A Wairarapa pinot noir has taken top honours at this year's Romeo Bragato wine competition.
The awards, which are held each year as part of the Romeo Bragato conference, are the country's only grape grower awards, recognising their contribution to the production of top wines.
The Cobblestone Te Muna pinot noir 2009, made from grapes grown by Saul Levine of Cobblestone Vineyard in Martinborough, was awarded the title, Champion of the Show.
It also won the Mike Wolter memorial trophy and champion pinot noir.
Chief judges Olly Masters says the wine is a great example of what New Zealand pinot noir offers to the world.
He says it achieves a difficult balance between having good structure and being fruit expressive.
The other top award, the Richard Smart Trophy and reserve champion wine, was won by Phil Holden of Omahu Vineyard in Hawke's Bay, for his Vidal Reserve Syrah 2007.
The syrah was also awarded the Alan Limmer Trophy and Champion Syrah as well as the sustainability trophy.
Olly Masters says the wine was another good example of complexity and depth.
Meanwhile, pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc dominated the gold medals in the wine competition.
A total of 56 gold medals were awarded and pinot noir topped the list with 10 golds.
Other awards
The Silver Secateurs national competition winner was also announced. Rory McEnroe of Nelson won the 2010 individual pruning title.
Stuart Dudley of Marlborough was named the young viticulturist of the year.
