On top of the world

Gibbston and Central Otago wineries have excelled on the international stage, including Queenstown proprietor and film star Sam Neill's Two Paddocks, which scored the ultimate "gold outstanding" accolade in London.

Two Paddocks Pinot Noir 2010 won the plaudit, while Gibbston Valley Winery won a gold medal for its 2010 Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir.

Valli Vineyards won the trophy for World's Best Pinot Noir an unprecedented third time for its Valli Gibbston Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010, at the 2012 London International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) last week.

Neill, who is filming in the United Kingdom, said in a statement Two Paddocks never entered its wine for competition on principle.

"So it was with astonishment that I received news that we'd won gold outstanding at the very prestigious International Wines and Spirits Competition in London for our flagship Two Paddocks Pinot Noir 2010," he said.

"Our manager Jacqui Murphy entered while I wasn't looking (good for her) and as a result I am both surprised and completely delighted.

"It also confirms everything we think about the wine itself ... The IWSC judges say it is better than we could ... We blush as modestly as we can."

The 2010 Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir was already a Pure Elite Gold medal winner at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.

"This was a very good vintage for Gibbston Valley, and for Central Otago pinot noir," winemaker Christopher Keys said.

"We are seeing the quality of Central Otago pinot noir being reflected in shows both international and local."

The Bouchard Finlayson Trophy for Pinot Noir was awarded to the New Zealand winery Valli Vineyards for their Valli Gibbston Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010.

Valli Vineyards owner and winemaker Grant Taylor said the win was by far the most satisfying achievement in his 33-year winemaking career.

"To be awarded a trophy for a third time is a great honour in itself, but it being Valli, my own label and especially the estate vineyard that's being recognised makes it much more gratifying."

The IWSC was founded in 1969 and is described as the premier competition of its kind in the world.

A panel of 225 judges, including New Zealand's own Jo Burzynska, tasted entries from more than 90 countries in a two-stage blind tasting contest.

New Zealand improved on last year's medal tally, winning 323 medals compared with 304 in 2011.

New Zealand wineries were awarded four gold outstanding, seven gold, 23 silver outstanding, 158 silver and 131 bronze medals.

The trophies and winners of the producer shortlists will be formally presented at the annual IWSC Awards Presentation and Banquet on November 14 at the Guildhall, London.