1 Terraces Chardonnay, RRP $100
A premium full bodied textured wine showcasing strong French oak aromas lifted with fresh citrus and great richness and a long soft acidity that cleanses the mouth. This is chardonnay at its very best. Pair with seafood, chicken, pork and pasta.
’20 Church Road
1 Gimblett Gravels Merlot, RRP $120
Deep and concentrated in colour this Bordeaux-style wine is elegantly balanced with complexity and texture and fine tannins adding density and a long and lingering finish on the palate. Will cellar well. Serve with beef, venison, lamb and game.
