The Alexandra Basin Winegrowers turned on a sunny Central Otago day for their third annual new release tasting on the lawn of Olivers in Clyde on Labour Weekend Sunday.
It was a smaller event than in previous years so it was possible to taste all the wines.
Sadly there was no riesling on show, but there were a few gewurztraminers, a variety that does well in Central. Schist Hills Old Vine Gewurztraminer 2011 ($45) from 30-year-old vines from Black Ridge vineyard was the highlight - luscious with hints of lychees, but also floral and zesty with enough restraint to balance the richness.
Several pinot gris were on show, ranging from fragrant, crisp, fruity wines such as 8 Ranges 2011 ($25), Aravin ($22), Drumsara ($29) and Hinton ($24) to the nutty Schist Hills ($22), but the best value was the simple, fruity Pick and Shovel Pinot Gris 2011 from Dry Gully at $12.
An unusual white was Hinton Estate's floral, zesty Viognier 2011 ($20).
There were plenty of fresh, summer roses but, as always in Central, the main event was pinot noir.
Antony Worch from Alexandra Vintners, who made many of the wines, said 2010 was a hotter year with more tannin than was usual for grapes grown around Alexandra. This can be tasted in the dusty finishes of several of the pinots.
Pick and Shovel Pinot Noir again provides the best value with its crisp, simple 2010 ($18). The attractive, easy Perseverance 2010 ($24) is also good value, as are the spicy, dusty Greylands Ridge Ridgeback Alex pinot noir 2010 ($25); 8 Ranges Trail Rider 2009 ($25), which is textural with hints of strawberry developing; Aravin's 2010 ($25) with blueberries and toasty oak; Dry Gully's fragrant, mouth-filling Pinot Noir 2009 ($25); the dark-fruited Schist Hills 2010 ($25); and the ripe, minerally Rock'n'Pillar 2009 ($25).
I also enjoyed the mellowed Clyde Village Pinot Noir 2009 ($33); Davishon Pinot Noir 2010, which has a hint of thyme in its aroma; the fragrant, nicely balanced Hawdun Rise Pinot Noir 2009 ($40); Hilok's spicy, textural Pinot Noir 2010 ($35); and Judge Rock's fresh, youthful Pinot Noir 2010 ($35).
A couple of producers were showing previews of wines that will be released next year: Hinton Estate's intense 2010 ($32) and Drumsara's lush 2010 ($30).
The Alexandra Basin Winegrowers show their wines each year at the Clyde Wine and Food Festival at Easter and at a new-release tasting at Labour weekend.
