Méthode traditionnelle is a very exciting class of wines to judge as the quality of New Zealand’s méthode is forever in the ascendance. Both the quality of the fruit and the production improve year on year as our understanding grows of how to make this most technical of wines, which would test the patience of the most saintly winemaker (not to speak of the winery accountant). The addition of international méthodes allows our judges to assess those who have been making these wines through the ages against us sparkling newbies here in New Zealand. While we are improving our quality with each passing vintage, there’s no reason to believe that we have reached the zenith in terms of quality, which simply means the best is still yet to come. Now that’s something to raise a toast to this Christmas and New Year.