Pinot Gris from
New Zealand – Canterbury & Waipara
18/20Fruit from the Cheviot Hills, hand-picked and WBP, then fermented in stainless-steel, with a portion in seasoned oak to 14.5% alc. and 3.0 g/L rs, the wine aged on yeast lees. Bright straw-yellow colour with slight lemon-green hues, pale rim. This has a full, softly fresh nose of pears and apricots with notes of honey and spice, along with smoke and flint nuances, well interwoven, with density. Dryish to taste, this has an attractive core of ripe yellow stonefruits, unfolding layers of honey, spices and perfumes. There is weight and subtle alcohol drive that contributes to the round and near-unctuous textures. The wine is balanced by fresh acidity that results in a degree of elegance, and the wine finishes with long, honied and sweet notes. A classical Pinot Gris with stonefruit and honied notes, good body and satisfying mouthfeel. Serve with tapas and Mediterranean fare over the next 3-4 years. 18.0/20 Feb 2012 RRP $24.95