Appellation Marlborough Wine Annual Collection

The Annual Collection selection process is robust and transparent, including wines being tasted blind and the expert panel changing each year. Tasting guidelines are provided in advance by AMW committee member Sophie Parker-Thomson MW to ensure all wines are given a thorough assessment. The ultimate aim is for the judges to select wines that enhance the reputation of Marlborough, determined on the day as the best representation of the region - for the season, variety and style.

AMW is delighted to confirm its 2023 Annual Collection panel will comprise three highly regarded wine professionals: Jane Skilton MW, Erin Larkin & Andrea Martinisi. All active and distinguished industry members, they will be well placed to determine this year’s ultimate collection.

Jane Skilton continues to be one of New Zealand’s most esteemed Master of Wines. She is an educator of the next generation through her leading wine school NZSWS and is a sought after wine judge, critic and columnist.

Erin Larkin is a respected wine professional based in Perth, Australia. The NZ wine reviewer for Wine Advocate magazine, Erin is also a regular contributor to the Wine Companion and an active wine judge.

Andrea Martinisi is an accomplished Sommelier having worked in several iconic establishments including the UK’s Fat Duck. Originally from Italy, Andrea was NZ’s representative in the 2022 ASI Association of Sommeliers Asia-Oceania Competition - where he placed second. He is the Beverage Director for The Grove and Baduzzi.

The inaugural AMW Annual Collection (announced October 2022) articulated that AMW members are committed to their craft. “There are some very clever, thoughtful winemakers in Marlborough,” said Master of Wine Emma Jenkins, following her tasting of near 70 Sauvignon Blancs for the 2022 collection. “And this was a year that they rose to the challenges of the season to deliver wines of quality and character.”

“Benchmarking is very important in the (beverage) industry, in all categories,” said fellow inaugural judge, Liz Wheadon. “Without knowing what good/great looks like, it is hard for new entrants - or those striving to do better - to know which direction to go in. Highlighting success, breeds success.”

Composed of both classic and alternative styled Sauvignon Blancs, “the Annual Collection makes a case for Marlborough excellence,” says Amanda McRae AMW Executive Officer. “The aim is to highlight the quality and distinctive flavour on offer when consumers choose 100% Marlborough.”

The Annual Collection is open to all members with the structured blind tasting ensuring that every wine is evaluated for its merits in the glass. The final results of the tasting will be announced early October.