Giesen’s Clayvin Syrah 2021 has earned six trophies to date, marking an exceptional result for this organically certified, single-vineyard wine.
At the International Wine Challenge (IWC), the wine scored 96 points and was awarded three trophies:
- International Syrah Trophy
- New Zealand Red Trophy
- New Zealand Syrah Trophy
Shortly after, Clayvin Syrah 2021 was named Champion Syrah at the New Zealand Organic Wine Awards, bringing its total trophy count to six.
International Recognition
The International Wine Challenge is one of the world’s most respected wine competitions, judging wines blind for faithfulness to style, region and vintage. Gold medal wines progress to trophy tastings, where the best are re-evaluated by senior panels and co-chairs to determine overall champions.
Recognition at this level places Clayvin Syrah among the finest Syrah wines internationally.
From the Winemaker
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with this recognition. Our Clayvin vineyard in the Southern Valleys is a special site, widely regarded as one of Marlborough’s finest. These awards reflect the exceptional quality of the fruit and the unique character of this vineyard, particularly when benchmarked against some of the world’s best Syrah and Shiraz wines.”
— Duncan Shouler, Chief Winemaker
The Clayvin Vineyard
Clayvin is the cornerstone of Giesen’s premium wine programme. Located in Marlborough’s Southern Valleys, the vineyard is certified organic by BioGro New Zealand and planted on a north-facing hillside.
Managed with meticulous, hands-on viticulture guided by biodynamic principles, Clayvin features clay soils, varied rootstocks and vines over 30 years old. High-density planting naturally reduces vigour and promotes deep root structure.
The Syrah block sits at the upper reaches of the vineyard, where warm daytime temperatures support ripening, while Marlborough’s cool nights preserve freshness. This combination delivers classic Syrah expression — black fruit, white pepper and spice — with structure, tannin and mineral drive.
A Standout Vintage
These latest accolades add to an already impressive record for the 2021 vintage, which has also received:
- Champion ‘Other Red’ Trophy — Marlborough Wine Show
- Syrah Trophy — National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand
We’re incredibly proud of the winemaking, viticulture and operations teams behind this wine. Clayvin Syrah 2021 is a powerful expression of place, care and craft — and a benchmark for New Zealand Syrah.
