Thornbury Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012 has been voted Top Sauvignon at the 2012 New World Wine Awards.

Winemaker Simon Fell is excited about the recognition of his wines: "Taking out the top spot in New Zealand’s flagship category is an incredible achievement for us. We are all about matching New Zealand’s favourite grape varieties with our iconic wine regions, and this category win reflects our careful selection of exceptional vineyard sites in the Awatere and Wairau valleys."

Simon’s Waipara Pinot Gris 2011 also scooped a gold medal, securing a second spot in the Top 50 at these awards for Thornbury wines.

The New World Wine Awards are an industry highlight every year. Wines submitted must be under $25, making the awards particularly relevant to kiwi consumers. A record number of gold medals were awarded this year, reflecting the increasing quality of wines being entered into the competition, which is now in its 10th year.