The Sacred Hill family of wines, which includes Ti Point and Wild South, won more gold medals, five star ratings and international critical acclaim in 2012 than in any previous year.

Chief winemaker Tony Bish says the success is a tribute to the passion and dedication of the whole Sacred Hill team.

"Our desire is to make wines that reflect our vineyard sites and are known for their texture, flavour and sheer drinkability," he says.

"The experience and attention to detail at every stage of the winemaking process by our winemaking team is reflected in the quality of wine produced. But wine isn't just made by winemakers, it's made by the people in the cellar and in the vineyards. It's a team effort and we are all delighted with this year's achievements."

Stand out successes include 2011 Sacred Hill Orange Label Sauvignon Blanc winning gold medals in the New World Wine Awards and Royal Easter Show Wine Awards, with the 2012 vintage winning gold on release at the New Zealand International Wine Show.

It was also a superb year for the winery's flagship Special Selection range with the wines receiving a raft of outstanding endorsements from international critics, including a rare 97 point score for the 2010 Sacred Hill Helmsman from Australian MW (Master of Wine) Andrew Caillard and ratings ranging between 90 and 93+ points from Lisa Perotti-Brown MW of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, one of the most influential wine publications in the world.

"The avalanche of endorsements we have received this year is a great reward for the team's efforts, and provides independent confirmation for our customers that we produce great quality wines that can be trusted to deliver beyond expectations" Tony Bish says.

His top tip is to get the best out of Sacred Hill's winning wines by enjoying them with good company and tasty summer fare such as these personal favourites.

Hot tea smoked salmon sliders

Salmon, whisky, brown sugar-cure; sour cream, horseradish, mayo - dressing; Tea, sugar - to smoke; micro greens and Tobiko caviar to finish.

Gold medal wine match: Riflemans Chardonnay.

Individual caramelised onion and goats cheese tarts

Goats cheese, red onion, brown sugar, balsamic, thyme; flour and butter for a light, tasty pastry.

Gold medal wine match: Orange Label Sauvignon Blanc or Wild South Sauvignon Blanc.

Rare Hawke's Bay Wagyu beef on handcrafted sourdough loaf with Dijon mayonnaise (dijonaise) and baby gherkins, dusted with epicurean micro greens.

Gold medal wine match: Ti Point Matriarch Syrah or Halo Merlot Cabernet.

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