Te Whare Ra
SV 5182 Pinot Gris 2023 750ml

We are passionate about aromatic varieties and particularly those from Alsace so it was only a matter of time until we took on the challenge of Pinot Gris. When we first bought the property here, we replanted a section of the old block with the Berry-Smith clone (also known as Larkham clone) of Pinot Gris. We selected this particular clone especially for its low cropping, small bunches and small berries as we felt it would deliver the best quality fruit. Pinot Gris is the “sister” of Pinot Noir and shares many of its familial “issues”. It is quite crop sensitive and we feel that to get the best out of it you really have to go the extra mile in the vineyard. So like Pinot Noir it is all shoot-thinned, and bunch thinned and we often remove the bunch shoulders as well. This means that we can get it into the winery with lovely fruit purity as well as concentration.

TASTING NOTES

This wine is finely structured with great purity & length of flavour and a lovely fleshiness. Lifted aromas of nashi pear, raspberry, red apple and white florals follow on to flavours of the same along with savoury undertones which are balanced by fine, supple texture and lingering minerality. This release is a dry style which has concentration, balance and great texture with layers of flavour.

95  Outstanding - Cameron Douglas MS

Pure fruited bouquet of gentle curves, ripeness, freshness and distinctiveness with scents of spice and white fleshed fruits, a light almost flinty mineral quality, shape and form. Fantastic on the palate led by texture first with a vibrant acid line accentuated by spice, then flavours of quince and lemon, white nectarine and pear skin. Lengthy, saline and delicious, a wine to enjoy from day of purchase through 2028+ 

95 Points - Sam Kim

Purity with stunning clarity, the wine shows nectarine, Asian Pear and white floral notes with a hint of oatmeal complexity. The palate offers outstanding focus and finesse as well as impressive concentration and persistence. Wonderfully framed by refined texture and juicy acidity, leading to a sustained, elegant finish. Certified organic. At its best: now to 2033. 

93 Points - Shanteh Wale, Wine Companion Sep

Fruit is taken from the Renwick subregion and fermented to dryness. Green pear skin, cactus flower and aloe. White jelly bean, nashi pear and cloudy apple juice. A textural affair with plenty of mass and weight, the swankiness of gris is highlighted by a taut, dry finish. It's moreish and flavoursome. A total crowd pleaser.