2025 Aloft Pinot Gris, Adelaide Hills

Captures the essence of pinot gris, the smooth texture, the spice and that  vibrant immediate drinkability. Light blush hues introduce aromas of spiced apple, pear, baked quince and honeysuckle. You know you are in gris territory here with a fleshy, crisp juiciness married to a well-composed mouth-filling middle palate showing baked pear, pear-drop, stewed spiced apple with a hint of cinnamon/anise and gentle spice. Nicely composed throughout, it finishes crunchy fresh. Smart price delivers good all-round drinking.

92 points Jeni Port winepilot.com

The Aloft Pinot Gris from the Adelaide Hills is a crisp, textural white that captures the cool-climate freshness and vibrant fruit character this variety shows so well in the region. The Adelaide Hills, with its elevated vineyards and maritime influences, allows Pinot Gris to develop generous orchard fruit flavours while holding onto natural acidity, creating wines that are both refreshing and layered. Aloft takes a modern approach to Pinot Gris, crafting a style that balances fruit purity with subtle savoury complexity, making it a versatile food wine.

In the glass it is pale straw with a faint blush, typical of the variety’s naturally pink skins. The bouquet is bright and aromatic, offering pear, red apple and quince alongside hints of white peach, blossom and a touch of spice. On the palate it is medium-bodied and juicy, with orchard and stone fruit flavours carried by zesty acidity and a fine mineral edge. A gentle textural element, enhanced by partial lees contact, adds depth without weighing the wine down. The finish is clean, crisp and moreish.

Food pairings lean into its freshness and versatility: seafood linguine, grilled prawns, Thai fish cakes, or light vegetarian dishes such as zucchini fritters or asparagus risotto. It also works beautifully with soft cheeses like fresh chèvre. Best enjoyed young for vibrancy, though it can evolve over 3 to 4 years, developing a rounder texture and subtle honeyed notes.