Trans-Tasman rivals tie in wine challenge

The two nations channelled their trans-Tasman rivalry as they met head-to-head in a blind wine tasting.

With judging lead by Bob Campbell MW from New Zealand and Nick Stock from Australia, the 'dream team' of top 12 wines turned out to be a perfect split from Australia and New Zealand, with each nation claiming six places each. Australian wine, Campbells Merchant Prince Rare Rutherglen Muscat NV, was crowned "player of the match".

"The draw is an unsurprising result as both teams played to their strengths very well. All of the wines were incredibly close, and we really couldn't fault either team, as you can see from the results," says Campbell.

The event was a joint initiative between New Zealand Winegrowers, Tourism New Zealand, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, and ATEED designed to celebrate the Cricket World Cup ahead of this weekend's New Zealand and Australia game.

The final team of winning wines is:

Arras EJ Carr Late Disgorged Tasmania 2002
Greystone Sand Dollar Pinot Gris Waipara Valley 2013
Framingham Select Riesling Marlborough 2013
Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014
Cherubino Pemberton Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay Margaret River 2013
S.C. Pannell Arido Nebbiolo Rosé Adelaide Hills 2013
Freycinet Vineyard Pinot Noir Tasmania 2012
Matua Single Vineyard Matheson Syrah Hawke's Bay 2013
Mudbrick Vineyard Reserve Merlot Cabernet Waiheke Island 2013
Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Sauvignon Hawke's Bay 2013
Campbells Merchant Prince Rare Rutherglen Muscat NV – player of the match

The wines featured in the "Trans-Tasman" tasting on 26 February 2015 were as follows:

NEW ZEALAND
Team captain: Bob Campbell MW
Akarua Pinot Rosé 2014
Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Escarpment Kupe Pinot Noir 2012
Framingham Select Riesling 2013
Greystone Sand Dollar Pinot Gris 2013
Matua Single Vineyard Matheson Syrah 2013
Mills Reef Elspeth Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Mudbrick Vineyard Reserve Merlot Cabernet 2013