Double GOLD for Man O’ War Dreadnought 2008 from Decanter Wine Awards & International Wine Challenge 2010

Dreadnought Syrah, one of Man O’ War’s flagship wines, has received GOLD in two of the world’s most prestigious wine competitions, ‘Decanter Wine Awards’ and the ‘International Wine Challenge’. To add further kudos to this achievement, only 5 New Zealand wineries received Gold in both awards and Man O’ War Dreadnought was the only Waiheke wine to receive Gold in both.

Increasingly competitive, both competitions hit record numbers this year. The International Wine Challenge received submissions from 46 wine producing countries whilst Decanter hit 10,983 entries, sealing its position as the world’s biggest international wine competition, with only 2.8% of wines winning a coveted Gold or Regional Trophy!

Man O’ War’s vineyard manager Matt Allen says, “The whole team is on a real high following the results and its great reward for everyone involved, knowing firsthand the hard yards required for such recognition.

2008 was a truly amazing vintage to be a part of and the awards are further endorsement that wines produced from little old Waiheke can stand proud on a world stage.”

Ironclad named best new world red by Decanter’s Steven Spurrier

Man O’ War’s flagship wine, Ironclad 2008, has been named best new-world red by Steven Spurrier in the latest issue of Decanter magazine (January 2010).

It comes just weeks after three Man O’ War wines from the same vintage took 90-plus ratings in Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate.

“The 2008 vintage is being hailed as one of Waiheke’s best” says Duncan McTavish, Man O’ War’s winemaker. “It’s really gratifying that our flagship blend, Ironclad has been recognized by one of the world’s great wine authorities”.

Spurrier noted the Ironclad was an “arresting Bordeaux blend… Smoky from oak ageing with magnificent berry fruits and leathery undertones.”

It’s all the result of Man O’ War’s fastidious approach to winegrowing. Located on a stunning coastal site at the eastern end of Waiheke Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, the vineyards are made up of 90 individual parcels selected specifically for their unique terroir.

It’s this approach that allows each and every vine to produce the best possible fruit – and the results show through in the recognition Man O’ War is achieving for its wine.

Kiwi blossom to 4 seasons in UK & Europe

After a successful trip around NZ with Eurowine team, I boarded a big Air NZ plane to London England for 6 week tour of duty around UK, Mainland Europe & Asia.

1^st Stop London, where we met and confirmed our entire ranging with Shore Solutions who service luxury yatchs here. Next day we had the Stokes Fine Wine Trade day, with huge response from the trade and media there. Had lovely tasting with Steven Spurrier from Decanter (watch this space….!!!!) and Rosemary George MW who is coming to visit on her trip to NZ at the end of the month for Marlborough Wine Weekend. Ironclad 08 & MOW Pinot Gris 08 favourites on the day. Also dropped off some Valhalla 08 flown in by yours truly for Roka restaurant, as UK out of stock until end November. Roka such a great restaurant, MOW Syrah 08 available by the glass there in November.

Quick visit to Apsley Estate, The Old Garage, and home of Stokes Fine Wines to discuss our exciting program for 2010!!! Watch out UK… here we come.

Next stop chilly Stockholm to see Simon & Calle from Concealed Wines. We had a fantastic day in the trade visiting some of the best spots to eat & drink, especially Restaurant Hälsingborg, Olle looked after us, brilliant concept, choice of Forrest, Ocean and/or Farm set menu, with MOW Chardonnay matched with Farm entrée. Will definitely be back next time!

Then snowy Munich, where Florian & Thomas from Wine In Motion, looked after me very well, introducing me to the delights of a Bavarian breakfast. We finalised our distribution with them. First order on its way to Munich as we speak. Great opportunity here, and an amazing portfolio to be apart of!

Finally some sun, in Madrid, where we caught up with Cesar from Winetipodes, and discovered the culinary delights of Spain while looking for opportunities for MOW here. Wine is in Spain, but await our customs friends to clear it through, going into some of the great restaurants here and we already have some friends at the American Women’s Club eagerly awaiting delivery. Was lovely to see the sun!

Headed around the coast to Cannes, France for the Tax Free & Duty Free Show, where we snuck onto the Bardinet stand, courtesy of Jeremy Belcher our dear friend from Bordeaux. We showed MOW wines and were 1 of 3 NZ brands there. Most people very intrigued about us and New Zealand. Had a wonderful time with Gun & Sophie from Finland, who are helping us to get our wines in ferry’s, on planes and into stores there.

From Cannes, I flew across country to Nantes to meet with Jerome & Catherine at Les Celliers d’Asie, who is an amazing distributor in Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos with head office in France. We tasted the MOW Range, Ironclad, Dreadnought & MOW Chardonnay hits of the tasting. Will be launching with them early next year. Exciting stuff!

Returned to London, exhausted but buzzing with excitement of seeing MOW in some wonderful places in Europe and planning for an exciting next year. Last week in London, we caught up with Pierre from Wine Society, met the delightful Mel from The Providores, Dreadnought available now on the wine list, Noel Young at Noel Young Wines, Charlotte & Sarah from NZ Winegrowers, in store tasting at Harvey Nicholls with Jeremy & the team. MOW Ironclad & MOW Syrah on shelf and flying out now. Finally this morning, breakfast with the charming Alessandro from Zuma & Roka. Valhalla back on the list in December, MOW Syrah going on next week.

Next stop Singapore Wine Show, looking forward to seeing Kate & the team there.

Salute, Prost, Salud, Skål, Santé, Cheers!

Sara