News & events

Dreadnought '08 wins double gold

Dreadnought Syrah 2008, one of Man O' War's flagship wines, has received GOLD in two of the world's most prestigious wine competitions, Decanter Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge. To add further kudos to this achievement, only 5 New Zealand wineries received Gold in both awards and Man O' War Dreadnought was the only Waiheke wine to receive Gold in both.

Increasingly competitive, both competitions hit record numbers this year. The International Wine Challenge received submissions from 46 wine producing countries whilst Decanter hit 10,983 entries, sealing its position as the world's biggest international wine competition, with only 2.8% of wines winning a coveted Gold or Regional Trophy!

Man O' War's vineyard manager Matt Allen says, "The whole team is on a real high following the results and its great reward for everyone involved, knowing firsthand the hard yards required for such recognition. 2008 was a truly amazing vintage to be a part of and the awards are further endorsement that wines produced from little old Waiheke can stand proud on a world stage."

Man O' War is found at the eastern end of Waiheke Island in Auckland's pristine Hauraki Gulf. It is named for the fact that Waiheke supplied kauri trees to Captain James Cook for masts on his Man O' War battle ships.

The vineyards are a stunning spread of coastal hillsides - 150 acres of vines spread over 90 individual parcels selected specifically for their terroir and microclimate. This attention to detail has delivered wines of individuality, character and quality.

Dreadnought Syrah takes its name from the first in a line of 20th century Royal Navy battleships bestowed with the motto "Fear God and Dread Nought" and embodying a supreme combination of speed and power. Dreadnought Syrah is grown on the steepest and most breathtaking hillside vineyards.

Man O' War along with 14 other Waiheke Island producers will showcase their wines to the trade and the public at two expos this June in Auckland and Wellington.