Pinot Gris/Blanc/Gruner Veltiner

Winemaker's Notes:  Full-bodied richness, brilliant orange citrus, white pepper aromatics and a savoury, textural palate exemplify this our Marlborough Gruner Veltliner. With the variety originally hailing from Austria, we feel our rendition takes on the best of European structure and New Zealand fruit opulence. The fruit was hand-picked from two vineyards in the Central Wairau subregion, gently pressed and fermented in both stainless steel and 500L French oak puncheons. It spent 10 months maturing on fine lees which has given increased texture and complexity. We like to call it G.V. or Gruner - you can call it anything you...

"Something very special is happening at this gloriously picturesque winery, especially with regard to its pinot gris..." Winestate magazine. Chard Farm Pinot Gris is produced from grapes grown in our Tiger and Sinclair vineyards, nestled within the Parkburn region of Cromwell. These grapes are meticulously hand-harvested and fermented in small batches to preserve their inherent fruit purity and finesse. The resulting wine is full-bodied, dry, and exhibits a delightful texture, showcasing remarkable fruit structure, intensity, and a mineral-infused, lingering finish. WINEMAKERS COMMENTS Aromatic dried herbs and wildflowers with a...

Arrival End Jan 2024   Bob Campbell MW 96 points. WINERY NOTES: This wine has a characteristic straw colour with an upfront nose of honeysuckle and poached pear, followed by tropical melon and the fragrant and floral spice of potpourri. On tasting, first impressions are of an obvious concentration and lushness which can be attributed to the very small berry clone of Pinot Gris that we grow - yellow peach, rock melon, hints of old fashioned custard with undertones of fenugreek spice. This wine has a long, lingering, crisp and clean finish and although it has a slightly higher level of residual sugar than previous vintages, doesn't...

Comments by winemaker, Wilco Lam: The 2016 Dry River Pinot Gris is initially a bit shy, which is to be expected of a young wine, but progressively the complexities start to become evident. Kiwi fruit, rock melon and white flesh stone-fruit are the obvious fruit aromas. We gladly welcome the stewed rhubarb character I often saw in our past Pinot gris. Bay leaf, ground galangal, and other Indian spices like cardamom and caraway seed add further interest. Candle nuts and vanilla pod bring a grounding effect and entice to finally start tasting! The wine appears drier than previous releases, the residual sugar is approximately 20 g/l, which might...

WINEMAKER NOTES: I favour drinking aged Pinot gris wines on account of the complexity, subtlety, mouthfeel and more obvious weight that comes with maturity. For me, the young wine frequently lacks the ebullience and upfront charm of young Gewurtz or Sauvignon blancs that would be needed to compensate for the extra qualities that come with time. These wines are a rewarding proposition for cellaring for 5+ years, but remember, the variety does lack the robustness of Riesling and Sauvignon blanc, and your cellaring conditions should pamper them. The wine is greenish straw in colour and it has a nose which displays floral, quince and ripe peach...

Michael Cooper says “At its best, this is one of the finest Pinot Gris in the country.”. Raymond Chan wine reviews 95 points. Awards "Delicious pinot gris with succulent tree fruit/pear and nectarine flavours and a classic honeysuckle aroma. Pure, ethereal and very tasty wine with an appealing creamy texture."  Bob Campbell MW ★★★★★ - Sam Kim 95 Points - Raymond Chan 94 Points - Bob Campbell MW   WINEMAKER’S NOTES Picked at relatively low brix for elegance and site expression, this is a drier style of Pinot Gris. Pre-pressing maceration of 5 hours at ambient temperatures, before settling for...

93/100 - Cameron Douglas MS -   "An enticing bouquet with complexity and purity of fruit leading to a plate of the same. Flavours brown pears and golden apples, some white nectarine, lees and quince suggestion surrounded by a layer of spice and suggestions of site and sandy soils. The lees add complexity and mouthfeel, some older oak use adds complexity and breadth, the fruits layer in purity and mid-palate flavours. Balanced and  well made with a decent level of complexity and lost of style. Best drinking from 2024 through 2029". 5 Stars (94/100) - Sam Kim (Wine Orbit)  - "It's elegantly expressed on...