The vintage received a blue gold medal and was named in the Top 100 wines , highlighting the best wines across the board entered in the Sydney show, before being named Best Pinot Noir at the awards ceremony on Saturday (February 28).

The 2007 Pinot Noir has previously won three gold medals at international wine shows including the 2008 UK International Wine and Spirit competition.

Drumsara founder John Matheson is excited about the latest accolade which he sees as a strong endorsement from the industry.

“Obviously this is huge for Drumsara which is still a very young label. The 2007 Pinot Noir has really surpassed our expectations and it now puts Drumsara out there with some of the much better known wineries from Central Otago, New Zealand and around the world.”

Mr Matheson says the win is not only a significant achievement for Drumsara, which is based in close proximity to Alexandra airport, but for the Otago wine industry in general.

“We are all working together to profile our wines and anything we can do individually is great for everyone collectively. The important spin off from winning an award like this is that it gives you a chance to pick up exciting, new markets.”

He says the success of the 2007 Pinot Noir reinforces the commitment of the Drumsara vineyard management staff, whose efforts have assisted talented French winemakers Anthony Worch and Marion Vialade of William Hill winery in Alexandra, to produce the award winning wine.

Mr Worch considers the 2007 Pinot Noir’s four gold medals and the coveted Best Pinot Noir trophy reflects both the quality of the Drumsara vineyard and the quality of fruit in Central Otago’s Alexandra basin.

“The Ventifacts Block site at Drumsara is elevated and receives a lot of sunshine making it ideal for producing good red wine,” he says. “We are not surprised at the success of the 2007 Pinot Noir but there has been a lot of strong competition from around the world, with lots of great pinots in the Sydney show, and we are very proud of the recognition it has got.”

Drumsara is an 8ha vineyard established in 2000. Previous medals have been awarded for the company’s 2003 Pinot Noir (2004 Bragato Wine Awards, bronze medal) and the 2004 Pinot Noir (Starwine International Wine competition, gold medal).