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Viva Wine Awards 2025: New Zealand's Top Red Wines Revealed

The Top Red Wines from Viva's 2025 Wine Award-Winning Wineries

In the ever-evolving world of New Zealand wine, the Viva Wine Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the country's finest producers, celebrating excellence across varietals, regions, and styles. For 2025, the awards have once again highlighted a stellar lineup of red wines that capture the essence of New Zealand's diverse terroirs—from the sun-drenched vineyards of Hawke's Bay to the cool-climate havens of Central Otago. These award-winning wineries have impressed judges with their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, resulting in reds that are not only technically superb but also deeply expressive of place. This year's top reds span classic Pinot Noirs, bold Syrahs, and elegant Bordeaux-style blends, offering something for every palate, whether you're a seasoned collector or a casual enthusiast. Drawing from the awards' rigorous blind-tasting process, we've delved into the standout bottles from the winning estates, exploring their stories, flavors, and what makes them worthy of your cellar.

Starting in Central Otago, where Pinot Noir reigns supreme, Prophet's Rock took home top honors for its 2022 Rocky Point Pinot Noir. This wine exemplifies the region's signature bright acidity and mineral-driven complexity, hailing from a vineyard perched on schist-laden slopes that impart a distinctive flinty edge. Judges praised its vibrant red cherry and wild strawberry notes, layered with subtle hints of thyme and white pepper. At around $45 a bottle, it's an accessible entry into premium Otago Pinot, with a silky tannin structure that promises aging potential up to a decade. Prophet's Rock, under the guidance of winemaker Paul Pujol, emphasizes low-intervention farming, allowing the fruit to speak for itself. Pair it with grilled lamb or earthy mushroom dishes to let its elegance shine.

Not far away, in the Gibbston sub-region, Mt Difficulty's 2021 Roaring Meg Pinot Noir emerged as a crowd-pleaser, securing a gold medal for its balance of power and finesse. This wine bursts with dark plum and blackberry aromas, evolving into a palate of velvety tannins and a lingering spice finish. Priced at about $35, it's a testament to the winery's decades-long dedication to sustainable practices, including dry-farmed vines that enhance fruit concentration. The 2021 vintage benefited from a warm, dry season, resulting in ripe yet restrained flavors that avoid over-extraction. Critics noted its versatility—ideal for everything from casual barbecues to formal dinners—making it a staple for any red wine lover's rotation.

Venturing north to Hawke's Bay, known for its gravelly soils and Mediterranean-like climate, Craggy Range stole the show with its 2020 Sophia, a Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend that clinched the supreme red wine award. Comprising 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Cabernet Franc, this wine is a masterclass in elegance, with opulent cassis, cedar, and dark chocolate notes underpinned by fine-grained tannins. Aged for 18 months in French oak, it reflects winemaker Julian Grounds' philosophy of blending for harmony rather than dominance. At $120, it's a splurge-worthy bottle, perfect for cellaring and decanting alongside rare beef or aged cheeses. The winery's Te Muna Road vineyard, with its ancient riverbed soils, contributes to the wine's structure and longevity, earning accolades for its seamless integration of fruit and oak.

Syrah enthusiasts will rejoice over Trinity Hill's 2021 Homage Syrah, another Hawke's Bay gem that dominated its category. Inspired by the northern Rhône, this wine delivers intense black pepper, violet, and smoked meat aromas, with a full-bodied palate of boysenberry and licorice. Judges highlighted its impeccable balance, crediting the Gimblett Gravels sub-region's warm days and cool nights for the wine's freshness amid its richness. Priced at $150, it's a limited-release offering from vines planted in the 1990s, fermented with wild yeasts to enhance complexity. Trinity Hill, led by chief winemaker Warren Gibson, focuses on minimal intervention, resulting in a Syrah that's both hedonistic and intellectual—think pairing it with slow-cooked brisket or charcuterie boards.

Marlborough, often synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc, proved its red wine prowess through Clos Henri's 2022 Petit Clos Pinot Noir. This organic and biodynamic producer, part of the Sancerre-based Henri Bourgeois family, crafts a lighter-style Pinot with redcurrant, rose petal, and subtle earthy undertones. At $30, it's an everyday luxury, showcasing the clay-rich soils of the Wairau Valley that lend a savory minerality. The wine's bright acidity makes it food-friendly, excelling with salmon or poultry. Judges appreciated its purity, a result of hand-harvesting and gentle pressing, underscoring Clos Henri's commitment to environmental stewardship.

Further afield, in Martinborough, Ata Rangi's 2020 Crimson Pinot Noir impressed with its depth and approachability. Sourced from younger vines, this wine offers juicy raspberry and cherry flavors, accented by cinnamon and clove from partial oak aging. Priced at $40, it's a vibrant expression of the region's loess soils and maritime influence, with soft tannins that invite immediate enjoyment. Ata Rangi, a pioneer in sustainable viticulture, uses cover crops and natural pest control, which judges noted contributed to the wine's lively fruit profile.

Waiheke Island's Man O' War brought island flair with its 2021 Dreadnought Syrah, a bold red featuring espresso, black olive, and dark berry notes. The volcanic soils and sea breezes of the island impart a unique salinity, making this $60 bottle stand out for its structure and intensity. Ideal for hearty stews, it's a nod to the winery's adventurous spirit.

These award-winners from Viva's 2025 lineup underscore New Zealand's rising status in the global red wine scene. From elegant Pinots to robust Syrahs, they reflect meticulous craftsmanship and a deep respect for the land. Whether you're exploring new tastes or stocking up for special occasions, these bottles promise discovery and delight. As the awards evolve, they remind us that New Zealand's reds are not just competing on the world stage—they're leading it. (Word count: 842)

Read the Full The New Zealand Herald Article at:
[ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/viva/food-drink/the-top-red-wines-from-vivas-2025-wine-award-winning-wineries/MEWQR4X62ZEUVILID67SUNVLEI/ ]