Mt Beautiful Pinot Gris 09

This is the first release of a Pinot Gris from the Cheviot Hills vines of David and Leigh Teece. Only 5% of their vineyard, situated in North Canterbury between Waipara and Marlborough, is dedicated to the variety, but maybe more should be. Award-winning winemaker Sam Weaver can be proud of this. Made from hand-picked, whole bunch pressed fruit, this was 30% warm fermented in third-fill barrels to 14.5% alc, and 5.4 g/l rs, then aged on lees for six months. Bright straw with golden hues to the colour, the bouquet is soft and full of the exotic tropical fruits and spiced pears, always desired but seldom achieved with this variety. Though dry to taste, this is rich and succulent with gorgeous honey and stonefruit flavours that unfold with hints of spice and nuts. The wine carries an outstanding textural richness and weight that fills the palate. The concentration reflects the low-cropping of the vines. A stunning inaugural Pinot Gris for Mt Beautiful. Maybe more of their vineyard should be planted to this variety?   RC May 10

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