Pinot Gris from New Zealand – Marlborough  18-/20Bright, light straw-yellow colour with hints of lemon and gold, pale on rim. This has a full, voluminous and densely packed nose of ripe yellow stonefruits that unfolds to reveal layers of exotic tropical fruits and spices intermixed with flinty lees nuances. Dryish to taste, this is rich and fulsome with a weighty, concentrated palate. Some alcoholic warmth and body adds to the density of the rounded textures and generous, near-unctuous mouthfeel. An amalgam of ripe stonefruit, spices, flint and minerals forms a solid core that leads to a sturdy, dry, sustained finish. Hand-picked fruit from a single vineyard near Woodbourne, cool-fermented in stainless-steel to 13.5% alc. and 10 g/L rs, the wine aged on fine lees. This full-bodied, dense and rounded Pinot Gris is in an Alsace style that will match Mediterranean cuisine over the next 3-5 years. 18.0-/20 Feb 2012 RRP $28.00
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Pinot Noir from New Zealand – Marlborough17.5/20Dijon clone fruit from 7 y.o. vines from the 30° ‘Maybern' site overlooking the cellars, destemmed with a small portion of whole clusters, wild yeast fermented to 13.5% alc, the wine aged 18 months in 30% new oak. ‘Maybern' is a tribute to May and Bernard, Warwick's parents. Light garnet-hued red colour with a little bricking on the pale edge. The bouquet is light and ethereal with complex aromas of sappy, soft red fruits, dried herbs, game and savoury brackish elements. Medium bodied, this is tightly constructed with intensity and fine-grained, but firm tannins featuring on the palate. The flavours are in the savoury red berry fruit spectrum, complexed by notes of brown spices, dried herbs and earth. A little resiny oak is noticeable. Acidity drives the palate line and adds to the firm and tight style. This savoury, firm, but elegantly proportioned Pinot Noir will benefit from another 2 years cellaring. Then drink over the next 4-5+ years with mushroom and game dishes. 17.5/20 Feb 2012 RRP $46.00
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