2024 Vavasour Awatere Valley Pinot Gris, Marlborough

A vibrant, fresh nose with green apple, Packham pear and honeysuckle opens the way for gently persistent pear and spice flavours given extra complexity by a reprise of the floral notes. Off-dry but balanced impeccably by crisp, herbacecous acidity, it finishes punchy and fresh yet also perfectly smooth. Somewhat predictable perhaps, but hard to fault for delivering classic New Zealand pinot gris flavours with practised precision. 31 Mar 2025 Drink 2025–2028

92 points Stephen Wong MW therealreview.com #1 of 30 2024 Pinot Gris from Marlborough

Vavasour Awatere Valley Pinot Gris is a vibrant and finely textured expression of Marlborough’s cooler subregion, showcasing the variety’s delicate aromatics and natural freshness with a touch of richness. Vavasour, established in 1985, was the first winery to plant vines in the Awatere Valley and has since become one of the region’s most respected producers. The Awatere’s cooler climate and unique soils lend the wine a distinctive character, with lifted aromatics, crisp acidity, and subtle mineral notes that set it apart from broader Marlborough styles.

The vineyards sit on free-draining alluvial soils with a mix of gravel, silt, and loess over clay, which naturally restrict yields and produce fruit of concentration and clarity. The valley’s cool, windy conditions and proximity to the Pacific Ocean extend the growing season, allowing grapes to develop delicate flavours while retaining vibrant acidity. The fruit is harvested in the cool of the night to preserve aromatics, gently pressed, and fermented primarily in stainless steel to retain freshness. A small portion may see neutral oak or lees contact to add subtle texture and weight without sacrificing purity.

In the glass, Vavasour Pinot Gris is a pale straw with green tinges. Aromas of pear, white peach, honeysuckle, and citrus blossom rise gracefully, underpinned by a hint of wet stone. The palate is medium bodied and elegantly balanced, with juicy orchard fruit, a touch of spice, and a crisp mineral edge. Bright acidity drives the wine through a clean, lingering finish, making it both refreshing and quietly complex.

This Pinot Gris pairs beautifully with seafood like grilled prawns, calamari, or steamed mussels, as well as light salads, creamy pasta, or soft cheeses. It also works well with mildly spiced Asian dishes, where its freshness and subtle texture complement delicate flavours. Best enjoyed young for its vibrancy, it can also develop gentle honeyed and nutty nuances over 3 to 5 years.