Although some of these tasting notes may be found elsewhere on this site, this page brings together most of my Pinot Gris notes, listed alphabetically by Producer. Click here for rating systems and abbreviations.

Click here for a commentary on Pinot Gris in New Zealand.

36 Bottles Central Otago Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) Pale straw gold. Heady aromatics of apricot, nut bread and spice but full of varietal pear flavours with a glycerolic texture and a nutty undercurrent. Seems warm from the alcohol and there's a hint of vanilla to the finish. 14% alc. $26.99. 9Dec2009.

Blackenbrook Nelson Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) So fragrant, so aromatic with scents reminiscent of freshly cracked macadamia nuts and freshly cut ripe apricot, in a blind tasting it easy to think this wine is something other than Pinot Gris , viognier, for example, unless you knew you had an Alsace wine in the mix. In the mouth this wine seduces with its gorgeous seamless texture that flows across the tongue and coats the insides of the cheeks. It's a full-bodied wine that seems rich and luscious but finishes dry with vanilla, macadamia and apricot the lasting memory. 15% alc. $23.90. 20Nov2009.

Butterfish Bay Northland Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) Young, fresh and spicy, a medium sweet style with aromas and flavours of apples, apricots and juicy late season pear with a citrussy twist and a touch of exotic spice. Lightly creamy in texture, just off dry, straight up and down Pinot Gris - but from where? Could easily be Marlborough, but in fact it’s from over a 1,000 miles north. There’s tropical fruit singing in the background and a biscuity richness to the lime-infused backbone. Mouthfilling and rich - a showy wine with richness, length and textural complexity. 13.5% alc. $27.95. 13Aug2009.

Couper's Shed Hawke's Bay Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) Light golden in colour, delicate scents of warm nuts and apricot and beautiful clean and focussed flavours of apricot and biscuit spices. The texture is silky and smooth and with some viscosity and heat to the finish, it's could fool some people into thinking it is Viognier. It fooled me. A Pinot Gris that will seduce even ardent detractors of this variety. 14% alc. $17.99. 25Nov2009.

Culley Marlborough Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) Light yellow gold in colour and a little floral on the nose, this is a drier wine (than the Greystone) and is classically Pinot Gris with signature flavours of pears and spice, with a medium-weight palate and a gentle finish that has warmth and richness. Neil Culley's personal label from Cable Bay. 13.5% alc. $12.99. 7Oct2009.

Distant Land Marlborough Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) Fragrant, pretty, gris-like aromatics of vanilla-infused pear with a squeeze of lime and a lovely smooth rounded texture with an enveloping mouthfeel. Sweet but not sweet with white flowers, bready savoury nuances and a brightness of apple and lime lingering gently on the finish. A lovely Pinot Gris - well-balanced, textural - exactly what it should be. 13.5% alc. $20. 9Oct2009.

Greystone Waipara Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) Fragrant and fruity with a nutty overlay to the bright, citrus-infused pear and peach scents, there's a delicate touch of sweetness with honeysuckle, rose petal and spice while juicy sweet orange / tangelo acidity brings the sweet pear and peach flavours into check. An outstanding NZ Pinot Gris with huge flavours supported by a light dancing step. 13.5% alc. $25.99. 30Sep2009.

Hawkshead Central Otago Gibbston Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) Like its stablemate Riesling this is earthy on the nose but in the mouth the mandarin-like acidity is much softer and the overall impression is sweeter. There's a creaminess to the texture with hints of vanilla and hints of musk coming through and a suggestion of white mushrooms on the finish. 13.5% alc. $26. 16Feb2010.

Lake Hayes Central Otago Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) Fragrant aroma with hints of tropical fruit and nuances of pineapple sage flowers. Just off dry to the taste with bright driving acidity keeping the luscious fruit in balance. Bright, fresh, and fruity with pear, apple and a touch of pineapple. Good. 13% alc. 7.6g/l rs. $25. 30Sep2009.

Lamont Central Otago Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) Juicy, fruity, aromatics with flower blossoms and vanilla. Dry yet has a richness to the creamy texture with juicy pears, spice, citrus zest and honeycomb and a persistence to the lasting finish. Full of flavour, even when chilled to the bone. 14.5% alc. $23.99. 24Feb2010.

Lawson’s Dry Hills Marlborough Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) Bright light gold in colour, A dull and earthy on the nose when first opened but give it time and smoky nuances come through together with pear conserve. Lots of juiciness to the flavour. Very classically pear - fresh pear, canned pear, dried pear - with a touch of herb adding interest - just a tickle of ginger and the brightness of pineapple over an earthy backbone that morphs into a fruit salad / cherimoya finish. Dry and full-bodied in style with a savouriness, probably from the 25% oak and wild ferment, underpinning the fruity flavours. 14% alc. $25.95. 20Nov2009.

Main Divide Waipara Valley Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) Light yellow gold, Grapefruit on the nose with a little of a soapy floral fragrance too and plenty more grapefruit and musky florals in the mouth. “What an unusual Pinot Gris,” was my first reaction. This is was one that leaves an impression of being a full bodied and creamy wine with bright tropical fruit reminiscent of dried pineapple, mango and apricot with citrus zest and ginger flower. It has a lovely, lovely fruit regime that just becomes brighter and brighter in the glass and the next day this wine is absolutely singing. I just love the richness and the sweetness, without being sweet, of this wine. 14% alc. $19.95. 20Nov2009.

Mount Dottrel Central Otago Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) Light in colour but rich in aroma and flavour. Typically PG on the nose with heady pear drop, the flavours are spicy ad zesty with apple and pear flavours and a lightly oily texture, it builds in palate richness and has a stonefruit sweetness to the persistent finish. A good match to hot and spicy foods. 14% alc. $23.95. 11Nov2009.

Ohau Gravels Pinot Gris 2009(sc) A big, rich, concentrated, creamy, almost oily style. It has a powerful presence of gala apples, pear, quince, a hint of honeysuckle, a touch of mandarin and the bitterness of bright, tasty, freshly grated zest to balance the flavours that are just on the dry edge of sweetness. It's a fragrant spicy wine andt later nuances of pineapple come through too. First crop fruit with 5% barrel ferment. 14% alc. 3.5 g/l rs. $22.95. 16Oct2009.

Omaka Springs Estate Marlborough Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) Juicy aromas of Wattie's fruit salad. Creamy and textural with fresh orchard fruit, a little bit of spice, hints of vanilla and just a touch of sweetness. A very clean, and appealing, style. 14% alc. $17.99. 24Feb2010.

Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) Light gold in colour with neutral aromatics and a touch of sweetness to the pear and lime flavours with a hint of vanilla and an abundance of strudel spices with a finish that seems much drier than the start. Later that vanilla can be detected on the nose together with ripe apple and there's a light viscosity to the texture with creamed nuts and a spicy character that adds warmth to the wine. Opens up beautifully after decanting, or try the next day after opening. Screwcaps are so good for this. 14% alc. $23. 20Nov2009.

Rockburn The Devils Staircase Central Otago Pinot Gris 2009 A zing of grapefruit characterises the otherwise neutral aroma and carries through to the nutty palate with a hint of marzipan perplexing. Quite dry and also a little drying but very Xmassy with candied peel, dried apple, concentrated pear, other dried tropical fruits, a touch of ginger and those nuts with a white frosted coating. An interesting and fascinating wine, it even has a hint of wild strawberry and the finish is full-bodied. 14% alc. $18. 20Nov2009.

Sacred Hill 'Halo' Marlborough Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) A just off dry style with a core of juicy pear and apple fruit, there's a delicate spiciness, hints of Asian five spices, touch of vanilla and a infusion of tangelo adding brightness to the finish. Despite the hint of sweetness, it's a crisp fresh wine with moderate acidity. 14% alc. $25.90. 9Nov2009.

Spy Valley Marlborough Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) When chilled this seems quite dry and steely at first, with an oily texture, plenty of apple and a touch of ginger. Becomes quite rich and textural with honey adding a sweet impression to the finish and an abundance of pear. Oak and partial malolactic fermentation has added extra complexity. 14% alc. $19.99. 24Feb2010.

Te Mania Nelson Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) Delicate aromatics lead into a bright, spicy, zesty flavours with apple pie and a lovely seam of apricot running through the wine There's a hint of vanilla and I wonder if it has seen any oak, then concentrated pear, a hint of apricot and a suggestion of pineapple sage on the finish with a flourish of strudel spices to add that extra flair. Rich and textural with some warmth to the finish and the graininess that you get when you bite into a juicy pear. Nice. 13.5% alc. $21.99. 20Nov2009.

Ti Point Marlborough Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) A dry, spicy style with juicy apple and pear fruit, vanilla and spice over a nutty backbone with a rounded mouthfeel all the way through. Chilling introduces a steely character that is quite refreshing on a steaming hot day. 13.8% alc. $17.99. 24Feb2010.

The Ned Waihopai River Marlborough Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) There's the faintest of pink to the light gold colour and the aromas are neutral and slightly earthy with a suggestion of pear skin but this wine is much redeemed in the mouth with bright citrussy flavours and zest, apples, pears, mandarins and a touch of spice, perhaps a hint of oak to add the richness and power that the finish brings on. Perhaps this is one of those wines that needs decanting to let those aromatics beguile from the outset, one of those wines that will be more aromatic the following day. 13.5% alc. 18.99. 20Nov2009.

Tohu Nelson Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) Concentrated aromas of peach sherbet, citrus and aromatic herb, then in the mouth it is nutty, spicy and citrussy with a tangelo-like zestiness power-surging through the finish. Citrus, stonefruit, spice and all things nice, served chilled this seems quite dry, the dryness tempered by the fruitiness all the way with an expansive finish and an underlying nutty savouriness. There's a touch of barrel ferment in this wine and later when the wine has warmed up, there is a delicate and pretty rose petal and musky nuance coming through too. Gold. 13.5% alc. $18.95. 13Feb2010.

Wairau River Marlborough Pinot Gris 2009 (sc) Light straw gold. Classic gris aromas of apple, pear and strudel spices characterise this fragrant wine that's dry in style. Citrus zest and a hint of ginger add brightness to the juicy white fruit flavours with a hint of ginger and creaming soda on the finish. Chilling accentuates the acidity. 13.5% alc. $19.99. 14Oct2009.

36 Bottles Central Otago Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Straw yellow. The nose is subtle and at first seems neutral but apple, flowers and hints of musk are coaxed from the glass however the taste is immediately so much brighter. It's quite zingy with flavours of creamy soda, apple, lime and earthy nuances reminiscent of cultivated white mushrooms with underlying honey adding to the light viscosity of the texture. There's a richness to the wine and warmth from the alcohol and for Pinot Gris, it has good acid spine. 13.5% alc. $26.99. 6May2009.

Astrolabe Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Slightly herbal on the nose to start; quite subtle aromas but later classical pear and citrus scents. When first opened it's quite steely with flavours from the fermentation yeast lees with a touch of sweetness and acidity giving drive and length to the zesty finish. But let this wine evolve in the bottle and it becomes quite bright and spicy with yellow fruit - makes me think of apricot and custard with a banana passionfruit topping, while the finish is mellow and earthy with a citrussy flourish. Drinks best when chilled - it's a little more viscous, apricot fills the palate and apple comes forth on the lingering off dry finish. 16/20. 14.5% alc. 14Nov2008.

Benson Block Gisborne Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Just off dry with succulent sweet citrus and spicy pear fruit and a smooth, almost creamy texture. There's a nutty complexity and a hint of ginger to the tangy finish. Spicy and fresh and can take serious chilling. 17/20. 13% alc. $16.95. 9Jan2009.

Bilancia Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Perfumed with freshly made macadamia nut shortbread and spices, it is spicy and biscuity to the taste, perhaps some oak with creaming soda, vanilla and an infusion of zesty lime. Long in flavour and hinting of so much potential, it is one of those wines that will be better the day after opening. And it definitely is. The next day it is all apples and pears with a touch of sweetness, textural richness and an oriental spice zing to the finish. Rich, concentrated, spicy. Very good.. 14% alc. $22. 13Aug2009.

Blackenbrook Nelson Reserve Pinot Gris 2008 (D) A rich, powerful, full-bodied style with a touch of sweetness, there are pears to the fore on the nose and the palate is filled with apple strudel, spices and cream with a touch of vanilla and stonefruit. Made in an Alsace style, it has textural richness and mouthfilling lusciousness. 15 g/l residual sugar. 15% alc. $31.99. 1Oct2008.

Boreham Wood Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Pale straw colour. Pears on the nose with a subtle nuance of cultivated white mushroom and a hint of flower musk. Quite zesty to the taste with plenty of spiced green apple fruit over a steely backbone with a touch of sweetness of the finish. It's a little different from many New Zealand Pinot Gris as it is quite high toned and phenolic and gives an impression of a 'grigio' (Italian) style. Becomes more and more interesting with time. 16/20. 13.5% alc. $30. 10May2009.

Boundary Vineyards Waipara Paper Lane Waipara Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) A little neutral on the nose when first opened, after time in the glass it becomes floral and musky with ripe pear fruit. Fleshy in the palate from the outset with varietally correct apple and juicy pear with a touch of spice. Moderate acidity and just the right amount of sweetness too. A very palatable Pinot Gris. Works well with a crumbed pork schnitzel served with a stewed apple sauce infused with crushed fennel seeds. 17/20. 26Mar2009.

Brightside Nelson Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Perfumed and floral, it's a little nutty with a hint of flower musk on the nose. In the palate a momentary sweetness is taken over by the crisp phenolic backbone that really drives the wine. Spicy with a tickle of ginger and a lovely tang of orange zest enlivening the pear and subtle stonefruit flavours with a slight sage-like herbaceous edge. Label says 'off dry' and while it has fruit sweetness, the well-balanced acidity and phenolic undercurrent ensures it is never cloying. 14% alc. $18. 3Apr2009.

Camshorn Waipara Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Subtle but clean aromas with hints of pear and spice - quite classic. Lifted and spicy to the taste with bright, zesty, citrussy character full of juicy lime, it is also quite floral with pear, peach and fleshy tropical fruit (mango). Tastes as we expect good NZ PG to taste with a vanilla note coming through and a long spicy finish. Top wine of the regional tasting. Classic Pinot Gris - just lacks a bit of oomph but has a long spicy finish.17.5/20. 14Nov2008.
A day in the bottle and chilling elevates the score to gold medal standard. When chilled it still has an evocative fresh fruity aroma and a bright juicy flavour with an underpinning of lime, a hint of green melon, a luscious texture and all the time it's driven by underlying acidity. 18.5/20. 15Nov2008.

Cape Campbell Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Vibrant spice scent with a touch of creaming soda. Soft creamy palate with zesty citrus, pear and apple fruit. Well balanced acidity, fleshy texture, a touch of vanilla and a sweet citrussy flavour coming through to linger on the finish. Chilling adds a cool refreshing finish. Tastes like Pinot Gris and doesn't try to be anything else. 17.5/20. 16Nov 2008.

Dry River Martinborough Pinot Gris 2008 (c) Light yellow gold coloured. Slightly neutral and earthy smelling when first opened later an emerging floral scent. The next day, however, it had an evocative perfume of spice biscuits, lemon honey and quince jam. Initially straight up and down Pinot Gris fruit flavours of apple and pear with that earthiness detected on the nose, it brightens up with a hint of pineapple sage and comes totally alive as it surges with zesty spices and fills out with a stonefruit fleshiness. A wine that seems more and more juicy with every mouthful. 13.5% alc. $48. 13Aug2009.

Gladstone 12000 Miles Wairarapa Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Fruity smelling and lots of fruit - that fruitiness - apple, pear and very juicy peach carries though to the palate. Some phenolics coming through to underlie the fruit and the wine finishes with a citrussy twist. An excellent match to pan-fried fillet of salmon. 13.8% alc. $23. 29Jun2009.

Goldridge Premium Reserve Matakana Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Rich bright gold. Aromas of pears with a slight hint of sweet cultivated button mushroom giving it an earthy undercurrent, it has an initial lemon honey-like zing on the front of the palate. A unusually dry style with well-balanced fruit sweetness (reminiscent of the peach and brandy conserve), there's a spicy, zesty zing to the finish and apricot conserve on the lingering aftertaste. Good length for PG. 13% alc. $20. 23Apr2009.

Hawkshead Central Otago Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) A rich smelling Pinot Gris with a hint of flower-musk to the scent and green passionfruit in the palate which has softness despite an edgy citrussy undercurrent with a touch of tropical guava adding a fascination to the finish. GibbstonValley fruit. 13.5% alc. $29. 5Sep2008.

