The pale yellow colour indicates the fruit was harvested in optimal conditions. The nose is soft and aromatic with vanilla custard and creamy brioche notes paired with Manuka honey, rock melon and nectarine nuances. Many of us do not associate minerality with Pinot gris, but strong hints of calcium rock dust are present together with classic Pinot gris fruit characters of peach and apricot. In contrast to the nose, the mouth-feel shows development in bottle is still required. The texture on the palate circulates front to back until it finds direction and structure with support of the underlying acidity. This wine exudes interest thanks to its buoyancy, density and complex interaction between alcohol, residual sugar and fruit weight. The finish shows length and purity with a slight dryness and soft acidity which complements the intriguing personality. We see this wine as approachable when young, but gaining considerable interest after five to seven years.
Tasting notes by Michael Cooper
From the first vintage in 1986, for many years Dry River towered over other New Zealand Pinot Gris, by virtue of its exceptional body, flavour richness and longevity. The 2014 vintage (5*) is mouth-filling and gently sweet, with concentrated, ripe, stonefruit flavours to the fore, hints of spice and honey, balanced acidity, a slightly oily texture and a powerful finish. Already delicious, it shows much more personality than most New Zealand Pinot Gris.
95 pts - Bob Campbell (MW)
Full-flavoured, creamy Pinot Gris with flavours that include but also transcend the usual tree fruit/pear varietal focus with subtle tropical fruit, floral and exotic spice characters. It has a delicious texture - creamy but supported by almost subliminal tannins.
Attractive and approachable now. Expect the flavours to amplify and multiply with bottle age.