2016 Dry River Pinot Gris, Martinborough

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.