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
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.
2022 Mora Bannockburn Pinot Gris
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.
2022 Penkridge Farm Central Otago Pinot Gris
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.
2022 Astrolabe Sleepers Vineyard Kekerengu Coast Pinot Gris
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.
2022 Astrolabe Marlborough Pinot Gris
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.
2021 Villa Maria Seddon Single Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Gris
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.
