Pinot gris is one of the aromatic wine varieties, along with riesling, gewurztraminer, gruner veltliner and others with distinctive aromas. Pinot gris usually oozes aromas of ripe peaches and pears, and can be rich and mouthfilling, and sometimes hot and alcoholic on the finish.
BEST UNDER $20
$18
Three and a half stars (out of five)
Good value
This floral, fragrant wine from Waipara oozes ripe pears and crisp nectarines with a hint of mineral, mouthfilling flavours and a clean, balanced finish.
$25
Three and a half stars
Below average value
Perfumed with lovely fruit - mouthfilling ripe pears and golden peaches, with a creamy hint of nuts, a silky texture and clean finish.
$23
Three and a half stars
Average value
A rich, luscious wine that will bowl you over with effusive fruit - ripe golden peaches, passionfruit, and an oil texture and a crisp finish.
$21.50
Three and a half stars
Average value
Fresh nectarine and crisp, white-fleshed peach are supported by firm, savoury undertones and this textural wine has a clean, dryish finish.
$29
Four stars
Average value
This may have a light aroma but there's plenty of fruit _ pear, peach and nectarine, mingling with savoury, textural undertones, a clean, harmonious finish and a lingering aftertaste.
$28
Four stars
Average value
Fragrant with floral hints of cologne, pear and nectarine, but it's the rich, silky texture and underlying hints of creamy nuts and toast, the balance, harmony and firm, dry finish that make this wine stand out.
ANOTHER GLASS
Triplebank Awatere Pinot Gris 2011
$26
Three and a half stars
Below average value
There's a hint of mint among the pear and nectarine flavours in this attractive, fruity wine.
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.
