Pinot Gris might be a fashionable white variety, but it can be fairly boring. Several in this tasting, however, are partly barrel fermented which gives texture and complexity and makes them more interesting - as well as more expensive. Nevertheless, the most attractive and best value of this bunch of aromatics turned out to be a gewurztraminer.
◊ BEST VALUE
$25
Fragrant with hints of rose petals, ripe pears and lychees, lush with tropical fruit, roasted quinces and a hint of praline (caramelised almonds) on the aftertaste.
This is a big, mouthfilling wine with a hint of sweetness and a dryish finish.
- Four stars (out of five)
- Good value
(about $24)
A promising first vintage from Steve Harrop and Fenella Barry's vineyard in Grants Rd, with a label designed by Oamaru artist Donna Demente, this is a bright, lively wine with hints of eau de cologne and citrus, mouthfilling and very dry on the finish.
I enjoyed the balance and texture and look forward to seeing future vintages of pinot gris from this North Otago region.
- Three stars (out of five)
- Average value
(about $25)
A surprising aroma hinting of celery and flowers was followed by the more usual peach and nectarine fruit flavours with a hint of biscuit and a crisp finish.
- Three stars (out of five)
- Average value
www.tworiversofmarlborough.co.nz
(about $28)
Hints of buttery, nutty biscuits and nectarines characterised this when first opened, but by the following day it had developed into a flavoursome, stylish, textural wine, with fruit, nutty complexities and a nicely balanced, harmonious, long aftertaste. A wine that will develop with more bottle age.
- Four stars (out of five)
- Good value
(about $30)
From Forrest Estate, this is named after the Scottish bogle (scarecrow) and is made from grapes grown at Bannockburn.
It oozes fragrant citrus, pear, peach and apricot jam on toast, but has a silky texture and long creamy finish.
- Four stars (out of five)
- Average value
www. forrest.co.nz
(about $32)
This vineyard on Chinaman's Terrace at Bendigo overlooking Lake Dunstan is now getting into its stride.
This is a complex wine with hints of tropical fruit, grapefruit and eau de cologne, depth of flavour and long, velvety but lively aftertaste.
- Four stars (out of five)
- Average value
• ANOTHER GLASS
Obsidian Waiheke Island Viogner 2008
(about $36)
From the other end of the country, this Waiheke viognier is a creamy, mouthfilling white with nutty, toasty hints and a suggestion of lime.
- Three stars (out of five)
- Below average value
• 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.
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
