Imagine a rugby game of rugby between New Zealand and Australia where best bottles replaced players. It would be logical to choose Syrah/Shiraz instead of muscled forwards and Pinot Noir for the agile backs.

NZ Winegrowers organised such a match to coincide with a group of visiting Australian sommeliers who acted as judges alongside local sommelier Cameron Douglas and winemakers Simon Nunns (Coopers Creek) and Corey Hall (Gem). Distinguished Australian wine author and critic James Halliday selected his top 15 wines from Australia while I picked my favourites from New Zealand.

THE RESULTS
New Zealand dominated in the backs (Pinot Noir) with five out of the seven top wines. The winners were:
Terravin 2009, Marlborough (NZ) 28 points
Martinborough Vineyards 2009, Martinborough (NZ) 23 points
Coal Pit 2008 Tiwha, Central Otago (NZ) 22 points
Felton 2010 Road Block 3, Central Otago (NZ) 21 points (my favourite)
Akarua 2009 Reserve, Central Otago (NZ) 21 points
Tollana Robinson Family 2009 Bin TR474, Mornington Peninsula (Aust) 21 points
Paringa Estate2009, Mornington Peninsula (Aust) 20 points

New Zealand and Australia each scored four of the eight top forwards (Syrah/Shiraz) although NZ won on points. Winners:
Craggy Range 2009 Le Sol, Hawke’s Bay (NZ) 37 points
Shaw & Smith 2009, Adelaide Hills (Aust) 37 points
Bilancia 2009 La Collina, Hawke’s Bay (NZ) 23 points (my favourite)
Mills Reef 2009 Elspeth, Hawke’s Bay (NZ) 21 points
Hentley Farm 2009 The Beauty, Barossa Valley (Aust) 20 points
Wynns 2008 Coonawarra Michael Shiraz, Coonawarra (Aust) 20 points
Beach Head 2009 Shiraz, Margaret River (Aust) 19 points
Villa Maria 2007 Reserve, Hawke’s Bay (NZ) 19 points

I hope this is an indication of the outcome if the Kiwis face off against the Aussies at the RWC.

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