Debut vintage the pick of the bunch (NZ)

Sam Smail’s first vintage from his Mariri vineyard has been a golden one. His Sea Level home block Pinot Gris 2011 was one of six Nelson wines to gain a gold medal at this year’s Royal Easter Show Wine Awards. This was three more golds than the region’s winemakers received last year. It joined Waimea Estates’ Gewurztraminer 2011 and classic Riesling 2009, Brightwater Vineyards’ Lord Rutherford barrique Chardonnay 2009, Te Mania’s Nelson Gewurztraminer 2011 and Milcrest Estate’s Syrah 2010 to be among the 111 wines to receive a gold at the awards, reports the Nelson Mail.