Pinot gris is better than it used to be, thank goodness. In the past year or so I've noticed many have interesting textures and are better balanced than they once were.
BEST VALUE
$18
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Average value
Floral, zesty aromas, attractive fruit with a hint of spice, an oily texture and crisp, fresh finish.
mudhousewines.co.nz
BEST VALUE
$16
Three and a half stars
Good value
A zesty wine with hints of peaches, pears and mandarins, a light sweetness and an attractive, fresh, crisp finish.
hahawine.com
$22
Three and a half stars
Average value
Pear, peach and citrus aromas with attractive mouth-filling fruit, a suggestion of nuts and a fresh, textural finish.
arawines.com
$21
Three and a half stars
Average value
Hints of pears, attractive mouth-filling fruit with a suggestion of nuts and a firm long finish.
gladstonevineyard.co.nz
$30
Four stars
Average value
With an extra year's bottle age, this exudes rich fruit hinting of stewed rhubarb, and is concentrated and textural with a lingering aftertaste.
twrwines.co.nz
$23
Three and a half stars
Average value
A fresh, zesty wine with hints of peach, pear and citrus, it is big and off-dry with a hint of nuttiness and a nicely balanced finish.
maoripoint.co.nz
ANOTHER GLASS
Tohu Marlborough Awatere Pinot Gris 2014
$22
Three and a half stars
Average value
Fragrant with rich suggestions of peaches and ripe pears, a firm, textural, well-structured, mouth-filling wine with a dry finish
tohuwines.co.nz
Maori Point Grand Reserve Central Otago Pinot Gris 2013
$29
Four stars out of five
Average value
An unusual style of barrel fermented pinot gris, nutty, oxidative, with hints of nuts and oak, a suggestion of mineral, and mouth-filling, textural and dry. Better with food than by itself. It comes in a hefty bottle.
maoripoint.co.nz