Huntaway Gisborne Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Light yellow gold. Gently perfumed with citrus, pear and a hint of melon and though quite gentle in its attack, this is immmediately bright and juicy to the taste with lots of luscious stonefruit and ripe pear flavours with a hint of rose petal and a tingle of zesty spices. Clean, refreshing, seemngly quite dry and full of flavour. 17.5/20. 13% alc, $22.95. 10May2009.

Lamont Central Otago Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Light yellow gold in colour, this is so youthful and fresh with smoke, flint, apple and pear aromas and stewed apple, strudel spices and stonefruit-like nuances to the flavours. The acids are gentle, there's a hint of bubblegum-like esters and although dry in character, it has impressive fruit sweetness that supports the lasting finish. 14.5% alc. $24.99. 11Mar2009.

Lawson's Dry Hills Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Richly perfumed with tropical fruit underpinned by a mellow funky aroma that indicates there's a touch of barrel and wild yeast going on here - a little reminiscent of alternative Sauv Blanc. This palate is rich and full-bodied with ripe stonefruit, an earthy gravelly undercurrent, hints of peppery spice and a touch of pineapple sage. Mouthfilling, rich, delicious and long. Do not over chill as it accentuates winemaking characters over the fruit. Top wine of the Marlborough flight and tasted unchilled I rate it 18.5/20. 14% alc. $25.95. 15Nov2008.

Man O' War Ponui Island Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Light golden hue. Quite bready aromas. Crisp, racy acidity with lemon, lime and tangelo zest. Warm and heady with a lightly viscous texture. Lovely mouthful. A bright wine with textural richness. Potential plus from a fantastic vintage on the Hauraki Gulf islands. This is the 3rd vintage of the Ponui Island Gris. Tasted from a tank sample. $28. 26Oct2008.

Margrain Martinborough Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Full rich aromatics with pear, peach and sherbet adding to the beautifully enticing perfume, this bone-dry wine has lovely lemony tones, white peach and gingerbread biscuit spice with the lemony fruit sweetness infusing the finish. 18.5/20. $30. 13.5% alc. 14Oct2008.

Marsden Estate Bay of Islands Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Pale coloured. Pretty aromatics. Clean, rich, spicy style - quite nutty with hints of apricot and spice and a creamy bready backbone. A sweeter style perhaps, a little sugary tasting and finish a flavour reminiscent of candied fennel. 13.5% alc. $27. 13Aug2009.

Martinborough Vineyard Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Straw gold coloured, Savoury and a little smoky on the nose and initially quite neutral scented in the fruit department but soon reveals ripe apple and pear. Immediately spicy to the taste - a high-toned wine with juicy apple and pear-like fruit infused with tangelo juice and zest and a slightly musk-infused finish that is dry, clean and bright. There's 50% barrel fermentation in old French oak but the oak is neutral in flavour just adding to the overall textural complexity and fullness of the wine. 14.5% alc. $40. 28Apr2009.

Matakana Estate Matakana Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Quite a deep colour for its age. Mealy, yeast derived and subtle oak aromas give the impression of a well-worked wine. This is a rich, full-bodied style with a spicy edge. Fruit has a tropical overtone. Savoury mealy influences throughout and the finish is dry. Not the typical style of NZ Pinot Gris and it didn't work with the pan-fried salmon I matched it to. Scallops, as the label suggested, may have been better. 13.5% alc. $27. 29Jun2009.

Matua Valley Shingle Peak Reserve Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Straw gold in colour with fragrant fruity aromas and delicious fruit salad flavours. Plenty of flavour as well as texture. Stonefruit, apricot, quince and orange zest combine in a just off-dry style. This is a luscious, fruity and very delicious Pinot Gris with a spicy aura that is reminiscent of a light gewurztraminer. 18.5/20. 14% alc. $21.95. 5Dec2008

Momo Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Palest lemon in colour with a lustrous sheen, this has an aromatic, zesty, fruit forward aroma with a lemon grass or lemon balm twist. Bright zesty flavours of apple and pear fill the palate with an undercurrent of sweet citrus and an almost pineapple tang. Lightly oily in texture with a long full finish and can be well chilled too. Some barrel ferment. 18/20. 14% alc. $22.95. 6Jan2009.

Mount Dottrel Central Otago Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Deeply scented, some oak interest, a little restrained at first but the perfume becomes complex and powerful with a more fragrant spicy bright edge as it opens up. Apple acidity grips the palate - it's a bit like a high acid Gewurztraminer as it has those perfumed floral and spice attributes too then lemon meringue and a honeyed finish with a topping of passionfruit. Once you get past the initial acidity, it's actually very very nice and finishes off dry and viscous with a long luscious finish. The juicy fruit intensity is heightened when the wine is chilled. 16/20. 14Nov2008.

Murdoch James Wairarapa Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Bit musty (honey perhaps) and quite leesy on the nose at first but later becomes apple / creamy / spicy. In the palate there are apple flavours every which way - red apple, green apple, stewed apple and baked apple. Steely yet soft with a delicate spiciness. When chilled there's a spritzy passionfruit and a green herb nose and pear and apple are to the fore on the palate with a creamy texture and a dry nutty finish. Chilling is recommended. 14/20. 14Nov2008. 14Nov2008.

Mt Difficulty Roaring Meg Central Otago Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Pale coloured with a clear, bright lustre. Oily textured, perfumed, slightly high-toned and just off-dry with pear, apple, a hint of lime, some delicate florals and lots of tingly zest. Refreshing when even only lightly chilled. 10 g/L rs. 14% alc. $18.99. 7Jan2009.

Opawa Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) With almond paste and cherry essence on the nose, this straw coloured wine has confectionary aromas that carry through to the palate that initially seems sweet with flavours of overripe apples and pears but with it's steely undercurrent also seems dry. Despite the upfront confectionary impression, it finishes a little bitter as if you've bit into an apple with skins, pips and all. Not my favourite Pinot Gris. 13.5% alc. $22. 26May2009.

Passage Rock Waiheke Island Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Quite leesy, lemony, dried hay scents. Slightly viscous texture, mouthfilling warm and powerful to the taste with a perfumed character exotic fruit and spicy finish. But it seems overly sweet and there's a wacky, leesy character, which distracts. When chilled, the sweetness becomes more balanced and the texture a little more viscous.14.5/20. 14% alc. $23. 14Nov2008.

Rimu Grove Bronte Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) A wine with richness and concentration, stonefruit and citrus. It is well balanced and juicy with soft but distinctive acidity, a touch of honey and an orange zest flourish to the finish. A very attractive wine with a lovely citrussy note throughout and delicate spice - I could imagine this with my chicken cooked with coriander, orange and honey -and the wine can also be well chilled. 18.20. 15Nov2008.

Rimu Grove Nelson Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) A little more complex than its Bronte sibling, there's are some biscuity notes on the nose that carry through to the full-bodied, rounded palate that has quite a sensual texture. Fragrant and fruity with pear and apple, a hint of creme brulee topping, the pleasing flavours carry through for a pleasing aftertaste and with more time in the glass, florals emerge. Chilling adds a snappy refreshing crispness. 18.5/20. 15Nov2008.

Riverby Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) A hint of creaming soda on the nose which then opens up to reveal tropical fruit and passionfruit. Brighter in the palate than the nose would suggest. Creamy texture with ripe juicy fruit, a touch of spice and juicy sweet citrus. A fairly neutral style when served at room temperature, this is best served chilled - it becomes a crisp, juicy refreshing drink with a little more lime on the nose and a dry finish. 16.5/20. 16Nov 2008.
Sweet earthy aromatics of freshly harvested button mushrooms with nuances of citrus, then surprisingly off dry to the taste, with almond / marzipan to the fore then fleshy nectarine and juicy sweet pears with a sweet citrus zest infusion to the lingering finish. Tasted at room temperature I thought the wine would benefit from a little chilling and it definitely did. There was a 'coolness' running through the wine and the fruit was crisp and crunchy. Chilling makes it a much more juicy and mouthwatering wine. 12.5% alc. 9g/l rs. $22. 9Oct2009.

Sacred Hill Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Dull and earthy to start but later it’s jasminey and spicy - with freshly cut pear. Juicy pear and quince in the palate - dry spicy and tangy and despite the initial dullness of the aroma this is a complex medium to full-bodied Pinot Gris that packs a punch with its texture and flavour. This is why I sometime struggle with Pinot Gris when initially it doesn’t deliver on aroma at all. Delicate, fine, rich, powerful and long and of course the aroma is there later on. 13.5% alc. 5.27 g/l rs. $20. 13Aug2009.

Selaks “The Favourite” Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Light yellow gold with virtually no nose compared to the previous wine – what you’d call 'neutral'. In the palate it's reminiscent of windfall apples on a warm autumn day, a sweeter style with an oily texture, a kicker of spice and a warm comforting finish. The wine gets bigger and bigger as it traverses the palate, garnering peach-like nuances, and the finish is long. 14% alc. $19.99. 25Mar2009.

Seresin Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Light gold. Aromatic, juicy, nutty and delicately spicy. A juicy wine flushed with grapefruit and infused with smoke and subtle spicy oak - well lots of oak actually - it has a tom of power that pulsates through the bready leesy palate with apricot sweetness and a full-bodied nutty finish, Barrel fermented style and completely different. Biodynamic vitivulture. 14.5% alc. $28. 13Aug2009.

Shingle Peak Reserve Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) There’s an oily overlay to the nutty and delicately floral scent with the oiliness carrying through to the palate with flavours of flower musk, biscuit spices and abundant fruit salad of the pear and peaches kind. With its low to moderate acidity the attack is gentle while alcohol adds viscosity and warmth and the nutty character lingers on the lasting finish. Lots of flavour for the variety. 14% alc. $25.99. 21Jan2009.

Sileni Cellar Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Light gold coloured. Savoury with a boiled lolly nuance to the fairly neutral, earthy aroma. That earthy character becomes a little mushroomy and carries though to the spicy palate that has upfront acid and zest. There's a mealy richness and an underlying creaminess that melds into baked apple and pear-like fruit with a light, floral musky character coming through and a ginger-like tingle to the expansive, ripe-fruited finish. The wine has had some barrel ferment. 16.5/20. 14% alc. $20.10May2009.

Soho Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 Pale straw in colour. Perfumed with pear, citrus zest, flower blossoms, freshly cut feijoa and a hint of handcream. Vibrant, spicy and zesty to the taste with loads of juicy fruit including apple, pear, feijoa, tropical guava, passionfruit and pineapple. Full-bodied, rich and quite oily textured, it is a powerful wine on its own and should be slightly chilled but is an excellent accompaniment to pork and sage, the savouriness of the sage balancing the fruit sweetness and let the underlying acidity sing. 17/20. 13.5% alc. 7g/l rs. $24.99. 22Aug2008.

Spinyback Nelson Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Rich gold, no doubt due to the botrytis that I sense on the nose and amongst the flavours that are ripe and juicy and full of lemon, spice, grapefruit and apricot. It's smooth and creamy with perhaps some botrytis influence that adds a delicious honeyed sweetness to the finish. A delicious, easy-to-drink and easy-to-like style. 14.5% alc. $15.99. 9Dec2009.

Spy Valley Envoy Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Light golden in colour and a scent that is enticing with its spice and floral nuances. In the mouth the texture is satin sheet smooth and the taste is spicy and gently floral with a lovely fresh seam of tangy citrus and a finish that fleshes out with freshly picked yellow-flesh peach. A hint of oak adds just the right amount of complexity. The result is very satisfying as the wine slips across the tongue to coat it with a vinous memory. The notes say 17 grams per litre of residual sugar and the acid is low, but the wine tastes as is it is on the cusp of off dry. The sugar adds richness and textural lusciousness. 14% alc. 19/20. $28.90. 2Mar2009.

Spy Valley Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Quite a deep gold for such a young wine. A slightly earthy nuance to the aroma with hits of botrytis and raisin. Sweetish and honeyed to the taste, some late harvested or botrytised grapes in here. Intense, full, ripe, creamy and quite delicious with underlying phenolics keep everything in check and an aftertaste that is all ripe fleshy peach. An oak fermented portion adds complexity. I really like this style. 14% alc. 10 g/l rs. $19.90. 13Aug2009.

Stoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Dry, a little herbal with a hint of spice. Just a touch of sweetness with a biscuity backbone and a sweet citrus finish. Overall I think this is a little boring and dull, maybe it is the savoury herbaceous which dominates the front to mid palate. 13% alc. $21.95. 3Feb2009.

Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) This is fresh and fruity with stonefruit and nectarines to the fore and a lovely savoury sweetness from the bready yeast lees. Unusually for Pinot Gris, it has a heady concentration - it seems to have the slightest hint of honeyed botrytis making it seem quite luscious. It's has simply delicious as a pre dinner drink or to accompany a main course of chicken or pork, or with dried fruit and creamy cheese. 13.5% alc. 11.5 g/l rs. $25.95. 7Aug2009.

Te Mania Nelson Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) A little sherbety, spritzy, tingly and biscuity, this sweeter style is crammed with apple strudel, honey and gingery spice. It's a rich wine that builds and builds on the palate but finishes dry. Beautiful texture, beautiful wine and can be well chilled. 18.5/20. 15Nov2008.

The Ned Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Clear and pretty in appearance with a noticeably delicate pink blush to the hue. Gently aromatic, typical of Pinot Gris with its winey, pear drop scent. Quite rich in the palate even when tasted with food, but it does have a dry, zesty undercurrent. Full-bodied and powerful, on the ripe end of the Pinot Gris scale with hints of flower musk and spice. 17.5/20. 13.5% alc. 7g/l rs. $18.99. 22Aug2008.

Thornbury Waipara Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Pale straw lemon. Distinctive Pinot Gris aroma of pear and citrus. Soft, lightly spicy and just off dry with an oily texture to the apple, pear and sweet citrus flavours and plenty of ginger-like spice. Easy going with good length. 13.5% alc. $14.99. 4Feb2009.

Ti Point Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Quite dry and austere. Spritzy, unbalanced - steely. Apple driven. Apples every which way. 13.8% alc. 15/20. $21.90. 16Nov2008.

Urlar Gladstone Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Light lemon gold colour and a little Chardonnay-like on the nose with hints of oak and fresh peach scents. The Chardonnay feel carries through to the palate and I wonder if it is a barrel-fermented because a light creme brulee character comes through and the peach flavours are delicate and juicy fruit-sweet. There are nuances of spiced apples and pears on the finish, too, with a hint of smoky and spicy oak. A Pinot Gris for Chardonnay lovers, perhaps just a little hard on the finish, but otherwise great all-round appeal. Excellent length too. Very good wine made from grapes grown organically. 14% alc. 2 g/l rs. $28. 3Nov2009.

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Pale lemon. A little fuller on the nose than the Thornbury, this is perfumed, floral and slightly musky. Lightly creamy in texture with citrus, subtle stone fruit, plenty of ripe pear and a hint of pineapple sage, it is on the medium edge of dry. 14% alc. $19.99. 4Feb2009.
Classic pear combines with flower musk with a cashew overtone - a hint of soap (eg cashmere bouquet) too. Seems a little sweet on entry but residual sugar is just off dry - it's the low acidity that makes the wine seem sweeter than it actually is. A gorgeous Pinot Gris, it's packed with pear, apple strudel, creamed nut and rose petal flavours, I'm picking some anise spice sweetness (anise is actually sweet) then there's a touch of savouriness to the finish that is gentle and long. 6g/l rs. 14% alc. 20May2009.

Waimea Nelson Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Rich citrine yellow. Hints of apricot on the nose suggest botrytis, even more so in the palate. A medium sweet wine with honey, citrus and spice filling the palate and a touch of mandarin juice-like acidity to balance the juicy pear sweetness. When chilled it seems remarkably Alsace in style. 14.5% alc. $15.99. 3Feb2010.

Waipara Hills Southern Cross Selection Waipara Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Light straw gold in colour, this is sweetly perfumed with tropical fruit, citrus, and essence of pear. A firm, phenolic backbone balances the slightly confectionary, bubblegum, biscuity flavours with stone fruit, a touch of flower blossom and gingery spices. Overall a gentle Pinot Gris with savoury nuances to the lingering finish. 13.5% alc. $25.99. 11Mar2009.

Whitehaven Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Pale straw coloured with intense Riesling-like citrus and honeysuckle aromatics and Gewurztraminer-like musky spices in the palate. Quite earthy/pithy with a steely undercurrent at first, it has a soft mid palate with a moderate oiliness to the texture, concentrated pear and baked apple fruit, hints of strudel spices and a finish that is dry. 13% alc. $19.99. 22Apr2009.
Spicy on the nose with concentrated citrus zest and pear and dry, rich and textural to the taste or so it seems until the quince and tropical fruit explode with their fruity concentration and power. The lingering finish is dry, spicy and long. 14% alc. $19.99. 7Oct2009.

