Te Whare Ra Single Vineyard Pinot Gris 2021

New Zealand, Wairau Valley

Pinot Gris

$$$

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Description

We are passionate about aromatic varieties and particularly those from Alsace so it was only a matter of time until we took on the challenge of Pinot Gris. When we first bought the property here, we replanted a section of the old block with the Berry-Smith clone (also known as Larkham clone) of Pinot Gris. We selected this particular clone especially for its low cropping, small bunches and small berries as we felt it would deliver the best quality fruit. This is a single vineyard release from our winery home block

Awards

94 pts The Real Review

92 pts James Suckling

Sam Kim 94 Points 5 Stars

Pristine and delightfully aromatic with apricot, green pear, citrus peel and white floral aromas, it’s brightly expressed on the palate delivering vibrant fruit flavours with fleshy texture and crisp acidity. Youthfully charming and gorgeously elegant. Certified organic. At its best: now to 2030.

2020 Vintage

Cameron Douglas MS – 94 Points

Ripe, fruity, varietal, floral and gently spicy bouquet. Aromas and flavours of white nectarine and Asian pear, yellow apple and lychee nut. A fine complex layer of tangerine and lemon peel, blossoms and white pepper add complexity and depth. Silky texture with plenty of acidity to contrast a core of fruit flavours. A gentle warming alcohol carries the flavours and textures through a lengthy finish. Excellent example in a drier style, balanced and well made. Drink now and through 2024+

Bob Campbell MW – 92 Points

Delicately aromatic Pinot Gris with crisp pear, apple and subtle honeysuckle flavours. Dry but not austere, with a mouth-watering line of acidity that promotes a lengthy finish. A bright, refreshing wine. Drink 2021–2024

Sam Kim – 95 Points

Elegant and pristine, the wine shows white flesh peach, fresh pear, lemon zest and white floral aromas on the nose, leading to a vibrant palate that’s finely expressed with youthful charm and lively mouthfeel. Gorgeously poised and lingering to a lengthy crisp finish. Certified organic. At its best: now to 2028.

Rebecca Gibb MW Vinous March 2022 Report – 91 Points

The pure, floral and dry 2020 Pinot Gris has a sense of sinew and drawn-out length. While round in the mouth, it is light in body, and as it moves energetically across the palate, it conveys purpose and texture. Apple, pear and spice flavours linger on the lengthy finish. A real step up from the wish washy world of New Zealand Pinot Gris.

Certifications

Biogro

Low/no sulfur

Alcohol

13.5%

Analytical data

dry

4.0 g/l residual sugar

6.5 g/l acidity

3.29 pH

Vineyard

Pinot Gris is the “sister” of Pinot Noir and shares many of its familial “issues”. It is quite crop sensitive and we feel that to get the best out of it you really have to go the extra mile in the vineyard. So like Pinot Noir it is all shoot-thinned, and bunch thinned and we often remove the bunch shoulders as well. This means that we can get it into the winery with lovely fruit purity as well as concentration.

Pruning: cane

Vinification

All fruit for this wine was hand-picked and hand-sorted. The grapes were destemmed, crushed then air bag pressed, some parcels had lengthier skin contact time. Free run and pressings were fermented separately. Fermentation: 76 % stainless steel, plus 24% in old French oak for texture and complexity. The tank portions underwent slow, cool ferments to retain aromatics. Barrel ferment parcels were carried out in large format neutral oak on full lees, lees-stirred regularly. All parcels given time on ferment lees to provide texture and complexity. This wine has not been fined and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians and anyone else who loves authentic, hand-made wines.

Was malolactic fermentation used: no

Was high-solid fermentation used: no

Bottling

Closure: Screw top

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