Pinot gris is often off-dry or medium sweet, oily or velvety in texture with a fairly high alcohol content. While some can be attractive when fresh, few benefit from bottle age and these tend to be those that have had some barrel fermentation.
BEST VALUE
$22
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Good value
An enjoyable, mouth-filling wine suggesting ripe peaches and pears, with a hint of spicy biscuit, an attractive texture and clean finish. A blend of Marlborough and Waipara wines.
$23
Three and a half stars
Good value
This suggests ripe pears with hints of toasted nuts and golden peaches. It is off-dry and mouth-filling with a velvety texture and a clean finish.
$26
Four stars
Good value
A elegant wine, restrained and textural with attractive fruit suggesting peaches, nuts and even a hint of honey. Off-dry with a firm structure and more interesting than the usual run of pinot gris.
$27
Four stars
Good value
Since its first vintage I've been a fan of the Triple Bank pinot gris from Awatere Valley in Marlborough. This is fresh and zesty with lively fruit - pear and a nuance of nuts. A fresh, enjoyable wine.
Pinot Gris 2012
$38
Four stars
Average value
One of the few pinot gris in this tasting that tasted better the day after it was opened. It is fresh and attractive, suggesting peach, nectarine and ripe pears with some complexity and texture, medium sweet in style and worth a few months' bottle age.
$26
Three stars
Below average value
Slightly dusty aromas but fruit salad flavours - peach, nectarine and juicy pears with a hint of nuts. A lively wine but with a hot finish.
ANOTHER GLASS
Marlborough Exotica Pinot Gris 2012
$12.50
Three stars
This may be hard to find except perhaps in Asian restaurants as it's made to complement Asian ood. It's creamy and nutty with hints of golden syrup, some weight and power, and a tight, dry finish.
Stoneleigh Latitude Marlborough Pinot Gris 2012
$28
Three stars
A mouth-filling wine with lots of fruit - pears, peaches, and a suggestion of nuts, with a clean finish.