Wild South Marlborough Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Light gold hue. A steely edge to the classic pear and apple scent. Quite tongue tingling on entry with a vibrant acid-driven palate - sweet citrus, apple, a touch of honey perhaps and nuts. A sweeter style with a touch of botrytis and a full, ripe, apricot and stonefruit finish. When chilled it is rich and textural with a lovely tangelo not to the classes pear and apple fruit and an earthiness to the finish. Juicy, bright and refreshing. 13.5% alc. 17/20. $18.90. 16Nov2008.

Woollaston Nelson Pinot Gris 2008 (sc) Showing some gold glints to the hue. At first the earthy scents are not particularly generous - a hint of sherbet perhaps. In the palate it's quite spicy and spritzy with fruit in the apple, paw paw spectrum evolving to reveal with pear, more apple and sweet fruit notes. Weighty and rich and full of flavour with excellent mouthfilling length, it has some class. Off dry and a little honeyed, the acidity balances the concentrated fruit and adds a zesty flourish. 17/20. This wine is a perfect candidate for chilling - it adds juicy sweet citrus and a touch of ginger and becomes moreish and yum. 18/20. 15Nov 2008.
Shy on the nose but full of flavour in the warm rounded palate with a toasty richness from the subtle use of oak together with tropical fruit, hints of orange zest, baked apple, a touch of pineapple sage and a stonefruit sweetness to the persistent finish. An easy to like style.. 13.5% alc. $16.99. 5Aug2009.

Bilancia Pinot Grigio 2007 - Hawkes Bay Aromatically fruity with stone fruit hinting towards apricot, it's crisp, dry and noticeably weightier, perhaps because of the higher alcohol that adds extra heat to the warm, spicy finish. It's firm and full with a nutty complexity, a touch of citrus, a nuance of candied fennel seed, musky pear and a white peach finish. 14% alc. $29.99. 9Jan2008.

Bilancia Reserve Hawkes Bay Pinot Grigio 2007 (sc) Smoky aromas, hints of bacon perhaps and a hint of melon. The aromas belie the power of the palate. Sweet ripe fruit - green melon, a touch of honey, summer herbs, peaches and cream. Lovely honeyed dry style with oak adding complexity and intrigue and oak spice lingering. Very impressive, especially as the flavours linger. 14.5% alc. $28. 13Aug2009.

Blackenbrook Nelson Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) When first opened, orange rind/zest aromas give a vibrant citrussy waft of perfumed air that carries through to the bright, vibrant, zesty palate that's full of apple and citrus fruit. Give it time and it becomes rounded and creamy with a spicy undercurrent to the fleshy stonefruit flavours. It's rich in texture with a citrussy verve and incredible length that just lasts and lasts. It blossoms beautifully with decanting and time in the bottle. 14.5% alc. $25.90. 25Nov2007.

Brunton Road Gisborne Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) A little neutral on the nose, oily textured with green apple and just ripe pear the dominant fruit, there's a slightly herbaceous (pineapple sage) undercurrent and a dry, steely finish. First crop fruit. 13% alc. 2Sep2007.
This is lovely crisp Pinot Gris - vibrant and lively with a sweet citrussy infusion to the crunchy pear fruit. It’s quite floral with a little hint of musk and an underlay of zesty spice. Seems quite dry but the fruit is ripe and sweet and there‘s a touch of viscosity to the texture. Balanced, bright and clean with a twist of citrus and a touch of sage on the fruity finish. Very good. Rated 18.5. 13% alc. $25. 15May2008.

Church Road Cuve Series Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Some wacky oak thing going on in this wine - wheaty, leesy - Pinot Gris for beer drinkers. Toffeeish with exotic fruit. Different. So left field. Needs chilling. Better a day after opening. 15/20. 14.5% ac. $27. 15Nov2008.

Clayridge Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Fragrant with a hint of nutty, smoky oak, this rich, fat wine exudes toasty florals while there's a raisin bread influence to the taste and a bright citrussy flare to the broad, expansive, orange blossom finish. Partial wild yeast fermentation with aging on lees in French oak has added the textural complexities. Right now it just needs a little more time. 13.5% alc. 2Sep2007.
On first opening, vanillin oak dominates and although the aromas are infused with sweet florals and it is rich and rounded to the taste, with its oak and mealy richness and savoury barrel-ferment characters, it really came across as rather chardonnay-like. But take it out of the comparative tasting context, put a glass in front of you on its own with food to follow, this wine just totally seduces. With a little time in the opened bottle, it becomes lithe and graceful, creamy and soft with a clean, limey seam, a hint of apricot and delicate honeyed spices while the creamy oak and now more obvious wild yeast characters playing a perfectly poised background role. Light, lifted and pure yet still with power and impression. Dry. 13.5% alc. $24. 25Nov2007.

Cloudy Bay Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Very pale straw. Quite classical pear drop scents with a touch of musky perfume and pear flavours that are rich in the palate together with apple and peach and a bright, spicy mid-palate with some viscosity. It finishes dry with banana and tropical fruit on the long, lingering aftertaste that re-emphasises the initial gentle sweetness. 13% alc. $Screwcap. $30.99. 23Jul2008.
Light gold coloured. On the nose there's a momentary suggestion from the scent that this could be Chardonnay but it's the subtle oak that adds complexity to this full-bodied Pinot Gris. Fruity, juicy and just a little steely, this is initially bright and fresh with a touch of sherbet, passionfruit, lime and pear then becomes quite rich and mealy on the fruity finish. This was quite universally liked by tasters on the night. 13% alc. $34.99. 17Jun2009.

Coopers Creek Huapai Gisborne Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) The palest of lemons hues with a delicate scent, there's a dry, citrussy tang to the lightly oily and smooth, creamy apple and pear flavours. A hint of anise, like an infusion of Thai basil, adds an exotic intrigue to the bright persistent finish. Medium bodied but lots of flesh and excellent food wine. 13% alc. 7.3g/l rs. $14. 13Oct2007.

Coopers Creek SV 'The Pointer' Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Perfumed and full-bodied, it's delicately floral with hints of peardrop and deliciously spicy with flower musk adding to the richness of the apple, pear and apricot fruit. A touch of tangelo zest adds a zesty tang and the finish is fleshy and full. Aging on yeast lees has added texture as well as a mealy infusion to the flavour. Very tasty with excellent length. 13.5% alc. 5.7g/l rs. $23.13Oct2007.

Corbans Private Bin Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Golden coloured. Not revealing too much on nose, or in the palate, to start. It's a full, rich, textural style perhaps because it is fermented in old oak. Dry, nutty flavours give way to more sweet and luscious flavours of ripe pear infused with flower musk and lemon-flavoured Turkish Delight, then a herbal / lemon grass twist and a crisp steeliness to the finish. I wonder if a touch of Gewurztraminer in included in the blend. 13.5% alc. $23.95. 26May2009.

Distant Land Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) There's classic pear on the nose with hints of creaming soda and rich, spicy flavours with an earthy, subtle lemongrass note. Crisp, fresh and steely to start with increasing textural richness, a touch of sherbet, tropical fruit and ripe pear sweetness, it's bright and pretty and never overpowering. A floral muskiness, a tangelo zestiness and ripe juicy peach join in with time. 16% matured in old oak barrels, adding complexity and richness without affecting the flavour. Very stylish. 13.5% alc. $20. 25Nov2007.

Dry River Martinborough Pinot Gris 2007 (c) Lightest of citrine gold in the glass with a glassy lustre. Immediately fragrant and floral with musk, spice and nut bread. Lightly viscous in texture with alcoholic warmth, ripe fresh pear, baked apple and a squeeze of orange. Moderate sweetness balanced by a zesty spiciness and a nutty savouriness with the floral muskiness on the nose enveloping the finish. Rich and textural yet light and ethereal with an impression of dryness and simply amazing length. 13.5% alc. $48. 4Mar2008.
Light yellow gold. Immediately sweet fruit scents of pears and honey suckle with an earthy note - like potter's clay. Overall a juicy, ripe and delicately spicy scent. Very sweet in the palate - a touch of botrytis perhaps - and a lovely full rich spicy finish with a lemon honey overlay. Leaves an impression of juicy fruit in the mouth that lingers for ages. Hard to fault at any level. 19/20. 13.5% alc. 14Oct2008.

Escarpment Martinborough Pinot Gris 2007 (D) Quite Chardonnay-like but with a sweeter fruit profile with florals and apricot and pear overtones and a delicate spicy strudel character to the bright creamy finish. Served slightly chilled, the smoky oak dominates the aromas and the oak shows its sweetness in the front of the palate. Savoury nuances emerge on the long finish. About 60% of this wine saw oak. 5 g/l rs. 14% alc. $27. 14Oct2008.

Esk Valley Black Label Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Obvious varietal aromas of apple, pear and citrus followed by bright flavours in the palate that, as well as apple and pear, has hints of pineapple and orange zest. A smidgen of rose petal muskiness adds a lovely richness and Alsace-like nuance to the focussed fruit and a balanced sweetness to the long creamy finish. There's a slightly pear-like graininess to the texture which adds to its appeal and wild yeasts and old oak barrel aging add complexity without distracting. Excellent. 14% alc. 15 g/l rs. 14Aug2007.

Framingham Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Light gold. Quite neutral and not really smelling of anything at first except mellow yeasty nutty characters with a tinge of herbaceous / unripe plum to the scent. But the palate is bright and fruity and peachy with an upfront apple bite that morphs into stewed pear and fresh lychee on the lingering finish. Perhaps a touch of violet florals and just a touch of sweetness - more so when tasted with roast chicken. 14% alc. $26.95. 15Jul2008.

Gibbston Valley La Dulcinee Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Light bright gold with an ever so slightly pink tinge to the hue - just a tiny tiny tinge. The aromas are reminiscent of apples and pears together with nuts, lemon blossom and a touch of honeysuckle - a complex aromatic profile in many respects and has you swinging between a weighty riesling and pinot gris. The palate is weighty and full yet it has a crispness and linearity throughout and finishes with a citrussy sweetness together with a touch of cherimoya exoticness and a ton of citrus zest and apple and a delicate biscuity, lemon honey richness to the lingering aftertaste. It is crisp, fresh, refreshing and texturally full, rounded and pleasing - a beautiful expression of Central Otago, single vineyard, pinot gris. 18.5/20. 14.5% alc. 16g/l rs. $45. 7Aug2008.

Greystone Waipara Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Delicately scented with hints of rose petal, pear and melon. Off dry to the taste with hints of musk, lime sherbet and flowers and classic pear flavours, freshly stewed with a little butter and cloves. Ever so slightly viscous in its oily texture, which gives it gorgeous mouthfeel, it has body and presence and leaves a beautiful, almost creamy flavour with tropical fruit lingering long after the wine is swallowed. 14% alc. 10.5 g/l rs. $24. 19Oct2007.

Hans Herzog Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (D) Pinky-tinged gold in colour with green grape and ripe apple scents that carry through to the palate that's lightly oily in texture. A very dry wine with a little bit of underlying spice and a warm finish, perhaps a touch of oak and lees stirring to add richness. Made in a European style to go with food- Herzog recommends seafood and antipasto. 14% alc. $42.99. 29Jul2009.

Huia Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) A dry, crisp, almost steely Pinot Gris with an underlying lusciousness and classically varietal flavours of pears and apples that build to a long, creamy and lightly spicy finish. A delicious dry wine with even more spicy opulence on the lingering aftertaste.13.5% alc. $27. 9Oct2007.

Hyperion 'Phoebe' Matakana Pinot Gris 2007 (D) On first tasting this wine emits a plasticine aroma with absolutely no fruit character and tastes grainy, lemony and alcoholic with a hot, confectionary, lolly-like finish. But the next day this has evolved into quite a rich Pinot Grigio style with pear, sherbet, spice and a touch of pineapple with a steely lemony undercurrent. It is a wine to be decanted on opening for best results. 14%alc. $25. 21Jan2008.

Isabel Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Continuing the trend of the super 2007 vintage, this is fresh, bright spicy and slightly spritzy with zesty lime-infused, orange water scents. A little more complex and grown up with a day in the bottle, the spritziness has gone but the juicy pear fruit and zesty citrus are still there to balance the savoury nutty backbone. It's quite a 'classic' pinot gris - full of pear, quince and spice with a slightly grainy texture and mouthfilling warmth to the finish. 7g/l rs. 13% alc. $20. 5Mar2008.

Johanneshof 'Medium' Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (D) Opulently scented and richly flavoured, this sweeter of the two Johanneshof Pinot Gris wines is perfectly balanced and focussed. It's vibrant and fruity with a lightly oily texture, passionfruit, honey, apricot and the lasting baked apple and musky spiced flavour has elegance and power. Chill it down to subdue the opulent sweetness and enhance the classically varietal pear-like fruit. Total class. 13% alc. $25.99. 26Sep2007.
The immediate impression of this more yellow gold coloured wine is class. A little Alsace-like in character and though medium in its sweetness classification, it is so well balanced and tastes just delicious. Phenolics and a dry, nutty backbone balance the smooth texture and the beautifully lush pear and peach fruit that's overlaid with a lemon herb-scented honey and a heady, orange water and musk-scented finish that just lasts and lasts. 13% alc. $25.99. 19Mar2008.

Johanneshof Marlborough Trocken/Dry Pinot Gris 2007 (D) Light lemon gold with pears and stewed apple on the nose and a bright spicy palate with juicy apple flavours, a hint of rose musk and orange zest. Full-bodied with a gorgeous slippery texture and a mouth warming finish, it's fragrantly spiced - a little like Gewurztraminer on the finish - and the aftertaste is lasting and long. 13.5% alc. $28.99. 19Sep2007.

Koura Bay Sharkstooth Awatere Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Quite a bright fat style plenty of palate weight, musky spices and rose petal, it seems quite dry but the fruit is ripe and juicy. There's crunchy pear with hints of stonefruit while citrus blossom and honey suckle add a lovely floral brightness to the lingering finish. Delicious. 13% alc. 2Sep2007.
A beautifully fresh and vibrant wine with tantalising floral aromas and a light touch to the palate with juicy pear and subtle spice. Served chilled, stewed apples and pears are to the fore, the texture is lightly oily and tangelo lingers on the finish. Awatere Valley fruit. 13% alc. $23.99. 19Sep2007.

Lawson’s Dry Hills Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Sophisticated and classy with weight and richness. Flowers, ripe pear and apricots tempt the nose and carry through to the rich, creamy, almost oily palate with musky spices and soft acidity. There's a bubblegum sweetness, a nutty richness and wonderful length. Despite the fruit sweetness, it seems quite dry. 20% of the wine was fermented in old oak which has added only texture, not flavour . 14% alc. 5.3g/l rs. 5.2g/l acidity. $23.95. 25Nov2007.

Margrain Martinborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Creamy and lightly toasty, the rich, caramelised pear and nutty aromas carry through to the palate where baked apple flavours are more to the fore. Dry, textural, talcy and musky with a powerful, zesty and lingering tasty finish which is notable for its high acidity and tingliness, it's very tight in its youth with a gravelly undercurrent. Excellent persistent of flavour with the pear and apple fruit joined by fragrant fleshy peach, honeysuckle and gingery spice. A bone dry wine that is obviously made to age, and it should do so with flair. 14.5% alc. 7.5g/l TA. $30. 25Nov2007.

Marsden Estate Bay of Islands Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) A creamy, leesy, nutty wine with green apple the dominant but very subtle fruit, it has that typically 'neutral' character that consumers love. But it is only 'neutral' to start and gently expands with flavour on the palate where delicate 'just ripe' pear, hints of florals and a touch of lemon join the apple and almonds while loads of strudel spices dance on the persistently juicy finish. Because it is initially shy, decanting is recommended to coax out the flavours. 13.5% alc. $27. 25Nov2007.

Michael Ramon Matakana Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Creamy textured, zesty, and slightly spritzy on first opening. Slightly estery and seemingly quite dry with roundness and richness to the full-bodied texture, it delivers a lovely fruit complexity with the sweetness of tree-ripened apricot, a touch of apple and fresh ripe figs. There’s a lovely musky floral brightness to the finish with a nuance of five spice coming through too. Develops beautifully in the bottle. A gorgeous debut wine for this label. Tawharanui Peninsula fruit. 14.5% alc. 15Jun2008.

Moana Park Vineyard Selection Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Dry, aromatic and fragrant with pear the dominant aroma, the full-bodied palate of this tank fermented wine has a touch of lime running through it. Tank fermented, the initial steeliness gives way to a bright, fat, full finish. 13.7% alc. 2Sep2007.

