This attractive bunch of pinot gris includes simple ones with lovely fruit and others with lees character which give a suggestion of creamy nuts, texture, and the ability to develop with a year or so's bottle age. They are best served chilled.
BEST VALUE
Peregrine Saddleback Central Otago Pinot Gris 2011
$20
Four stars (out of 5)
Good value
A couple of years bottle age has allowed this to develop complexity. It's mouth-filling and integrated with hints of nuts and spice melded with fruit. For those who are bored by simple fruity pinot gris.
www.peregrinewines.co.nz
BEST UNDER $20
Tussock Nelson Pinot Gris 2012
$19
3+ stars (out of 5)
Good value
Fresh aromas, mouth-filling with lovely, nutty, creamy, almost savoury characters supporting the fruit. Complex and good drinking.
Lake Hayes Central Otago 2013
$20
3+ stars (out of 5)
Average value
A medium sweet wine, fragrant with hints of mint, attractive fruit hinting of ripe pears and golden peaches, a suggestion of nuts and a rich oily texture.
Yealands Estate Single Block R6 Awatere Pinot Gris 2012
$26
3+ stars (out of 5)
Good value
Fragrant, oozing a fruit salad of tropical and stone fruit with just a hint of cream and nuts, a rich, oily texture and a fresh, lively finish. Delicious.
Coopers Creek Allison Gisborne Marsanne 2013
$24
3+ stars (out of 5)
Good value
Marsanne is a white grape from the Rhone valley in France and produces a simple mouth-filling, food-friendly wine with an oily texture and suggestions of melon and almonds .
Tohu Awatere Pinot Gris 2013
$22
3+ stars (out of 5)
Good value
Fragrant and floral, oozing attractive ripe, juicy pears and white nectarine, this is off-dry with a crisp, refreshing finish.
