Once burnt but not shy this time

Mark Henderson
Mark Henderson

I must admit that Mr Collins and I went into this tasting with some "emotional baggage'', though we always remain open-minded.

Pinot gris in the past could be all over the place - some bone dry, some overly sweet, sometimes flabby and often with marked alcohol heat on the finish.

This collection was a whisper off dry but all found nice balance, retained wonderful freshness and avoided the burn that can bedevil the variety. A lesson learnt for me in the changing face of pinot gris.

 

 

Wet Jacket Pinot Gris
Price (cellar door):
$27
Rating: Very good to excellent

Attractive and appealing nose: spiced apples and pears, a  green herb/apple skin note, lanolin later. Spice, nuts and apple crumble on the palate with lovely viscosity and richness.

A whisper off dry, yet  a fresh counterpoint leading to a long finish with a little warm glow.

www.wetjacket.nz

 

 

2016 Misha’s Vineyard Dress Circle Pinot Gris
Price:
$27.95
Rating: Very good to excellent

Smoky bonfire, gum and stonefruits; pears with aeration. Concentration on the palate, textural  and mouthfilling with nashi pear, apple and spice notes. A mid-palate zing adds to the freshness.

Not showy, but  a wonderful flow  makes this delicious.

www.mishasvineyard.com

 

 

2016 Three Miners Miner’s Right Pinot Gris
Price:
$26
Rating: Very good to excellent

Subtle but attractive nose offering gum and pear drops; opening nicely with time. A crisply fresh rather than viscous palate, clean, juicy and  appealing. This builds, bringing in nuttiness and a citrusy lift.

Nicely balanced: the length builds to a  lip-smacking close.

www.threeminers.com

 

 

2016 Palliser Estate Pinot Gris
Price:
$29.99
Rating: Very good

Fruit sherbet and red apple skin; something a little wild here. Textural entry with a richly mouthfilling palate adding notes of pear and fresh herbs: a brightness and freshness adding lift. The palate is quite grainy with  hints of lemon verbena on the long finish.

Would go well with food.

www.palliser.co.nz

 

 

2016 Domain Road Defiance Pinot Gris
Price:
$25
Rating: Excellent

A deceptive wine initially shy on the nose with hints of grilled nuts, but fleshes out with aeration. A slippery, slinky mouthfeel with spiced pear and white stonefruits with citrusy zest on the close.

A wee bit of a slow burner that grows and grows in deliciousness, with a delightful finish.

www.domainroad.co.nz

 

 

2016 Aronui Single Vineyard Nelson Pinot Gris
Price:
$21.95
Rating: Very good

A subtle but varietal nose with hints of burnt match. Quite powerful and textural, a sweet fruit entry that belies the nose bringing in nutty elements, spice and crisp apple. 

A racy undercurrent across the mouth reminiscent of citrus rind or citrus oil. 

www.aronuiwines.co.nz

Add a Comment

 

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.