A Bannockburn-produced wine wowed the judges at the New Zealand International Wine Show and has been awarded the champion pinot noir and champion wine.

Bannock Brae Vineyard owners Crawford and Catherine Brown accepted the two awards for their Central Otago Barrel Selection Pinot Noir 2010 at the wine show awards in Auckland on Sunday.

The show was the country's largest competitive show and the judging panel, led by Master of Wine Bob Campbell, assessed 2122 entries from 13 countries.

Mrs Brown said it was the "ultimate" honour to win the champion wine of the show.

"It's not just for for us (Bannock Brae Vineyard), it's great for Central Otago," Mrs Brown said.

It was the first time a pinot noir from the region had won the award, she said.

But the vineyard's prizes did not stop there, with its winemaker Jen Parr awarded New Zealand Champion Winemaker of the Year.

Mr Brown said: "Great wine has to be made and we acknowledge the obvious talent and skill our winemaker has applied to the creation of our wines - she is a star."

The win showcased the "slice of heaven Bannockburn represents" in the wine market, he said.

Those wanting to try a taste of the winning drop can do so as it was released to the New Zealand market on Monday.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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