Nautilus Estate Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) A creamy wine with a pale straw gold colour and a lovely varietal presence. Pears, baked apples, a touch of ginger flower and a hint of citrus zest all add to the mouth-filling flavours that have a rich, ripe, full-bodied texture. There's a very subtle herb note, like spearmint in the distance- a pleasing note that adds an exotic character and doesn't detract. 14% alc. 6g/l rs. $29. 9Oct2007.

Ngatarawa Glazebrook Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Pale light gold in colour. When tasted straight off the ice, the wine is dry, steely and austere. When the chill has gone from the wine it has pear drop aromas and crisp apple flavours with a touch of zest on the finish and gingery spices. Dry. 5g/l rs. 13.5% alc. $22. 9Oct2007.

Omaha Bay Vineyard OBV Matakana Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Savoury and earthy with a yeasty flavour from the winemaking process running through the wine with underlying nuances of sweet citrus too. Reasonably full-bodied and textural, very dry and no obvious oak as in the previous vintage and finishes the classic 'pear' of Pinot Gris, together with warmth from the alcohol. Earthy in the sense that mushrooms and oysters are earthy and for that reason it works well with these foods. 16/20. 14% alc. $30. 2Aug2008.

Porter's Martinborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Light scented, delicately musky and just a little nutty on the nose, it's full of crisp apple, pear and florals in the palate with an underlying savouriness and a touch of herbaceousness,. Quite dry and steely with a long rich finish, it has the indicators to me that it could age quite well. 12% alc. $35. 12Dec2007.

Pisa Range Estate Central Otago Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) From a vineyard in Pisa, north of Cromwell, this is distinctly Pinot Gris on the nose with pear drop, a hint of apricot and delicately floral and spice scents. Flower musk adds allure to the leesy, biscuity, creamy flavours that hint of creaming soda with underlying spice. This is a powerful wine with a 'juicy' factor that is just so more-ish on the crisp, dry finish. 14.5% alc. $27. 25Nov2007.

Richardson Central Otago Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Light straw gold with a warm nutty aroma infused with pear drop and quince and a bright fresh attack on the palate with strudel spices, an earthy undercurrent, apple and pear fruit and rose petals. There's a crisp steely backbone but the 10% natural ferment in old barriques adds richness and mouthfeel to the just off-dry aftertaste. First crop fruit from a lakeside vineyard. 13.5% alc. $29.99. 22Oct2008.

Rimu Grove 'Bronte' Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Pears, hints of stonefruit and spice, with a touch of residual sugar adding lusciousness and an apple strudel finish. Lovely spicy complexity. Awatere Valley fruit. A pleasing accompaniment to baked chicken breast wrapped in bacon and infused with thyme. 13% alc. 2Sep2007.
There's a hint of honey on the nose and rich, sweetish flavours with hints of cherimoya (custard apple) amongst the ripe tropical fruit. It's lightly viscous in texture, clean, fruity and long with a spicy zest adding a vibrant flourish and balancing the sweetness on the finish. 13% alc. 10 g/l rs. 5.3 g/l TA. $28. 25Nov2007.

Rimu Grove Nelson Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Full-bodied, rich and textural with a gorgeous clean fruit expression of fleshy apricot and pear. It lacks a little on the nose, which makes it easy to pick as Pinot Gris because of its 'aroma neutrality' but it more than makes up for this with the taste, which is long and creamy with a musky overtone and a citrus zest brightness carrying the fruit salad finish. 13.5% alc. , 8 g/l rs. 6.6 g/l TA. $29. 25Nov2007.

Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Richly scented with a delicately musky, almost Gewurz-like perfume. Spicy to the taste and slightly grainy in texture with a lively zestiness to the juicy tropical fruit, ripe Nashi pear, red apple, passionfruit and a touch of nectarine adding to the fruit brightness. Powerful and just off dry with a touch of sweetness balanced by a squeeze of squeeze of lime and a touch of earthiness to the lingering finish. Excellent with mushroom risotto. A small portion was wild fermented in barrel. 9.5 g/l rs. 13.5% alc. $23. 15Jun2008.

Saint Clair Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Lightly chilled, this clear, pale wine is fragrantly perfumed with delicate floral scents and musky florals amongst the apple and juicy pear fruits. It's fairly dry yet soft and creamy with a warm strudel spiciness to the bright zesty lingering finish. 13.5% alc. $17.99. 12Dec2007.

Saint Clair Godfrey's Creek Reserve Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Perfumed and musky with fresh, crisp apple and Nashi pear fruit, even a touch of honey. There's a savoury nutty character to the undercurrent and sweetness to the finish. Juicy and very easy to like and drink. Partially fermented in old Fr oak barrels. 13.5% alc. 5.7g/l rs. $26.95. 14Dec2007.

Saint Clair Pioneer Block 5 'Bull Block' Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Verging on an Alsace style with a lusciousness to the delicately oily and slightly nutty palate, it's fragrantly scented with pear and musk while the crunchy pip fruit is deliciously juicy. 13% alc. 24g/l rs. $25. 9Oct2007.
Made in what they call a 'Vendage Tardive' style' this is deep in colour for such a young wine. Its gorgeously fragrant, fruity, apricot-infused scent is sweet and honeyed and the lightly oily viscous textured, sweet-fruited pear and apricot flavours are mouthfilling and long. Ripe, rich and rounded with lovely fruit. 'Yum' from the outset. 13.5% alc. 14g/l rs. 5.9g/l acidity. $22.95. 25Nov2007.

Sacred Hill Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Shy on the nose, dry and spicy in the palate with a slightly zesty backbone, it's spicy and richness with a creaminess to the texture and just a hint of herb or nutty yeast flavours adding a savoury bent. An excellent example of a dry style with talc and musk, rich ripe pear, tropical fruit and lovely freshness and vibrancy to the bright rounded finish. It creeps up on you and seduces you with it invisible power. 13.5% alc. $21. 25Nov2007.

Seifried Nelson Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) The delicate pinkest of hues, it's creamy, and musky smelling with pear drop and hints of peach. Quite oily and full-bodied in texture with ripe pear and peach fruit, hints of rose petal and orange blossom, underlying stewed apples, spice and a touch of honey, it's quite luscious but has an earthy savouriness to balance the sweetness and a nuance of cherry on the finish. Quite a fascinating wine with a tangy crispness to the lingering aftertaste. 13.5% alc. $21. 9Sep2007.

Southbank Estate East Coast Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Slightly pink tinge to the hue. Touch sweaty and savoury on the nose and slightly earthy in the sweetish palate with boiled lollies, wild strawberries, delicate spices and a hint of musk. Initially it seems dry but it finishes quite sweet and though quite sound, it just lacks excitement. 15.520. 13% alc. $21.99. 25Nov2007.

Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Light yellow gold in colour with quite floral and delicately musky scents, this is an immediately richer and more obvious sweeter spicier style with lychee, pink smoker lolly, strawberry, orange peel and apple strudel-like spices. It has an oily warmth and because it's quite phenolic, there's also a hint of graininess and it gives an impression of finishing drier than it really is. 11.5 g/l residual sugar.13.5% alc. $23.99. 19Mar2008.

Spinyback Nelson Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) So typical of what I expect of straight up and down pinot gris - full of apple and pear fruit, just off dry, a touch of viscosity to the texture and honeysuckle and pineapple sage flower nectar adding an extra dimension of complexity to the flavour. Slightly grainy too - reminiscent of the texture of pear, well proportioned moderate-toned acidity but perhaps propped up by a sugar on the finish. Made by Waimea Estates. 5g/l rs. 14.5% alc. $17.90. 15Jun2008.

Spy Valley Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Light lemon gold, this sweeter wine has a richness of flavour. It's soft, rounded and full-bodied with juicy citrus and tropical fruit over an apple and pear backbone. It's delicately floral and creamy in texture and finishes with a spicy, lemon zest flourish. 13% alc. $19.99. 10Oct2007.
A texturally rich style with underlying acidity and fleshy tropical fruit. Full-bodied and mouthfilling yet it has a steely undercurrent to keep the wine on the straight and narrow with excellent length. 11g/l rs. 13.5%alc. $19.90. 21Jan2008.

Takatu Matakana Pinot Gris 2007 Made in a bone dry style, this has lovely fruit weight and concentration with a hint of rose petal, apple and pear fruit and a honeysuckle nuance to the steely finish. This exciting, very clean expression of the pinot gris grape is from low cropping vines and hence there is not much about. 13.5% alc. $33. 2Sep2007.

Te Mania Nelson Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Sweetish smelling and floral with hints of rose petal, musky flavours, pear and gingery spices, this would be best with a little chilling to bring out the acidity, thus perfect for summer. Think of an orchard of apples and pears of all types and degrees of ripeness and a suggestion of lemon grass to add a bit of a herbal twist to the full, warm, lingering finish. 13.5% alc. $19.95. 25Nov2007.

Ti Point Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Light yellow gold with a bright, zesty aroma hinting of sherbet and fleshy tropical fruit, this reasonably dry wine is clean, long and tasty with a lightly spicy, spritzy texture and a nutty, savoury undercurrent to balance the explosion of gorgeous ripe pear and stonefruit. Crisp, clean, juicy and delicious. 13.5% alc. $19.90. 25Nov2007.

Terrace Heights Estate Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Pale straw coloured, with sweet ctirussy aromas, this is fresh and bright with beautifully poised balance and flow. Juicy lemon and tangelo adds zestiness to the tropical fruit and stonefruit with an apple strudel spiciness to the creamy finish. It's delicately oily in texture with low acidity and just off dry. 13.5% alc. $20.99. 7Nov2007.
A bright straw gold wine scented with honeysuckle and lime blossom, it seems light and delicate to start but has focused lime and marmalade flavours with hints of peach and nuances of strudel spices. It's soft and rounded with a slightly oily texture and builds in palate weight to a warm finish with juicy citrus adding verve. Very, very good. 13.5% alc. $20.99. 19Mar2008.

Trinity Hill Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Aromatic, full-bodied, this wine is subtle on attack but there's an emergence of power and weight in the palate. A little bready and musky with pear, hints of stonefruit, delicate spices and a citrussy sweetness to the finish, it's long, clean and rich. 14% alc. 2Sep2007.

Triplebank Awatere Pinot Gris 2007 - Marlborough (sc) Full of crunchy summer stone fruit, this fruity, flavoursome wine is medium-bodied with a nutty backbone, a touch of creaming soda, juicy apricot and tropical fruit and lots of characteristic ripe pear on the warm, spicy finish. Chilling brings out a burst of refreshing, bright acidity to balance. 13% alc. $19.99. 9Jan2008.

Two Rivers Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Aromatic, a little honeyed with a rich, spicy palate and a floral finish with a hint of musk, it's clean, full-bodied and satisfying. A fraction of Riesling in the blend adds to the aromatics and structure. 13.5% alc. 2Sep2007.

Vavasour Awatere Valley Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) A little steely and nutty on the nose but rich and full-bodied in the palate with subtle oak , lovely fresh acidity and spicy zest. Rounded and creamy with apples, pears and stonefruit, it's lightly grainy in texture and makes a very nice drink. 15% fermented in old French oak with wild yeasts. 14% alc. $24.50. 14Dec2007.

Tussock Nelson Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) There's a smoky note to the earthy, savoury aroma which gives way to ripe yellow fruit in the pawpaw, loquat, peach spectrum with a delicate citrus undercurrent. The second label of Woollaston Estate with fruit grown on the clays of the Upper Moutere, the wine has a pleasing touch of residual sugar (6.9 g/l) which places it on the cusp of dry to off dry. 14% alc. 17.5/20. $18. 21Jan2008.

Villa Maria Private Bin East Coast Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Water pale, this deliciously varietal, just off dry Pinot Gris exudes classical pear drop aromas and lightly spicy, juicy apple and poached pear flavours. It’s subtle to start but builds in the lightly oily-texture palate to fill the mouth with flavour and softness and the finish is long and juicy with a touch of flower musk and a tinge of sweetness. The bargain buy in Pinot Gris this year. 14% alc. $14.99.26Sep2007.

Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylor’s Pass Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) More like pinot gris as we know it as we know it with its intrinsic pear character, this straw gold wine is has perfumed pear drop aromas and rich, oily, almost creamy flavours full of stewed pear and apple, laced with strudel spices and an earthy savouriness. Warm, ripe and rounded throughout, there is mandarin/lime acidity cutting through the fruit sweetness for a dry nutty well-balanced finish with power and length. Very smart. 14% alc. $26.99. 19Mar2008.
There's a hint of rose petal muskiness and spice to the pretty flavoured wine. Aromas are reminiscent of ripe red apples with a gentle infusion of orange water and delicate exotic spices. It's slightly nutty too. Bright and zesty in the palate, almost a fresh lemonade fruit sweetness with a touch of graininess to the texture and an earthy citrus depth to the finish. Beautifully balanced, light and long with softer acidity and a touch of toffee as it lingers. 17.5/20. 14% alc. 10.3g/Lrs. $30. 7Aug2008.

Waimea Bolitho SV Nelson Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) A little nutty and brooding with a lifted perfume and delicately honeyed scent. Very sweet, tending towards late harvest in style, it is luscious and mouthfilling with fruit flavours of juicy ripe pear and toffee-coated red apples. A seductive wine with good mouthfeel and excellent length, the sweetness well balanced throughout but could be restrained with a little chilling, which it really would need in the summer but perfect without chilling for the winter. 25g/l rs. 13.5% alc. $23.90. 15Jun2008.

Wairau River Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) Neutral and earthy on the nose and in the palate, it's dry, steely , crisp and delicately musky with a mushroom/ truffle earthiness, a suggestion of herb, then hints of candy floss. But while it seems slow to start, it expands amazingly in the palate in the nicest possible way and a minute later you are wondering where those incredibly rich and gorgeously tasty mouth filling flavours of pear, musk, nuts and lemon meringue came from. It came from this wine. It's oily and textural with a floral intrigue to the finish. Definitely a bit of a Jeckell and Hyde. An excellent matched to crumbed chicken and buttery mashed kumara. 13% alc. $25.95. 25Nov2007.

Wild South Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007(sc) Initially quite shy and delicately floral (musk and honeysuckle) on the nose, this light to medium-bodied, juicy pinot gris is not overly expressive to start - but it's clean and well-made with a pleasing light viscous texture, a creaming soda flourish, and warmth to the musk and cinnamon spices that linger. Leave it a while and the sweet juicy fruit is reminiscent of crunchy crisp nashi pear, melon, loquat and nectarine with hints of vanilla and citrus and the finish is long and pleasing. 13.5% alc. $19.99. 25Nov2007.

Wild South Reserve Pinot Gris 2007(sc) Initially quite shy on the nose, it smells delicately fruity and peachy with the slightest suggestion of honeycomb while in the palate the high-toned ripe pear and tropical fruit is underpinned by rich fleshy peach and the crisp, dry, lightly spicy finish is juicy, vibrant and long. It becomes richer and more savoury with time with a lovely nutty undercurrent and a funky savouriness (reminiscent of wild yeast). Medium-bodied, perfectly quenching on its own but great with the right food too. 14% alc. $26.90. 25Nov2007.

William Thomas Marlborough Pinot Gris 2007 (D) Light golden hued, it's fairly neutral with savoury nuances on the nose but in the rich, smooth, creamed honeyed palate there's a silky graininess, lifted soft acidity, apples and nuts and a spicy zest. A dry wine with moderately sweet luscious fruit, lovely viscosity to the texture and more and more complexity with every sip you take. Aged in French barriques with lees stirring. 13.5% alc. $27.90. 14Dec2007.

Woollaston Estate Burkes Bank Neslon Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) With grapes sourced from the company's Burkes Bank vineyard on the gravelly soils of the Waimea Plains, this has clean, rich, fruity aromatics and is nicely rounded in the mouth with fruit salad, pear, apricot and perhaps even a hint of botrytis adding complexity to the mouthfilling flavours. It's a heady wine of length and power that is even better the following day with peach, delicate spice and a hint of honey. 14% alc. 3.9 g/l rs. 18.75/20. 21Jan2008.

Woollaston Tussock Nelson Pinot Gris 2007 (sc) There's a smoky note to the earthy, savoury aroma which gives way to ripe yellow fruit in the pawpaw, loquat, peach spectrum with a delicate citrus undercurrent. The second label of Woollaston Estate with fruit grown on the clays of the Upper Moutere, the wine has a pleasing touch of residual sugar (6.9 g/l) which places it on the cusp of dry to off dry. 14% alc. $18. 21Jan2008.

Allan Scott Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) A big oily style with a nutty backbone, pear and peach fruit and a spicy flourish to the finish. A powerful style with alcohol as well as fruit adding sweetness. 14% alc. 15g/l rs. $25. 18Sep2006.

