This group; however, managed to showcase their fruit ripeness without becoming over-sweet and my notes were filled with comments referring to their zestiness or tanginess which I found rather appealing. Hope you do too?
2023 Monte Christo Central Otago Pinot Gris
Rating: Very Good to Excellent
Nutty/cashew nut,
shifts to white
flowers, honeyed
notes, a wisp of pear.
The palate nicely
echoes the nose, a
sense of delicacy to
this, honey and pear
notes to the fore yet
this closes relatively
dry with a combo of
citrus and nuttiness
framing that finish.
With aeration, pear
builds on the nose
while the close adds
a refreshing
bittersweet quality.
2023 Quartz Reef Bendigo Pinot Gris
Rating: Excellent to Outstanding
Hits the savoury
notes out of the gate,
a minerally quality,
the fruit & fragrance
building as it opens
up, a musky aspect
later. A cooler feel,
bright & crisp in the
mouth, the fruit
swaying between
white peach &
stonefruits, retaining
that minerally quality,
once again fruit sweet
yet a tangy element
keeps this fresh.
Quiet complexity to
this, more serious.
2022 Astrolabe Sleepers Vineyard Kekerengu Coast Pinot Gris
Rating: Excellent
Nicely fruited, fruit
cordial and stonefruits
are joined by a
seasoning of spice,
quite expressive,
something between
mineral & Turkish
delight with time. The
palate adds pear to the
equation, a core of
minerality, a little citrus,
the long dry close
bringing lip-smacking
sapidity. Refinement,
the flavours hang in the
mouth, lemon peel
notes refresh the finish.
2023 Astrolabe Province Marlborough Pinot Gris
Rating: Excellent
Quite floral,
honeysuckle, pear, a
touch of dry honey. Rich
in the mouth, oily/
creamy, fat, super
richness & fruit
intensity, riffing between
pear & nectarine, spice
notes also in the mix.
For all its power it
remains surprisingly
light on its feet, some
real zestiness on the
long finish adding a lip-
smacking feel. With
aeration more grip,
nicely balanced,
drinking superbly.
2023 Trinity Hill Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris
Rating: Very Good to Excellent
Dances between citrus
and white flowers, fruit
building, a nutty
undercurrent. The
palate continues the
theme, citrusy
qualities leading the
way, an engaging
bittersweet aspect
reminiscent of apricot
kernel melds with the
fruit on the dry finish.
There’s a real
tanginess here,
accentuating nectarine
notes. Dreaming of
chicken in a creamy
sauce to pair with this.
2023 Domain Road Defiance Bannockburn Pinot Gris
Rating: Excellent
Rather beguiling nose,
musk, flower petal,
rose, pear, hints of
apricot, quite complex.
A richness & generosity
to the palate, the fruit
bold & expressive,
contrasted by spice and
nutty elements, fruit
sweetness here but
closing just off-dry. Am
I seduced by the hint of
sweetness here,
possibly yes, but it is
equally complex and
interesting. Lots to
enjoy.
Seasons - By Alison Lambert - Available for purchase now!
The Otago Daily Times and Alison have collaborated to bring you her first cookbook – Seasons.
This book is the ultimate year-round cookbook. Seasons is filled with versatile recipes designed to inspire creativity in the kitchen, offering plenty of ideas for delicious accompaniments and standout dishes that highlight the best of what each season has to offer.
$49.99 each. Purchase here.
$44.99 for ODT subscribers. Get your discount code here.
