To have on your table 600 of the best wines of the New World is a big challenge for our senses, but most of all a privilege for the judges. There is not time to get tired. You are so concentrated, so excited and so curious, that the time flows and twists inside your glass, blending with the lights of the beautiful and cosmopolitan Sydney.

Perhaps there is no other city in the world to get together six judges and a various selection of their viticulture. The different characters of the wines, born in the most distinctive origins, from the dizzy mountains of The Andes to the wavy terraces of Tasmania, match perfectly with the colouring spirit of the city.
Why this challenge is so special and transcendental for the New World? First of all the wineries don’t choose to participate. Previously they must receive an invitation of the judges. Therefore the level of the wines is very high and really reveals the potential of the different valleys.

Second because it is a huge opportunity to savour what the New World wines are delivering in terms of quality. The Six Nations is an open window that shows the excitement of a viticulture that is always moving forward, discovering new spots, innovating with varieties, experimenting with styles, reflecting the tradition and bright future of the New World scene.

And finally because this annual challenge helps us to demolish some myths. Nobody can predict which country will win a class Trophy or the best in show. This year New Zealand really seems to be following the steps of the All Blacks. But who knows in the coming seasons? The Six Nations Wine Challenge represents a crucible of styles, wishes and truly unexpected results. And always reminds us that we must be humble and unprejudiced to the nature of the grapes.

Eduardo Brethauer | Chile
2015 Chairman

Wine of Show
Framingham, Noble Riesling 2014
Dr Andrew Hedley; Marlborough NZ

The key to our individuality is small batch winemaking. Combining small batches of wine from different parts of the vineyard, we build depth of flavour and texture. Strictly limited quantities allow us to take risks and follow our hearts. When Framingham wines are sold out, they’re gone.