Anchorage Nelson Pinot Gris (sc) Quite neutral, steely, pear drop aroma but excellent fruit weight in the clean, refreshing, bright palate that is full of lovely tangelo-like citrussy flavours with perhaps a hint of lime, herbs and hints of apples. Spicy and lightly oily with nashi pear flavours filling out the finish, it has lovely varietal typicity. 4.5 g/l rs. 13% alc. $20.00. 17Feb2007.

Astrolabe Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Pale lemon. Lightly floral on the nose with tropical fruit and juicy, fresh, slightly herbaceous aromas. Rounded and smooth in the palate and ever so slightly toasty with vibrant, fresh, juicy apple, lime and passionfruit, a touch of orange rind, a nuance of herb and soft, well-balanced acidity that balances the sweetness of the lingering finish. Wonderfully flavoursome Pinot Gris that those who shun this variety will probably like. 13% alc. $25.99. 9Aug2006.

Bilancia Hawkes Bay Pinot Grigio 2006 (sc) Peardrop aromas lead into a soft but rather neutral wine, there's a touch of sweetness however - a delicate muscatty, musky sweetness and a slightly spicy, spritzy texture. It's quite dry and steely with pear and lemon drop flavours lingering and hints of candy. It's a wine of texture and richness with a subtle flavour. It's a wine that has the ability to sing, however, when matched to the right food. 14% alc. $28.95. 4Jan2007.
Crisp, fresh, juicy and fruity, like biting into a crunchy fruit salad of red apples and crisp pears with a whisper of pineapple, a hint of passionfruit and a herbaceous twist to the spicy finish, it's off dry with an apple blossom perfume, a soft oily texture and excellent length. Serve lightly chilled to pronounce the acidity and verve. 14% alc. $29.99. 31Jan2007.
Straw gold coloured. Citrussy aromas with a hint of blossom. Rich, bright and oily textured with a light, lemony zing, a biscuity backbone and a long dry creamy finish. A powerful style of Pinot Gris with good expression of ripe pear fruit. 14% alc. $29.99. 6Jun2007.

Brick Bay Matakana Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Brick Bay Pinot Gris 2006 ($27) is crisp and spicy with a richness of pip fruit and a lightly zesty sweet citrus overtone. Mouthfilling while in the mouth, but it seemed quite short, the reason being that the wine was served too cold. Later I had a taste from a glass that had been poured a while and found a rather appealing aromatic, zesty perfume and the aftertaste lingered for ages. A dryish style, and really rather nice when the chill has gone. 13% alc. $27. 29Apr2007.

Camshorn Glenmark Gravels Waipara Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Pale in colour with a fruit salad aroma of reasonable intensity, later quite spicy and floral. A little sweetish in the palate, quite fruity, like Watties Fruit Salad with apples, pears, lots of peach a touch of pineapple and that one glace cherry that everyone fights over. There's a herbaceous twang to the finish and a touch of limey citrus to balance the fruit sweetness and something that reminds me of biting into a juicy, just ripe pear from one of the trees in my back yard. Decant for best results. 13% alc. 10g/l rs. $23.95. 17Feb2007.

Cape Campbell Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) From the Blind River region , south of the Awatere Valley, this is a little shy on the nose with a touch of musk that carries through to the palate with apples and pears and an earthy leesy character that adds texture as well as flavour. Musk and citrus linger on the full-bodied creamy finish. 13.5% alc. 5g/l rs. $18.95. 8Oct2006.
Water pale with pear aromas, this is fresh, clean and technically dry with just enough sweetness to appeal to most palates. It's a warm, vibrant, mouthfilling, spicy style that's full of pear and stonefruit with hints of apple and a touch of ginger. 13.5% alc. $15.99 . 6Dec2006.

Clayridge Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Ripe, luscious, textural, fragrant and floral - there's a delicate yeastiness to the baked pear fragrance with hints of clay off the ridge. Fruity in the palate with the sweetness of apricot balancing to the tautness of apples with a delicate zesty spice - apple strudelish with syrupy pastry things going on as well. It fleshes out nicely with a fleshy, ripe peach band stewed pear finish. Ripe and round, off dry, very appealing. Older oak was used and wild yeasts for the ferment 13.5% alc. 10.2g/lrs. $21.95. 28Jul2007.

Corbans Homestead Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Light lemon gold with an aromatic, musky perfume, it's a soft, sweetish, juicy style with feijoa, stonefruit and citrus, hints of smoker lollies, a touch of spice, rose petals and tangy lime zest on the finish. Bright and fresh with a lightly oily texture and very quaffable. Like its Huntaway stablemate, it has a smidgen of gewurztraminer in the blend. 13% alc. 10g/l rs. $15.95. 19Feb2007.

Escarpment 'The Edge' Martinborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Ripe, red apple aromas and fresh, crisp, spicy flavours with a creamy, sherbetty backbone; it builds on the palate to a full-bodied fresh finish. Apple flavours underpin the wine, that is creamy and fruity all the way through, there's a hint of loquat and tropical fruit on the finish with the faintest suggestion of pineapple sage. Vibrant, fruity and reasonably dry. 6g/l rs. 13.5% alc. $23. 16Nov2006.

Framingham Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Pale lemon, attractive fruit salad and delicately musky floral scents. Smooth, clean, rich, creamy flavours with lovely balance and flow, this is juicy, bright and tangy yet rounded and luscious with peach, a hint of lime, a touch of spice and a soft, mealy undercurrent. Keeps its focus throughout. Beautiful. No need to say more. 14.5% alc. $23.95. 9Sep2007.

Forrest Estate Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Earthy, pear drop and lemon aromas and bright fruit flavours reminiscent of fresh fruit salad made with peach, pear, red apple, pineapple and strawberry with a squeeze of orange. Light in colour and medium in style with a mouthfilling juiciness and a soft, slightly oily texture, it slips down rather easily while the tasty fresh finish, that also hints of honeysuckle and musk, leaves a rather sensuous aftertaste. 13% alc. $21.95. 31Aug2006.

Gibbston Valley Central Otago Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Pale lemon. The aromatics exude fragrance from the glass from at least a foot away. Floral with lemon drop and pears and tropical fruit and peaches - it's a soft medley of fruit salad from a distance. A little more herbaceous, steely and mealy when the nose is right inside the glass, the taste is clean, juicy, sherbetty and spritzy with a mealy softness to the stone and pip fruit flavours (including melon). The herbaceous florals detected on the nose emerge with a spicy, white pepper warmth. It garners some lusciousness without losing its crispness and the lasting aftertaste is rich, fruity and rounded. Well balanced, very appealing. 14.9% alc. $27.50. 9Sep2007.

Gladstone 12,000 Miles Wairarapa Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Light gold, bright and lustrous. Soft, slightly smoky, slightly buttery aromas - very neutral. The buttery character carries through the oily textured palate. Seems to be showing some age, but it is fact a 2006, so perhaps a product of Pinot Gris made in a Chardonnay style. And as it opens up it could even be unoaked Chardonnay. Creamy, soft, buttery and peachy with reasonable yeast lees influence, a lifted spicy character and a long, rounded finish with juicy melon and tropical fruit lingering, this would be pretty much of a crowd pleaser. Apples and pears come forth on the aftertaste. 14% alc. $21.95. 9Sep2007.

Gladstone Wairarapa Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Fairly neutral steely aroma with hints of strudel pastry, interesting complex, layered palate with earthy nuances and a slightly grainy texture, nashi pear, hints of tangelo, a touch of anise and a high-toned citrussy finish with hints of creaming soda and baked apples. Fascinating wine with a hint of oak and a character that some people would call 'minerally'. 2.9 g/l rs. 14% alc. $27.00. 17Feb2007.

Grove Mill Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) There's a touch of sulphur on the nose that makes me think the wine will taste quite steely - and it does. The sulphury characters also make it seem earthy and dull on entry but it redeems itself by a crisp, refreshing, spicy and just a touch of spritzy brightness to the fruity finish which fleshes out quite nicely. There's a hefty wallop of residual in the wine, but it doesn't taste 'sweet', probably because there is also reasonably high acidity to balance the sweetness. 23.4 g/l rs. 13.5%alc. $19.90. 21Jan2008.

Hyperion Matakana Pinot Gris 2006 (D) Juicy tropical fruit on the nose, a slight salinity as well, lightly honeyish in the palate with apricot and a touch of pineapple but fairly dry, fresh and crisp overall with a flinty nuance and a spicy finish. 13.5% alc. $23. 26Feb2007.

Huntaway Reserve Gisborne Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) A flirtatious wine with 12% gewurztraminer in the blend that the enhances the aroma, richness and flavour of this fresh, lively, perfumed, sweetish wine. Ripe and juicy with butter caramel, honeyed peaches, subtle fennel-like herbs, soft acidity and a long, rich finish, it's outstanding with a little chilling. 14% alc. 6.6g/l rs. $21.95. 17Feb2007.

Isabel Estate Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) A gorgeously expressive pinot gris, a reflection of the very good 2006 Marlborough vintage. Aromatic and floral with a mealy, nutty yeast lees influence and hints of lemon sherbet and green grapes, it tastes ripe and fruity, soft and fleshy with stonefruit, tropical fruit, hints of feijoa and a core of bright zesty citrus - think kumquat. Quite a dry wine, just 4 grams per litre of residual sugar, but the texture is full and fleshy, there is a vibrant spiciness and yeast lees flavours add complexity to the lingering finish. It's rather exciting and shows that pinot gris can have flavour. 13% alc. 4 g/l rs. $23. 14Apr2007.

Johanneshof Trocken/Dry Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (D) Lemon gold coloured, rich, ripe and luscious, spicy and aromatic with stewed pears and hints of rose musk; a lovely seam of apricot gives it a hint of a Viognier character and it finishes with lifted apricot and citrus with a slightly nutty influence and a bone dry aftertaste. Concentated, heady, fascinating, absolutely delish. 14.4% alc. $26. 17Feb2007.

Kaimira Brightwater Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Apple strudel - apple, pear and spice, soft texture, hint of spice and musky floral notes on finish. Alcohol adds sweetness. 3g/l rs. 13.5%. 9Oct2006.

Kumeu River Pinot Gris 2006 - Kumeu (sc) Pale coloured with subtle stewed pear aromas and a touch of sweetness to the nutty, spicy flavours that hint of apple and zesty citrus with just a hint of musk. It fattens out nicely to a rounded finish and lingers well. As good as the 2004 vintage of this wine. 7.5g/l rs. 13% alc. $25.99. 27Dec2006.

Lake Hayes Central Otago Pinot Gris 2006 Fairly neutral aroma at first but later spicy and sherbetty, it tastes quite dry with a spicy, high acid, citrussy backbone and is rather neutral and mouth puckery until a bubble bursts to bring an explosion of juicy vibrant stonefruit and a rich, spicy, slightly honeyed finish. Very tasty. 6.8 g/l rs. 13.5% alc. $25.00. 17Feb2007.

Lawson's Dry Hills Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Light gold, bright in its hue. Classic pinot gris aromas of pear drop and mush, the floral musky notes carry through to the warm, spicy, full-bodied palate that has a powerful kick. A smidgen of oak comes forth and there's citrus and a touch of apricot on the finish. Excellent weight, texture and taste. 1Sep2006.
Light gold, aromatic, floral, baked apples and pears - plenty going on to amuse the nose. Spicy to the taste, soft and fruity with an oily texture and a pear-like graininess. It has that hint of sweetness, yet it is dry. One of the most flavoursome PG's around and highly recommended. 14.5% alc. $25.99. 4Apr2007.

Lincoln Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Delicate pear and tangelo zest aromas leaded into a reasonably dry, honeyed palate with spice and citrus. It's crisp and fresh with a creamy textured, fruity finish that lingers for ages. Medium bodied in style. 13% alc. $19. 20Sep2006.
Pear on nose, fragrant, musky, and floral - it's ripe and spicy in palate with a creamy (oily) texture and fruit sweetness. Medium-bodied with a long finish that has a crisp, freshness to it. 13% alc. $19. 25Sep2006.

Margrain Martinborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Light lemon gold. Not overly expressive on the nose with subtle apple and a delicate floral fragrance, it's lemony and steely in the palate with a hint of butterscotch emerging then a sherbetty spritz. The lasting impression is of a savoury, medium to full-bodied textural wine with lemon and apple the dominant fruit, a hint of orange zest adding a tangy brightness and musky spices adding an almost gewurztraminer-like like exotic allure to the finish (but nowhere near as powerful and pungent as a gewurztraminer would be). 14% alc. $28. 9Sep2007.

Matua Valley Shingle Peak Reserve Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Light gold. Perfumed and fragrant with canned pear aromas, this full-bodied style has a hint of oak and spicy yeast tees characters which add richness, texture and weight to the luscious pear and stone fruit flavours and the wine finishes dry. Excellent length. A very moreish Pinot Gris. 14% alc. $21.95. 8Oct2006.

Montana East Coast Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) A blend of Marlborough and Hawkes Bay grapes, there's citrus and green apples on the nose and it's quite juicy in the palate with nashi pears and a hint f mandarin. It's a non-confrontation, light fruity style with a touch of sweetness and a spicy, slightly peppery, slightly musky rose petal finish and it leaves a clean fresh aftertaste. 13.% alc. 7.5g/l rs. $16.95. 17Mar2006.

Morton Estate Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Light lemon gold. Steely and citrussy with hints of plasticine on the nose. Seemingly one-dimensional at first, it opens up mid-palate with a vinous complexity coming into play but its not overly fruity - apples the dominant fruit with a touch of spice, florals and lemon peel on the light, musky, soft finish. 13.5% alc. $18.95. 9Sep2007.

Morton Estate Hawkes Bay Private Reserve Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Quite dry, well-made, distinctly Pinot Gris with perfumed, slightly oily, pear drop aromas and warm, textural, spicy flavours of stonefruit and sweet baked pears with hints of vanilla and a suggestion of butterscotch on the rounded finish, which is a little sweeter than the beginning. 13.8% alc. $22.95. 17Feb2007.

Mount Riley Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Light gold in colour with pear drop and strudel spice aromas, this is a fat fleshy wine with a creamy texture and apples and pear fruit to the fore. It's a full-bodied style with a spicy richness, a soft juicy finish and just a touch of savouriness to balance the sweetness. Lots of flavour. 14% alc. $19.99. 30Nov2006.

Mount Michael Estate Selection Central Otago Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Light gold and mealy smelling, the bright, citrussy flavours are medium to full-bodied with a creamy texture, lots of zesty spicy notes and a dry finish that has a twist of lemon/lime. There's a slightly earthy, savoury richness and the finish is long and bright and sherbetty. First crop fruit with 10% barrel and 3 months on lees. Match to Waikanae Crab with chili and capers. 4.7g/l rs. 13.5% alc. $21. 2Nov2006.

Mt Rosa Central Otago Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Pale gold and quite floral with rose petal aromas to the fore, it smells like gewurztraminer but that's where the similarity ends because it tastes of ripe apples with layer upon layer of lemon zest and apple peel. A weighty style with a creamy texture and low acidity despite the lemon peel nuances, the floral characters come back to play on the lingering finish. 14% alc. $25.99. 17Jan2007.

Omaha Bay Vineyard Pinot Gris 2006 - Matakana (sc) Fermented in older oak and matured on yeast lees, this wine will appeal to chardonnay drinkers. It's a ripe, rich, nutty style, lightly floral on the nose with nutty, lemony, leesy notes and ripe and creamy in the palate with hints of stonefruit, citrus zest and rich, ripe pear flavours on the lightly savoury and slightly spritzy finish. Bone dry. 13% alc. $30. Screwcap. 26Feb2007.

Ostler Waitaki Valley Audrey's Pinot Gris 2006 Unfortunately marred by smoky sulphides on the nose and in the palate, a common trait of Italian Pinot Grigio but beneath all this it's rich and powerful with a slick oily texture, a spicy backbone and apricot the dominant fruit. Treated with a copper-plated 10c coin, it becomes floral and perfumed with hints of bees wax and the taste is bright and fruity, full of pear and tropical guava, building to a long creamy finish. 13% alc. $32.00. 17Feb2007.

Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Very pale with a youthful, estery, ripe stonefruit and bubble gum aroma, there's canned pear flavours with a touch of spice, a luscious texture that imparts a rich mouthfeel, a touch of vanilla and fruit sweetness lingering on the aftertaste. Fresh, tasty and very impressive. 14% alc. $25.99. 30Aug2006.

