Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Gris

Growing Region: Gisborne, New Zealand

Owners: Kirsten & Richard Searle

*Consultant Winemaker: Rebecca Lawrence

TASTING NOTE:
Even before I poured this wine into my glass, I was expecting a fruit forward well balanced wine made by the 'consulting' winemaker Rebecca Lawrence - and I wasn't disappointed. The fruit for this wine was sourced from the 'Briant' vineyard, between Patutahi and Manutuke, across the Waipaoa River from Matawhero in Gisborne.

The grapes were machine harvested and juiced at the winery as soon as possible. The fruit was cold settled for 36 hours; the juice was racked to stainless steel tank and inoculated with an aromatic yeast. Cool fermented to dryness, the wine was racked post fermentation. A portion of the wine was induced and underwent malolactic fermentation to add mouth-feel and flavour.

In the glass you have a pale straw colour with a hint of gold. The wine has a floral nose with jasmine, almond and apricot notes, also Nashi pear and a typical Gisborne character of lanolin. The palate is full bodied with tropical fruits, lychee, and dried apricots all in good balance. The wine is soft and voluptuous and very drinkable.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this summer; and well into 2010.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with Asian & Pacific rim infused cuisine, and vegetarian dishes, enjoy.

Great drinkability - enjoy slightly chilled!