Although not normally a fan of pinot gris, I found this batch enjoyable, mainly because the wines were better balanced than many. Some also had a small proportion of barrel fermentation which gives texture and more interest.
BEST VALUE
$22
A lively pinot gris with hints of pear, mint and fresh ginger, an underlying suggestion of something savoury, and a firm, textural finish.
Good value
Four stars (out of five)
$23
A stylish wine, with pleasant fruit hinting of lime and peach with a suggestion of mint, a background nuttiness and a firmly structured, dry finish.
Good value
Four stars
$22
A bright, zesty wine with hints of pear and peach, and a lively, dryish finish with a pleasant aftertaste.
www.frizzellwines.co.nz/thestory.
Average value
Three stars
$20
A sweeter style of pinot gris, oozing juicy pears and summer fruits, a bit like an alcoholic fruit salad.
Average value
Two stars
$24
Ripe fruit with a creamy nutty undertone from some barrel fermentation gives this wine some texture and complexity.
Average value
Three stars
$28
A beautifully balanced, harmonious wine, rich, mouthfilling and textural with hints of ripe pear and nuts in the background, and a dry, firm finish. It will develop over a year or so.
Good value
Five stars
ANOTHER GLASS
Gladstone Vineyard Wairarapa Pinot Gris 2009
$23
There's a lot of nutty, toasty oak, toffee and burnt milk character here which overpowers the fruit. I find it a bit over the top but it will appeal to those who like buttery, oaky chardonnays.
Below average value
Two and a half stars
Neudorf Maggie's Block Nelson Pinot Gris 2009
$24
A bright, juicy wine with hints of lime and eau de cologne, a suggestion of nuts and a lively finish.
Average value
Three stars
Although wine sent for review is tasted blind to eliminate preconceptions, all wine tasting and evaluation is subjective. These are personal recommendations. charmian.smith@odt.co.nz
Two stars - simple, clean, enjoyable wine; three stars - good wine with varietal characteristics; four stars - very good wine with some outstanding characteristics; five stars - outstanding wine with balance and harmony that leaves you with a sense of wonder.
