I’m writing this from Takaka in the far north west of the South Island, though the wines were tasted just before Christmas. A family holiday, and an opportunity to revisit a part of the country I haven’t been to in years. This trip has been very non-wine related, though wines have certainly been enjoyed with friends and acquaintances along the way. It reminded me of a quote, of sorts, "a glass of wine, still the most popular hand-held device for catching up with people".] 2022 Domain Road Defiance Bannockburn Pinot Gris Price RRP $28 Rating Very Good to Excellent Attractive nose, pear, pastry dough, nutty elements, wisps of apple skin with aeration. Supple and viscous, an oily richness to this initially, the acid backbone becomes apparent later. Nice depth, brimming with flavour, a touch of residual sugar evident, a citrusy note providing contrast. Open and raring to go, could be a bit of a crowd pleaser. www.domainroad.co.nz 2022 Mora Bannockburn Pinot Gris Price RRP $35 Rating Excellent Florality to the nose, hints of potpourri, pear and stonefruit, deceptively powerful. Good weight and energy continuing the theme of the nose adding hints of cooked apple and a biscuity nuance. Grows with time, showing an attractive chewiness and an engaging sweet ‘n’ sour element to the close which also grows over time. Nicely done. www.mora.co.nz 2022 Penkridge Farm Central Otago Pinot Gris Price RRP $28 Rating Very Good to Excellent Perfumed nose, old rose or lavender perhaps, musk, mixed stonefruits accenting pear. Wisps of fruit pastille, dry honey, supple and mouthfilling. Ripe, yet not overtly sweet, managing good depth of flavour without being overblown. Creamy texture, works nicely, and plenty to enjoy here. www.penkridgefarm.co.nz 2022 Astrolabe Sleepers Vineyard Kekerengu Coast Pinot Gris Price RRP $30 Rating Very Good to Excellent Florality, wisps of lanolin, apple and pear. The palate tighter and more minerally than the nose might suggest while lighter in body. Initially wondered if this was underpowered, but recognise the vibrancy and appealing edginess to this with excellent carry. Drier and with crisp acidity: I suspect this crispness and acidity would make it a great food match. www.astrolabewines.co.nz 2022 Astrolabe Marlborough Pinot Gris Price RRP $28 Rating Very Good to Excellent A lanolin/soapy nuance leads, shifting to ripe pear and a fleeting note of sweat. This wears its heart on its sleeve, not super complex yet there’s great flavour intensity offering a lot of drinking appeal. With aeration some tanginess comes to the fore alongside a grassy touch, ripe yet closing dry with good length. Grows nicely in the glass. www.astrolabewines.co.nz 2021 Villa Maria Seddon Single Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Gris Price RRP $29.99 Rating Very Good to Excellent Subtle yet rather attractive nose, pear, tropical fruits, citrus perhaps, a stony character. Pineapple and pear notes on the palate, a quiet richness and depth, some structural backbone with nice zestiness on the finish providing freshness. Develops an almondy bittersweet character on the close, which neatly contrasts the fruit sweetness. www.villamariawines.com
