Under the diligent eye of winemaker Hugh Crichton, the Vidal Legacy Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2012, has received the International Chardonnay Trophy in the over-fifteen pounds category at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards 2015.
More than 16,000 wines were judged by a panel of 240 wine experts including some of the world’s greatest winemakers, sommeliers and Masters of Wine at the awards, held in London.
This is the pinnacle of the recognition this wine has so far picked up, with three trophies received in other competitions.
Crichton has achieved greatness with Hawkes Bay Chardonnay, his last five vintages of Vidal Estate’s premium Chardonnays picking up top awards globally.
“Ultimately these awards are an affirmation to the world that Hawkes Bay makes fantastic Chardonnay. The Vidal Legacy Chardonnay, is made in limited quantities from our greatest Chardonnay vineyards. The region’s climate and our vineyards bring elements of freshness to the wine, so it’s not too big and heavy, but has concentration of flavour and depth of complexity. These are all qualities which great wines should have, but not all parts of the world can deliver,” said Crichton.
Decanter World Wine Awards tasting note for the International Trophy winner, Hawkes Bay 2012 said: “Distinctly modern New Zealand Chardonnay, full of gun smoke, grapefruit skin, toast, vanilla and sizzling butter aromas. White nectarine and peach flavours greet you on the palate which is broad, rich and creamy, yet manages to retain a distinct elegance, with lovely length and a pleasingly dry finish.”
The Vidal Legacy Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2012, available in selected restaurants and fine wine retail stores, has also achieved the following awards:
• Regional Trophy – Decanter Asia Wine Awards 2014
• Champion Exhibition White Wine Trophy – Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2014
• Champion Wine of Show and Bragato Trophy Winner – Bragato Wine Awards 2014
Did you know?
In 1888 Anthony Joseph Vidal arrived in New Zealand and was one of the first winemakers to appreciate the natural potential of Hawkes Bay. He established Vidal Estate in 1905 and his commitment to crafting classic, elegant wines remains an inspiration to this day.