Rimu Grove Nelson Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Pale in colour with a citrussy aroma and a creamy smooth palate, it tastes like quintessential pinot gris with its abundant pear and peach flavours. It's mellow, soft, spicy and quite dry with a hint of toastiness and a citrus zestiness which adds a graininess to the texture. Tropical fruits emerge on the lingering finish with just a touch of sweetness. 9 g/l rs. 13.5% alc. $28. 4Jan2007.

Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Needs decanting because it is very shy on the nose when first poured with only delicate hints tropical fruit. It's spicy in the palate, textural and weighty with a long, full-bodied finish. Next day it is still a little closed but the apple-like fruit aromas combining with earthy yeast lees scents are more distinctive. It's crisp and citrussy in the palate with apricot forcing its way through and the finish is clean. 14.5% alc. $24. 11Oct2006.

Saint Clair Godfrey's Creek Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Pears on nose, spice and warmth to the full-bodied, lightly sweetish, seemingly high alcohol palate. A distinctive style with pears, green apples and a hint of sage over a soft creamy texture with delicate fruit salad flavours of pears and stewed apples lingering with a touch of spice. Clean, well made but not overly exciting - it's just Pinot Gris. 13.5% alc. 5.5g./L rs. $24.95. 18May2007.

Seifried Nelson Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Light gold with distant scents of citrus blossoms, the delicate nose belies the richness of the palate. Smooth, almost oily with hints of musk, pear and apricot and gingery spices, a hint of citrus adds a Riesling-like brightness to the sweetish finish. Good length. 13% alc. $20.99. 4Oct2006.

Seresin Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Matured in older French oak with lees stirring, this mouth filling wine is rich and textural. Lovely pear and peach fruit, a fruit salad of flavours with spices all the way through and a floral nuance to the finish. 14.5%. $28. 18Sep2006.
With its pear drop aroma, it's distinctly pinot gris as we know it. Rich, full-bodied, nutty palate with a zesty, lively backbone to the ripe apple and pear fruit including nashi and a touch of herb that imparts a savouriness to the finish. Dry yet with a lightly oily, unctuousness and the finish is bright and fresh. Recommend brisk decanting for utmost enjoyment at this stage of its life. 14.5% alc. $27.90. 1May2007.

Spy Valley Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) A sweeter wine with expressive honeysuckle and pear drop aromas, it tastes quite steely with lots of acidity at first, but becomes quite warm, oily and concentrated with spiced stewed pears and musky flowers building to a tasty, powerful finish. 10.5g/l rs. 13.5 alc. $21.99. 27Dec2006.

Spy Valley Envoy Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Aromatic and lightly floral with the hallmark pear drop scents, it tastes full-bodied, floral, spicy and luscious with a hint of rose musk. Fermented in German oak ovals for texture rather than taste, the flavours of tropical fruit, quince and honey build to a slightly viscous mouthfilling finish with creamed nuts, citrus zest and a hint of toffee. 14% alc. 22 g/L rs. 4.87 g/L TA. $33. 7May2007.

Stoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) A typically neutral style of pinot gris with pear aromatics and sweetish grapey flavours with some floral notes, an earthy nutty backbone and a mountain paw paw flavour coming through. Overall a little dull and flat. 13% alc (on bottle). 11.5 g/l rs. $23. 24Apr2007.

Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Light gold. Grapey aromas and Vanillin infused grapey flavours. Neutral in flavour but rich and weighty in palate with a little bit of grip to the finish. This is a classic case of a wine that needs decanting- give it time and it smells of an exotic tropical fruit Salad while the rich weighty palate is full of peach and passionfruit. It's ripe and dry, with just a hint of oak and a spicy tang to the finish. Very exciting. 30Sep2006. 13% alc. $18.95. 30Sep2006.

Tasman Bay Vintage Selection Pinot Gris 2006 (D) Aromas of pear drops and flavours of stonefruit and citrus with a medium-styled sweetness that balances the crisp acidity that imparts a zingy, freshness to the slightly toasty finish. A blend of Nelson and Marlborough fruit. 13% alc. $18.50. 28Jul2006.
Pale lemon. Pear drop and citrus drop on the nose with a touch of herbaceousness and a warm, textural, spicy palate with lemon/lime acidity adding freshness and vibrancy to the pip fruit and tropical fruits that linger on the finish. 13% alc. $16.99. 9Aug2006.
A blend of Marlborough and Nelson fruit, served chilled the aroma is slightly dull but the taste is bright and spicy, crisp and crunchy, a little honeyed, with fruit salad and a ton of zesty citrus on the medium bodied lingering aftertaste. It is off dry and has just a hint of oak. 13% alc. $16.99. 7Feb2007.

T.H.E. Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Light straw gold in colour with a pear drop aroma and fresh lees influenced citrussy flavours. With its soft acidity it's a textural, mouthfilling, dryish style with a touch of hokey pokey on spicy, fresh, tasty finish. 7 g/l rs. 13% alc. $22. 8Oct2006.

Thornbury Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Vanilla and pear on the nose, spritzy and spicy in the palate with a creamy backbone, ripe pear fruit and ginger emerging on the finish. Off dry with good weight and mouthfeel. 14% alc. $19.95. 17Aug2006.
Ripe, rich, fruity and tasty with lots and lots of flavour. Light gold coloured, a littler viscous in appearance, perfumed, a little spicy with ripe pear and stonefruit - quite rich, fat and fleshy with a luscious factor and a citrus zestiness on the lingering finish. Delicious with Duchy Original Organic Lemon Biscuits. 14% alc. 9.4g/L rs. $19.95. 5May2007.

Tresillian 'Cox Block' Canterbury Pinot Gris 2006(sc) An interesting wine that’s bit like an Italian Grigio at first, but floral spice and classically varietal with underlying rich, lusciousness and juiciness that's akin to a wine from Alsace. Perhaps this is distinctly Canterbury. 13.8% alc. $25. 3Sep2007.

Villa Maria PB East Coast Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Fragrant, slightly spicy, medium dry, hints of vanilla, spritzy lime sherbet and spiced pears all combine on the grainy-textured, weighty palate. There's a hint of peach on the finish and a touch of citrus adds a tangy edge. A blend of Hawkes Bay, Auckland and Marlborough fruit. 13.5% alc. $16.95. 31Aug2006.
Pale gold with pip fruit aromas and slightly spritzy, spiced apple flavours with a twist of orange peel and a hint of musk. It's on the sweeter side of dry, the texture is warm and oily and there's not even a whisper of oak. Chill well for refreshing summer drinking. 13.5% alc. $13.99. 1Nov2006.

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Very light gold with lime glints, it's perfumed and floral with delicate spice, and tastes sweetish, floral, spicy and spritzy with apple and pear fruit and violet overtones. A bright, tasty style with low acidity, and oily texture and a long, powerful, spicy, almost-gewurztraminer-like finish. Very appealing and flavoursome. 10 g/l rs. 14% alc. $19.99. 18Apr2007.

Villa Maria Single Vineyard Seddon Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Light gold with vinous, grapey, nutty aromas and the sweet scent of pineapple sage flower nectar. A little more neutral in the fruit department at first, it's rich and textural, oily and nutty, with soft acidity, a concentrated richness and a lightly creamy texture then juicy apples and stonefruit emerge to flourish on the gently sweet finish. A beautiful wine with richness, balance, power and length. Cuisine's top Pinot Gris. 12 g/l rs. 14.5% alc. $29.99. 18Apr2007.

Waipara Hills Waipara Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) With a fresh, fruity pear and apple aroma and lots of juicy, sweet-fruited flavours from the start to the finish, this is full-bodied and rich with an oiliness to the texture, a fruity backbone, a hint of musk and apple strudel spices. It's long in flavour and beautifully balanced with a minerally undercurrent to give it edge. 14.5% alc. $20.99. 27Sep2006.

Whitehaven Marlborough Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Light straw gold. Delicate floral and pear drop aromas belie the sweetish, powerful flavours that are full of spice-infused apple, pear and stonefruit with lemongrass in the background - there's a hint of musk and lychee juice on the finish that have you wondering if there is a smidgen of gewurztraminer in there too. It has weight and lots of flavour, so if you are one of those people who think Pinot Gris is innocuous, then this will change your mind. 13.5% alc. $19.99. 13Dec2006.

Wild Earth Central Otago Pinto Gris 2005 (sc) Light gold in colour, aromatic, citrussy aromas and warm, soft, slightly sweetish flavours of ripe pear and peach over a lightly grainy, leesy backbone that adds a savoury, nutty richness to the wine. There's a spicy kick to the bright, tangy, juicy finish where hints of rose petals emerging. A soft, low acid, flavoursome style. 9g/l rs. 13% alc. $235. 1Apr2007.

Woollaston Nelson Pinot Gris 2006 (sc) Displaying excellent legs, it's lightly honeyed on the nose, and rich and weighty to the taste. Spicy and textural, bready and full, delicious poached pear-like fruit and strudel notes, the finish is long and full of savoury winey flavours. A seductive wine on its own, even more so with a poached pear and blue cheese tart. 14% alc. $20. 23Nov2006.

3 Terraces Wairarapa Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) A floral, sweet-fruited, slightly honeyed pinot gris with pears and stonefruit filling the rich mid palate and a floral, light textured, slightly spicy finish with a touch of sage as it lingers. 13.5% alc. 6.5g/l rs. 6.6g/l TA. $24.95. 8Sep2005.

Akarua Central Otago Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Pear drop and spice on the nose lead into a dry, zesty plate with a lightly oily texture. Let it build up in the mouth and it gives a full-boded creamy finish with a zesty, spice, ripe pear aftertaste. Bone dry yet well-balanced. 13.5% alc. $25.95. 8Sep2005.

Allan Scott Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Partially fermented in old oak which contributes to the light gold colour, with some maceration on skins. There's a crispness underlying the full bready flavours with lots of yeast lees influence which gives it a rich texture, with a floral citrussy note to the creamy, spicy and slightly savoury finish. Nice mouthfeel and length. A good food style. 13% alc. 10g/l rs. $25.50. 19Sep2005.

Amor-Bendall Gisborne Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Tropical smelling, full of juicy fruit with a dry steely palate, a bitter lemon twist to the finish and a fresh fruity aftertaste. 12% alc. $24. 27Sep2005.

Astrolabe Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Lovely ripe pear and stonefruit scents with a touch of spice lead into a honeyed palate. A nicely balanced, off-dry style with good fruit definition and a warm spicy finish. Clean, fresh and lively. 14% alc. $19. 9Nov2005.

Ata Rangi Martinborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Light yellow gold with ripe tropical fruit aromas and hint of lemon zest. A fruit-driven wine with bright, tropical fruit hinting of pineapple and passionfruit, with pears and nectarine in the background, and even a hint of strawberry. Good palate weight and texture. Fresh, fruity and lively with a spicy aftertaste. Top pick. 14% alc. 10g/l rs. $28. 6Dec2005.

Bald Hills Central Otago Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Richly textured with pear and spice flavours, a warm mid-palate and a long, slightly grainy, spicy finish Lots of flavour and perfume with a muskiness to the finish. Very smart. 14% alc. $25. 8Sep2005.

Bilancia Hawkes Bay Pinot Grigio 2005 (sc) The fairly neutral, slightly yeasty aromas belie the mouth-filling, creamy textured flavours of peaches and melon with a hint of passionfruit and pears on the spicy, slightly nutty finish. Reminiscent of a fruity unoaked chardonnay at this early stage of its life - given time the aromatics will evolve. 14% alc. $25.95. 10Aug2005.

Bilancia Reserve Hawkes Bay Pinot Grigio 2005 (sc) Pale straw. Delicately nutty, honeyed, floral aromas and spicy, nutty flavours with a reasonable influence of yeast lees. It's full-bodied and flavoursome with lemon bread, apricot and nectarine fruit and a bright finish. In fact it almost has a Viognier ring to it with the clean, bright apricot-like nuances that linger. Beautifully balanced and poised - this is one of the country's best PG's. 14.5% alc. $26. 2Jun2006.

Brick Bay Matakana Pinot Gris 2005 (c) Pale in colour with apple and orange blossom scents, it has a natural coolness in the mouth with a spicy, sherbet richness and a 'creaming soda' aftertaste. It has a tight-grained texture, there a nuance of herb, and orange-zest lingers with a hint of musk on the delicate but persistent finish. A savoury nutty character emerges as it lingers. 13% alc. $27. 13Feb2006.

Brookfields Ohiti Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) A soft, perfumed, slightly yeasty, earthy style with mellow spice and a touch of vanilla bean on the finish. 13.5% alc. $18.95. 8Sep2005.

Canterbury House Waipara Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Classic pear and stewed apple flavours with a squeeze of citrus and peppery spice but there's an alcoholic warmth coming through on the oily textured, nutty finish which slightly detracts from the overall pleasure. 14.5% alc. $17.90. 27Sep2005.

Carrick Central Otago Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Straw gold in colour, it's bright and citrussy to the taste with a touch of orange zest and a baked apple richness that adds body while a mealy undercurrent gives an earthy character to the dry finish. The texture is rounded, smooth, and almost viscous and the brighter flavours of spiced pears and freshly picked peach emerge to linger. This is going to develop a luscious factor with time. 13.5% alc. $24.50. 13Feb2006.

Castalia Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Quite neutral aromas but a spicy palate with white pepper, stonefruit, pears, tropical fruit and a spicy finish. A well-balanced wine with a fruity aftertaste. 13% alc. $25. 27Sep2005.

Chard Farm Central Otago Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Very pale. Delicately fragrant, lightly spicy perfume with vanilla and lemon grass. Spicy in the palate with soft acidity, an oily texture and floral, musky, rose petal flavours and a rich stone fruit finish. Off dry, soft and sweet. Goes well with bitter leaves of a salad, creamy camembert, chicken liver and brandy pate. 13.5% alc. $26. 13Aug2006.

Clayridge Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 Creamy, with a touch of vanilla over pear, and stonefruit. Full-bodied, richly textured with a rich, long-lasting finish. Tasty! 14.2% alc. 31Aug2005.
Full-bodied, creamy and nutty with a citrussy backbone and an earthy finish with a rich spicy aftertaste. Soft, smooth, balanced and rounded - a most versatile wine and terrific with blue pear and cheese. 14.2% alc. $21. 8Oct2005.
Pale in colour with nutty, slightly floral aromas and a delicate overlay of musk to the leesy flavours with citrus, red apples and pears in abundance. Spicy, slightly gewurz-like flavours hover in and out, while a touch of oak adds complexity to the soft, smooth finish and apples and pears linger strongly on the aftertaste. 13.5% alc. $19.95. 30Nov2005.

Corbans Homestead Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) A hint of onion skin to the hue. Ripe pear and slightly musky aromas and sweet-fruited flavours with a lemon twang . Richly textured and full-bodied with complexity from yeast lees aging, and spiced apples and pear to the fore on the finish. A medium-sweet wine with excellent balance, made from a blend of NZ and Australian grapes. 13.4% alc. $13.95. 6Dec2005.

Corbans Private Bin Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Light gold. Buttery oak and melon take over the nose, then in the palate the oak plays a big part too. A rich, creamy wine with lovely mouthfeel, pear, apple and sprightly tropical fruit and a long, smooth, dry, spicy finish. Quite chardonnay like. 13% alc. $20. 6Dec2005.

Cracroft Chase Wood’s Edge Canterbury Pinot Gris 2005 Seems reasonably fruity and aromatic on the nose and although it's quite dry and steely in the palate at first, it opens up well and has a long juicy finish. 10% of the wine went into 10 year old barrels. 1/3 of the wine spent 9 months on lees, 1/3 had malolactic fermentation and 1/3 was simply tank fermented. 14% alc. 3Sep2007.

Escarpment Martinborough Pinot Gris 2005 (D) Lightly oaky, creamy textured, leesy and caramelly with toasty lemony flavours emerging, this is a medium to full-bodied mouthfilling style that becomes richer and richer over the course of the tasting. A very complex and interesting style with the delicate oaky flavours seemingly taming the bright acidity. Barrel fermented with full malo and matured in oak for 12 months with lees stirring, the barrel ferment and mealy lees flavours exude a fragrant spiciness with hints of apricot and nougat. Give it time and it simply blossoms, as I found out the following day. A gorgeous rendition of Burgundian-styled pinot gris. 13.9% alc. $29. 4Jan2007.

Esk Valley Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Smells rich and ripe with sweet ripe pears on the nose - a full-on wine, quite yeasty still with hints of botrytis and white flowers and bee pollen on the finish. 14% alc. $22.95. 6Sep2005.

Fairhall Downs Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Promising aromas and a spicy palate with a slight herbal influence and a warm rich finish with ripe tropical fruit flavours lingering. Lovely texture and balance with a little bit of older oak adding additional richness. 13.5% alc. $25. 8Sep2005.

