Marlborough

Low crops and prefect weather have meant that 2009 was a stunning vintage for our Pinot Gris. The grapes were sourced from the Barnsley vineyard located in the inland Waihopai Valley and our own Chaytor Road vineyard, which is closer to the sea. Pear and citrus aromas are matched with spiced apple and peach flavours. The wine has a richly textured mouthfeel and great length, low yields and fermentation of a portion of the blend in seasoned French oak barriques, has produced a wine of complexity and depth.

Scallop Mornay

Marcus Wright / Rebecca Wiffen.

The grapes were gently pressed with the free run juice being settled overnight before fermentation in stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures to retain the fruit characters. Post fermentation the wine was left on light yeast lees to add texture and subtle flavours. The pressings (25% of the blend) were fermented in older French oak barriques with 'wild yeast. this portionis rich, round and spicy, providing body and additional mouthfeel.

The grapes were sourced from our own Chaytors Road vineyard and the Barnsley vineyard. A rigorous program of shoot thinning, hand leaf plucking and early crop thinning allowed for excellent ripening and a small intensely flavoured crop. The perfect ripening season allowed us to pick the fruit in excellent condition, with a wonderful array of textbook Pinot Gris flavours.

This wine will drink at its best over the next two to three years.

Alcohol: 14 % pH: 3.46. Residual Sugar: 8.3g/L Total Acidity: 5.2 g/L Brix: 23.5 - 24.2.