Forrest Estate Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Pear aromas and quite neutral, lightly oily, pear and stonefruit flavours. This has a delicacy throughout with alight texture and a fruity creaminess to the finish. 13% alc,. $24.95. 27Sep2005.

Framingham Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Straw gold coloured with lush, spiced pears scents and warm, full-bodied flavours that are on the gewurztraminer end of pinot gris, like many Alsace renditions of the variety. Beautifully balanced, smooth and spicy with concentrated pipfruit, a touch of citrus, a hint of rose petal, a touch of musk and a lingering, spicy, off-dry finish with a very long aftertaste. Very good. 14% alc. $25. 5Dec2005.
Light straw gold. Floral, slightly oily smelling - like hand cream - with a touch of pear and passionfruit. It has nicely balanced sweetness that makes the wine off-dry and excellent fruit focus with poached pears, hints of passionfruit, a touch of honey and a vinous richness. A touch of savoury herb adds structure to the mouthfilling finish. 14% alc. 11 g/l RS. $26.95.29Mar2006.

Grove Mill Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Herbal, oily, a little extracted with citrus, spice and melons galore and a sweetish finish. Needs to be served slightly chilled. 14% alc, $27.95. 27Sep2005.
With its ripe pear aromas and rich flavours of peas and apples with hints of pawpaw, gingery spices and a floral note to the earthy finish, this is the sweetest of all the wines reviewed and best served with food. Match to chicken or pork served with a rich fruity sauce or even to a dessert but one that is not too sweet. 7Oct2005.
There's an oily appearance to the lemon gold colour and the smoky, almost toasty, lime-infused aromas hint of honeysuckle. While it smells a little like Riesling, the taste is a world apart. It's soft, warm, oily, concentrated and just a little sweet, with dried pears, spiced citrus and a touch of honey on the rich, lingering finish. A gorgeous, full-bodied style of Pinot Gris that is reminiscent of an Alsace style. 14% alc. $27.99. 23Aug2006.

Huia Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Creamy and oily with an underlying nuttiness, herbs and a tart citrus note to the finish. 14% alc. $27.95. 27Sep2005.

Huntaway Marlborough/Gisborne Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) A flavoursome wine with a touch of honey, a subtle mealy influence, a spicy mid-palate and a long, flavoursome finish with stonefruit and pears lingering on the aftertaste. 14% alc. $19.95. 27Sep2005.
A dryish style with a perfumed, slightly floral aroma and a rich creamy palate full of pear and honeyed apples topped with a squeeze of citrus and a dry, savoury, earthy finish with a long, mouthfilling, spicy aftertaste. The most food friendly of all the recent tastings. 7Oct2005.

Hyperion 'Phoebe' Matakana Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Smoky, slightly steely with ripe summer fruit aromas and mellow tropical fruit flavours with a peachy influence, a steely backbone and a floral honeyed note lingering on the fresh, crisp finish. 13% alc. $20. 19Feb2006.
The crisp steely aroma the belies the juicy sweet fruit in the palate that is full of passionfruit and fresh lychee with an underpinning of citrus and an earthiness to the finish. It's fresh and tasty and can be well chilled for summer. 5g/l rs. 13% alc. $20. 8Oct2006.

Isabel Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Light yellow gold, clear and bright, with tiny bubbles clinging to the sides of the glass. The bouquet is temptingly aromatic with rich scents of pear drops and creamed nuts, and a fragrant floral character, like Queen of the Night, far off in the distance. It tastes bright and zesty with the petillance in the glass continuing with a spritzy dance across the tongue before flavours of citrus, apples, pears and a touch of tropical fruit are revealed. It's a warm, full-bodied wine with honeysuckle and zesty citrus on the finish and perhaps even a touch of ginger as it lingers. 12.5% alc. 3.3g/l rs. $26.95. 14Jan2006.

Kathy Lynskey Single Vineyard Pinot Gris 2005 (c) A pale straw-coloured dry style with a little graininess to the texture that gives an interesting mouthfeel to the concentrated fruit flavours with pears, nuts, honey and a spicy, tropical fruited, weighty finish. 14.5%. $30. 9Nov2005.

Kemblefield Estate the Distinction Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Dryish with pear and stonefruit aromas and rich, varietal Pinot Gris flavours on a smooth oily texture with a herbal flash to the finish and a spiciness to the aftertaste. 12.5% alc. $19.99. 27Sep2005.

Kumeu River Pinot Gris 2005 - Kumeu (sc) Pale and clear with fragrant, floral, citrus, apple and pear-drop aromas. A young, slightly spritzy, off-dry style with tropical fruit joining the lemon citrus, a delicate but enriching silky-textured palate and a long, zesty finish with a touch of honey, musk and rose petal. Classy. 12.5% alc. 7.5g/l residual sugar, $28.95.4Jan2006.

Lawson Dry Hills Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Pear drops on the nose lead into a richly textured palate with great mouthfeel. There is nothing bland or neutral about this wine - it is rich and mouthfilling with pear and stonefruit and a long full finish with just a hint of vanilla bean as it lingers. A great drinking wine and a great food wine. 13.5%a lc. $23. 31Aug2005.
Nutty, perfumed, lightly floral, slightly musky aromas and soft, full-bodied flavours with a smooth, oily texture and a hint of spicy oak that adds complexity, richness and a nuance of vanilla bean to the luscious ripe pear and lychee fruit. Just on the sweet edge of dryness, this will be delicious with or without food. 14.5% alc. $25.95. 28Sep2005.

Matua Valley Innovator Shingle Peak Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Ripe tropical fruit is to the fore in this perfumed wine that a yeasty richness and a vibrancy to the spicy, lingering finish. It's light rich gold in colour with perfumed pear and fresh peach aromas underpinned by creamed nuts that add a graininess to the texture and there's a savouriness to the full-bodied finish with hints of vanilla as it lingers. Give it another year or so to develop a lusciousness that it shows every sign of developing. 13.5% alc. $31.95. 13Feb2006.

Matua Valley Shingle Peak Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) There's a slight onion-skin colour to the clear, light gold hue. Oily smelling, extracted, estery, slightly earthy and quite pungent, with a scent a little reminiscent of overripe apple. Fruity to the taste with a rich, nectar texture, an undercurrent of vanilla bean and citrus and stonefruit lingering on the full-bodied finish.. The texture becomes quite grainy is the wine is served too cold. 13% alc. $20.95. 14Jan2006.

Montana Reserve Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Pale lemon in colour, slightly floral on the nose and oily textured and lemony to the taste with a creamy, nutty, bready backbone, pear and apple fruit, a hint of herb and honeysuckle and white flower emerging on the finish.. Tight in its structure, 15% of the wine was fermented in a wooden 'cuve' to add savoury complexities, and it tastes quite dry despite its 9 grams per litre of residual sugar. A blend of 85% Pinot Gris and 15% Pinot Blanc. 13% alc. $19.95. 15Jun2007.

Morton Estate Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Light gold in colour with vanilla and savoury, yeasty scents underpinned by quince and grapefruit peel leading into a fairly neutral flavoured palate with a touch of citrus to brighten it up and an earthy savoury finish where nutty oak adds richness and length. 14% alc. $19. 13.5% alc. $19.95. 2Jun2006.

Mt Difficulty Central Otago Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) A fleshy wine with orange zest over ripe pears and stonefruit, a lush palate and a long full finish with a dry, nuttiness and musky notes to the lingering fruity aftertaste. 14% alc. $25. 27Sep2005.
Musky scents lead into a dry herbaceous palate with generous, juicy, grape-like fruit and a zestiness to the spicy finish. Like the flourishing f's on the label, this wine flourishes on the finish. 11Oct2005.
Floral smelling with pear drops, hints of violet and a touch of musk, and fruity to the taste with limes, apples, stonefruits and passionfruit. Lots of bright, juicy, well-balanced acidity with good palate weight and a fresh, dry finish with a lingering aftertaste. 14% alc. $26.95. 28Dec2005.

Nautilus Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Delicate aromas lead into a rich, full wine with a sweet mid-palate, floral notes on the finish and a nicely balanced aftertaste. 14% alc. $25. 27Sep2005.

Peregrine Central Otago Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Pale straw, aromatic and floral with hints of pineapple on the nose, it appears to be very lightly oaked with a buttery leesy influence that adds to the smooth, creamy texture with a warm spicy finish and lots of citrus, apple and tropical fruit as it lingers. 14.5% alc. $25.95. 19Jul2006.

Rimu Grove Nelson Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Light gold coloured, slightly honeyish/honeysuckle aromas and juicy flavours with ripe, freshly squeezed tangelo and mandarin with a touch of lime and lots of red apples. A vibrant wine with a slightly earthy backbone, a soft oily texture and a long, lingering finish. 13.5% alc. 10g/l rs. $28. 5Dec2005.

Saddleback Central Otago Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Earthy smelling, neutral grapey aromas and oily-textured flavours with bright, fresh, apple, apricot and mandarin fruit, a hint of musk and a warm, racy, citrussy finish. 13% alc. $23.95. 12Oct2005.

Saint Clair Godfreys Creek Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) A rich, textural, full-bodied wine with a creamy, yeasty aroma infused with pear and vanilla while ripe pear and stonefruit flavours fill the palate. It's a richly styled Pinot Gris with layers of flavour that comes in waves of ripe fruit and savoury winemaking characters with a trough of creamy, nutty characters. A touch of orange zest emerges to lift and refresh the finish. A wonderful wine for food. 13.5% alc. $24.95. 13Feb2006.

Sanctuary Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Lifted aromatics, floral, nice texture with a creamy mid-palate, spicy finish, clean and fresh with citrus and pipfruit lingering. 13% alc, $22.95. 27Sep2005.
Musky notes to the fresh pear aromas lead into an oily textured plate that has a slight earthy, graininess to the finish, and delicately fruity flavours with pears and lemon zest, and a long, nutty, slightly herbal aftertaste. 7Oct2005.

Seresin Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Wild yeast barrel ferment aromas - delicate, subtle and rather appealing to the nose but the palate is a little funky and yeasty and the wine finishes like an oak-aged sauvignon blanc with tropical fruit and a rich, lasting finish. $14% alc. $27.90. 27Sep2005.
Strong pear, peach, mountain pawpaw and lemon grass aromas and a richly textured, fruity palate with a mouthfilling creamy, mealy backbone, a funky earthiness and a dry lingering finish. With flavours of dried fruits such as melon, lingering on the aftertaste. With food the texture becomes oily, with a musky note and the barrel flavours start emerging. 18Oct2005.

Seifried Nelson Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) A herbal undertone to the dominant apple and lesser pear fruit. 14% alc. $19.95. 27Sep2005.

Shingle Peak Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Soft-textured with an apple pungency and ripe stone-fruit building to a powerful, slightly herbal, almost sauvignon blanc-like finish. 13% alc. $16.95. 21Dec2005.

Southbank Estate Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Quite lifted and aromatic with juicy pear and citrus fruit, a floral nuance, good palate weight throughout and a mouthfilling finish that lingers well with a hint of vanilla bean. 12% alc. $19.95. 27Sep2005.

Spy Valley Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Ripe, broad, melon and stonefruit with a vanilla influence coming through - good fruit sweetness and an aromatic, slightly spicy, melon-filled finish. Nicely weighted with a grainy texture and a spicy aftertaste. 14% alc. $19.95. 27Sep2005.

Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Pale coloured, slightly earthy smelling with fresh, aromatic apple blossom, apple seed and apricot kernel aromas and fruity, warm-textured flavours of oily apple and Nashi pear with a musky nuance, no apparent oak and a spicy, floral finish with just a touch of sweetness. 13.5% alc. $21.95. 11Jan2006.

Thornbury Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Lightly floral scents with pears, apples and a hint of spice. Sweeter pear, stonefruit and fruit salad flavours with a rich, almost viscous texture and a honeyed, slightly musky character taking over the finish. A medium-sweet style but nicely balance and served chilled, this will be great drinking this summer. 13.5% alc. 8g/l rs. 30Oct2005.
Light gold coloured, tropical fruit aromas and crisp, juicy flavours with honey, red apples and mandarin balanced by good acidity and a zestiness to the juicy finish. 13.5% alc. $19.95. 1Mar2006.
Fairly neutral, grapey aromas with an underlying spicy leesy complexity that imparts a nutty savouriness to the succulent pipfruit flavours. A full-bodied Pinot Gris style, off-dry to the taste with a floral nuance as it lingers. 13.5% alc. $19.95. 22Mar2006.

Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Not overly fragrant with faint hints of oak, this is a dry, oily-textured, nutty wine with crisp acidity, citrus, pear and ripe apple fruit with a vanillin note coming through on the medium-bodied finish and just a touch of botrytis sweetness as it lingers. 13.5% alc. $29.95. 28Dec2005.

Triplebank Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Aromatic and spicy with a nutty yeasty influence,. This is fairly dry with good fruit weight that makes it a very appealing and drinkable style. 13.5% alc. $19.95. 27Sep2005.
This bright, fresh, lively Awatere Valley wine has a gorgeous slippery texture and is chock full of ripe grapey flavours with feijoas and passionfruit, a hint of musk, a squeeze of citrus and a herbaceous zing to the finish. 7Oct2005.
Aromatic and inviting for pinot gris with red apple and pears on the nose and fleshy stonefruit joining pears, green apples, grapes and tropical fruit in the palate. Juicy and tasty with a dry, well-balanced finish. 13.5% alc. $18.95. 23Nov2005.

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) A creamed nut aroma and a ripe fruit flavour with lovely soft acidity, pears, stonefruit and just a touch of passionfruit with a herbal tartness coming through to balance the sweet fruit nicely, and a lifted spicy aftertaste. 14.5% alc. $23.95. 6Sep2005.

Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Delicate aromas of pears and flowers and a light textured palate with pear and apple flavours building to a rich, warm finish with a touch of musky spice. Good with food. 13.5% alc. $16.95. 30Oct2005.

Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Ripe pears and apples on the nose with a hint of tropical guava lead into an oily textured palate with a nice balance of sweetness and tartness and a grippy spiciness to the long, pipfruit finish. Tasted from a tank sample, it needs a little more time at this stage. 14.5% alc. $29.95. 6Sep2005.

Villa Maria Seddon Vineyard Marlborough Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Golden coloured, aromatic with a hint of pineapple over apple and pear, this is smooth and balanced with a lovely richness to the texture and a bright, lifted spiciness with a touch of apricot coming through on the mellow, honeyed finish. Tank sample. $29.95. 6Sep2005.

Waimea Nelson Pinot Gris 2005 (sc) Lots of fruit makes this instantly appealing with excellence balance, a touch of spice and fresh citrus coming through on the finish on the creamy finish. Lifted, exciting and tasty with good balance of sweet and tart flavours. 13.5% alc. $19.95. 27Sep2005.
Lovely texture and bright, fresh flavours of crisp pear, mandarin, tropical fruit and flower nectar with a slightly grainy texture and just enough citrus acidity to balance it beautifully. Fantastic with or without food. 7Oct2005.

Waipara Hills Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Pale, aromatic, pears and stonefruit with a touch of fig - a dry style with good fruit expression and a long full finish with a spicy, lifted aftertaste. 14% alc. $19.95. 31Aug2005.

Allan Scott Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Quite neutral smelling at first, the nutty aromas lead into pronounced apple and pear flavours. Soft and fruity with a full-bodied rich creamy texture and a touch of spice to the apple strudel like finish. A good all-round wine, creamy, rich and textural with a lovely roundness. 12.5% alc. $25. 23Sep2004.

Amisfield Central Otago Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Pale lemon. Fruity smelling with a hint of lemongrass amongst the spicy pear and tropical fruit aromas, pear, stonefruit and citrus flavours fill the palate. Bright and lifted with a vanillin note coming through on the juicy finish, there's also a delicate influence of fragrant herbs. Technically dry, this has lovely ripe fruit flavours that sweeten the palate with a spicy lusciousness. A wine that would be great with some styles of Thai food as well as with salmon. 13.5% alc. $30. 10Dec2004.

Ata Rangi Lismore Pinot Gris 2004 Soft, oily, sweetish fruit, lots of pear and nectarine, very ripe with a spicy backbone. Good weight and complexity with musky notes and floral overtones to the finish. Beautifully made wine. Very much an Alsace style. 12.5% alc. $25. 12Oct2004.

Babich Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Dry style with crisp apple, pear and stonefruit building on the palate to a long, rich, ripe finish. There's a little tartness and a lip-tingling zinginess. 18% was fermented in old oak. $19.99. 15Sep2004.
Lemony, slightly oily, delicate, a little neutral but lightly fruity with distinctive pear and spice then tropical fruit and melon powering up the warm finish with just a touch of lemongrass as it lingers. Friendly, succulent and tasty. 12% alc. $16.95. 2Mar2005.
Fruity, floral aromas, peaches and cream in the palate with excellent fruit weight and a touch of spicy oak in the background. Not overly intense but clean and soft with a spiciness to the well-balanced finish and lingering flavours of limes and baked apples. Dry. 12% alc. $16.95. 25May2005.
A neutral smelling, pale straw coloured wine with sweet lemony flavours on a lightly mealy backbone and a creamy finish. 12% alc. $16.95. 29Jun2005.

Brookfields Ohiti Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Nutty, a little phenolic, grainy and bready to the taste with a spicy backbone, a creamy textured and a soft lemony aftertaste with good length and a biscuity flavour lingering on the long full finish. A dry style made to go with food rather than to simply quaff as a beverage wine. 13.5% alc. $18. 23Sep2004.

Burnt Spur Martinborough Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Quite a dry nutty style with a creamy texture, ripe peach and pipfruit flavours and a long, clean, slightly mealy finish, with hints of spice and musk as it lingers. $25. 19Oct2004.

Cairnbrae Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Pear drop and delicate citrus with a creamy nutty texture and a firm finish with a touch of tropical fruit as it lingers. Ripe and balanced, a nice 'drink on its own' style or to match to food. 13% alc. $19.95. 15Sep2004.
A drier style with lemon grass aromas and rich spicy pipfruit flavours of apples and pears lifted by citrus and carried on the oily creamy texture. Good fruit weight, good phenolics and a long, grainy finish. 13% alc. 4g/L rs. $16. 23Sep2004.

Canterbury House Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Floral smelling, pale coloured, off dry to the taste with ripe juicy pear and stonefruits on a warm, slightly oily creamy texture with good body and just a touch of spice on the finish. Pinot Gris - and just about everyone liked it! 14% alc. $17.95 8Sep2004.

Dry River Martinborough Pinot Gris 2004 Light gold. Lightly floral with pear and apple blossom scents. Quite rich and viscous in the palate, almost oily and a little honeyed. Beautiful weight, length, texture and balance and a rich, long finish with a spicy sweetness and a musky, orange zestiness as it lingers. Very appealing and luscious, with a long dry finish. Try this with Pacific-island style marinated fish. 13.5% alc. 30Apr2005.

Esk Valley Black Label Hawkes Bay Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Soft acids, apples, pear and a slightly oily, medium sweet finish filling out with richness. Showing is youth right now, it will fill out with time. 25% of the wine underwent barrel fermentation. 14% alc. 7.3g/L rs. $22.95. 15Sep2004.

Framingham Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Ripe and rounded with lovely mouthfeel and palate richness, this wine has a slightly viscous oily texture, ripe spiced stone fruit and baked apple flavours and a hint of white pepper as it lingers. A well balanced wine with a soft fruity aftertaste. 13.5% alc. $24.95. 29Sep2004.
Softly aromatic, a little floral in many respects, off dry to the taste with an oily texture and flavours of baked apples and pears accentuated with clove-like spices, and a slightly earthy, savoury finish. This was excellent with Tom Kha Gai, a Thai soup that had chicken and mushrooms in a mildly spiced and quite salty coconut broth. 13.5% alc. $26.95. 23Nov2004.

Gladstone Pinot Gris 2004 Citrus, creaming soda, vanilla, pears and stonefruits, a crisp, refreshing zesty start with the fullness of the fruit giving weight and length. It's quite spicy, even a suggestion of spritz as the lively fruit dances on the palate and there's a herbal influence, like pineapple sage, adding interest and balancing the sweetness, though the wine is actually quite dry to start with, anyway. 9g/Lrs. 12% alc. $25. 15Jan2005.

Goldridge Premium Pinot Gris 2004 - Marlborough/Matakana (sc) Full-bodied, spicy, nutty and creamy, full of rich ripe pip fruit with a good expression of apple and pear, just a squeeze of citrus and some pineapple sage herbaceousness on the finish. Good acidity balances the fleshy fruit sweetness and there's some pear-like graininess to the texture. A nicely flavoured wine with good length and texture. 14% alc. $23.95. 29Sep2004.

Huia Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004 Aromatic, lifted lemon and pear-like fruits with a nutty mid-palate and a creaminess to the stonefruit-like finish. The texture is honey-like and there's a touch of spice on the long, rich, lingering flavour. 14.3% alc. 4.1g/L rs. 5.5g/l TA. $25.95. 15Sep2004.

Isabel Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004 Slightly chalky smelling with a herbal nuance, this is an upfront citrussy style of Pinot Gris with a soft, slightly earthy, creamy texture and abundant apples and butter coming through on the finish to linger – think granny smith apples sauteed in butter with a little pineapple sage. There's a touch of vanilla on the aftertaste. A wine that takes a little time in the glass to open up. 13% alc. $26.95. 10Dec2004.

Johanneshof Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004 Ripe, pungent, musky, aromas, almost reminiscent of gewurztraminer at first but the apples and pears come through with abundance. With a touch of honey and a fruit nectar-like texture it is sweetish but beautifully balanced with a seam of citrussy tartness, ripe apples and just a touch of musky spice. A powerful wine, very much in the Alsace mould. 13% alc. $27.95. 6Oct2004.

Kathy Lynskey Wines Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004 Good fruit weight, spicy and crisp, perhaps some lees contact to add richness and the dry finish is brightly zesty and spicy with some yeasty/butteriness on the finish. % alc. 7.8g/L rs. 6g/L TA. $30. 15Sep2004.

Kim Crawford Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Ripe and a little honeyed, a very neutral style of Pinot Gris with plenty of textural richness but no particular fruit standing out at first, but ripe tropical fruit flavours linger on the finish. 12.5% alc. 6g/Lrs. 6.56g/L TA. $19.95. 15Sep2004.

Kumeu River Pinot Gris 2004 - Auckland (sc) A floral, fruity wine, light gold in colour with hints of honeysuckle on the nose and delectable stonefruit flavours reminiscent of nectarine, apricot and peach tinged with bright citrus that radiates a youthful freshness while a touch of residual sugar (7.5gms/L) gives a lusciousness to the spicy finish. A beautifully crafted wine and very easy to like. 12.5% alc. $27.95. 19Jan2005.

Koura Bay Sharkstooth Awatere Valley Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) A fruit driven style, pears, citrus and a touch of honey, which makes for a sweet finish. Perhaps lacks a little acid but that is the grape. 13.5% alc. 4.6g/Lrs. 5.6g/L TA. $20.95. 15Sep2004.

Martinborough Vineyards Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) A rich, textural wine with hints of toffee on the toasty, yeasty aromas and full-bodied, mouthfilling flavours of spicy oak, pear and stonefruit with a creamy, mealy mid-palate and butterscotch on the Chardonnay-like finish. 14% alc. $35. 7Jul2005.

Matua Valley 'Innovator' Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) There's a smoky note to this drier style with pear, honey and warm neutral flavours on a full rich creamy texture with a zesty, spicy finish and some nuttiness. Nice weight. 13.5% alc. 3.9g/Lrs. 6g/L TA. $22.95. 15Sep2004.
Biscuit jar aromas, probably from the maturation on yeast lees, with a toasty overtone. Although very neutral in the fruit department it is a wine of form and texture with a solid structure that builds to skyscraper proportions. There's fruit sweetness with hints of pineapple and stonefruit and the finish is dry with good viscosity and length. 13.5% alc. $23.95. 30Apr2005.

Mt Difficulty Central Otago Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) A citrussy style with mandarin peel and apple dominating the aromas, a warm, nutty texture with pear and tropical fruit flavours and a nicely balanced citrussy backbone with a spicy warm finish. There's a slight herbaceousness and a lingering sweaty / musky aftertaste more reminiscent of some sauvignon blancs. Citrus flavours win on the day. A drier wine. 14% alc. $26.95. 29Sep2004.

Neudorf Nelson Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Pale straw. Smelling soft and quite neutral, it opens up and zings across the palate with a spicy dance. Ginger, white pepper, pear and tropical fruit build to linger with a lushness to the terrifically long finish while the aftertaste is spicy and slightly floral aftertaste. Fresh and lively. 14.5% alc. $26. 10Dec2004.

Palliser Estate Martinborough Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Pale lemon. Ever so slightly smoky, gingery peardrop aromas lead into a full fruity palate filled with juicy green melons and ripe tropical fruit. There are lots of pleasing flavours in this fresh, approachable, medium-bodied, off-dry style with a slightly grainy honeyed texture and a floral finish. It is very approachable, very drinkable and will have great appeal. 12.5% alc. $26. 10Dec2004.

Quartz Reef Central Otago Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Characterised by an oily, peardrop aroma, the oiliness carries through to the palate with lemon grass, citrus and some sweeter notes coming through to linger, giving a lushness to the aftertaste. This wine begs for time to open up, to let the slightly savoury, salty, lush stonefruit, citrus and nutty flavours reveal themselves fully. I enjoyed the wine so much more the next day, even more so a couple of days later. Definitely a wine for the long term. 14% alc. 10Dec2004.

Ransom Clos de Valerie Matakana Pinot Gris 2004 Light gold with a mealy, nutty, slightly oily floral aroma and a bright fresh, tropical flavour. Crisp, fresh and nutty with a medium to full body, a sherbet / lime zest note to the finish and a fruity aftertaste. 3.5% alc. $23. 19Feb2006.

Rimu Grove Nelson Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Pip fruit, apples and pears with a bready yeastiness behind it. Lots of acidity gives the wine a creaming soda character. Grainy textured with good length and sweet fruit that lingers with a squeeze of mandarin juice to balance it nicely. 13.2% alc. $26. 23Sep2004.

Saint Clair Godfrey's Creek Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Nutty aromas, warmly textured, pears, stonefruit and spice and right now a yeasty influence. A rich, full-bodied style with nice fruit sweetness on the finish and plenty of potential as it unfolds. 13% alc. 5.8g/Lrs. 5.5g/L TA. $25. 15Sep2004.
Sweetly scented pear with a hint of honey-comb on the nose then in the palate ripe juicy fruit reminiscent of pears poached in honey with vanilla pod and just a hint of clove. Rounded and creamy with a lifted finish and good balanced acidity, this spicy wine has it all - flavour, body, texture, warmth, length and power. 13% alc. $23.95. 10Dec2004.

Sanctuary Pinot Gris 2004 A drier wine, quite lemony with a warm texture and plentiful flavours of lemon grass, apples, juicy melon and a hint of pineapple. Good on its own or try alongside fusion cuisine. 13% alc. $18. 12Oct2004.

Seifried Nelson Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Smoky nose and a warm, juicy fruited palate, slightly viscous in texture, ripe and weighty with hints of musk and spice on the fruity finish and a touch of citrus as it lingers. $23. 15Sep2004.

Shingle Peak Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) A soft, slightly sweetish, fruity style, plenty of charm in the warm creamy texture with hints of nuts and a touch of spice and a long fruity aftertaste. 14% alc. 5.6g/Lrs. 6.9g/L TA. $18.95. 15Sep2004.

Spy Valley Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Ripe and fruity with a crisp zesty texture, lots of upfront stonefruit, citrus, apple and pear and a spiced nuttiness to the fruit-filled finish. Creamy textured with excellent body and length. 13.5% alc. 8g/L RS. 6g/L TA. $19.95. 15Sep2004.
Light gold with nutty, citrussy scents and a soft texture with a creamy backbone, this neutral tasting wine builds to a creamy baked apple finish laced with honeysuckle and a touch of gingery spice. 13.5% alc. $20.95. 29Sep2004.

St Helena Canterbury Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Pale and soft with stonefruit and a touch of musk, just a hint of spice and a long mouthfilling finish. Good potential for the summer. 13% alc. $21. 19Jul2004.
This richly textured, soft, food-friendly wine has good acidity, a flowing oily texture and a fruit-filled finish with lemon, apple, pear and a touch of nectarine. 13% alc. $21. 23Jul2004.

Stonecutter Martinborough Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) A dry spicy start sets off this nicely fruited wine that is lifted and bright with a mealy richness beneath the creamy citrus and peachy flavours, and a sweetish lingering finish. $23. 19Oct2004.

Stoneleigh Rapaura Series Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Straw gold. Citrus, apple and nashi pear aromas overlain with lime peel. Oily textured, soft, not too bracing, the citrus balances the sweetness, though it is not overly sweet. Spicy stewed pear and apple come through to linger strongly on the lightly honeyed, herbaceous, aftertaste. A non-confrontational wine that is quite quaffable without food. 13.5% alc. $23.95/$19.95. 27Apr2005.

Tasman Bay Pinot Gris 2004 – Nelson/Marlborough Pale in colour, lightly floral on the nose with a lemony zing, it's bright and zesty in the palate with long drawn out flavours of ripe tropical fruit and just a touch of gooseberry-like fruit and herb to tart up the finish. 12.5% alc. $17.95. 1Sep2004.

Te Kairanga Martinborough Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Hints of buttery oak and musk on the nose and more oak in the medium-bodied palate with pear, peach and tropical fruit coming forth in abundance. There's a touch of citrus tarting up the finish and the aftertaste is long and full, with rose petals and musky spices coming through to linger. Good. 13% alc. $24. 6Dec2005.

Thornbury Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Apple, pear and citrus zest build on the palate and after a slightly astringent start it is fruity and rich with a full body, grainy texture and a spicy warm finish with perhaps a tiny hint of beeswax. 13.5% alc. 4g/L rs. 7g/L TA. $20. 15Sep2004.

Triplebank Pinot Gris 2004 - Awatere Valley, Marlborough (sc) A slightly sweetish style, a little grassy and zesty with crisp green apples and soft tropical fruit, an oily texture and a lightly pungent finish that enriches with time. Technically off dry with 8 grams per litre of residual sugar. 13%, $22.95/$19.95. 13Apr2005.
Flinty, steely, spicy aromas. Crisp apples and pear flavours with a herbaceous overtone, oily and slightly viscous with a flinty, smoky finish and apple flavours lingering on the aftertaste. Just off-dry. Quite drinkable - just on its own. 30Apr2005.

Vavasour Pinot Gris 2004 - Awatere Valley, Marlborough (sc) Pale coloured, quite neutral on the nose and neutral in the palate too with an oily textured nutty backbone, pear and apple fruit, lemony citrus mid-palate, and a warm, spicy but fairly short finish. Clean, but neutral - made to go with food. 13.5% alc. $25.95. 10Aug2005.

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Gris 2004 - Marlborough (sc) A rich, oily Pinot Gris with a nutty aroma joined by spiced pear and apple scents with just a hint of musk and violet. A Pinot Gris heading towards the Gewurztraminer end of the spectrum, full-bodied, rich and just a little cloying without food, with a dry ripe finish. 14% alc. $25.95/$22.95. 23Mar2005.

Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylor's Pass Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Aromatic, ripe smelling, with hallmark pear drop, flowers and spice. Quite rich and weighty in the palate - nice texture and mouthfeel, nashi pear, stonefruit, honeysuckle, a little tartness on the finish to balance the sweetness nicely. Warm and long with a nutty mealiness coming through on the lingering aftertaste. $29.95. 12Aug2005.

Wairau River Marlborough Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) This is one Pinot Gris with a ton of flavour, packed with ripe pear and stonefruits with juicy citrus on a spicy backbone and a long winey aftertaste. There's a nice mouthfeel and vinous spiciness and the concentrated fruit carries the residual sugar well with lovely richness and length. Serve slightly chilled and match to chicken, pork or paté, or simply enjoy as a delicious drink all on its own. 14% alc. 24g/L rs. $19.95. 23Sep2004.
Floral with a light musky scent over ripe fleshy pears, the low acidity and powerful fruit makes it seem quite sweet, almost heading to dessert wine category. Oily textured with abundant flavours of pear, spice and a floral muskiness on the mouthfilling finish, it is heading towards the Gewurztraminer end of the Pinot Gris spectrum. 24 g/L rs. 14% alc. $19.95. 26Jan2005.
Pale coloured with an oily, viscous appearance. Rich and oily textured with mouthfilling sweet toasty flavours reminiscent of spiced poached pears and baked apples stuffed with figs, and a gorgeously long, spicy aftertaste. Definitely drinkable at mid-autumn room temperature. Heading toward Alsace in style, this wine is gorgeous on its own but could go with a whole gambit of food courses. 14% alc. 25g/l residual sugar. $22.95/$19.95. 27Apr2005.

William Hill Central Otago Pinot Gris 2004 (sc) Richly aromatic with an earthy, manuka honey and beeswax character. A little toasty first up, then spicy and bright with lemon balm herbaceous on the flinty finish. A few more mouthfuls and it become quite viscous and luscious, it just takes a while to open up. 13% alc. $23. 30Apr2005.