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PINOT GRIS Canterbury 2009
The Summerhill Vineyard
The grapes for this wine came from Block 2 of Summerhill Vineyard located on the gently rolling volcanic spur at Tai Tapu, near Christchurch. Block 2 faces to the north-east and allows the Pinot Gris fruit to ripen fully with a broad flavour profile whilst still retaining acidity for balance. Pruned to two canes and cluster thinned to one cluster per shoot after fruit set.
2009 was an excellent vintage for Pinot Gris. This is absolutely classic Pinot Gris for this vineyard. Complex, lively and intriguing. At first, the wine shows glimpses of its promised fullness with aromas of pear, stone fruit and floral notes. It opens in the glass to reveal a gorgeous and characterful wine with multiple layers of spice, fruit and mineral flavours. A rich, vibrant palate with an excellent balance of acidity and natural grape sweetness (10g/l residual sugar). A satin smooth texture and a lingering finish.
Technical Notes
Grapes were hand-harvested on 1 May 2009 in pristine condition with no raisening or botrytis at 24.5 ºBrix.
Following pressing to tank the juice was cold-settled for 4 days then racked and inoculated with cultured yeast. Fermentation occurred over a range of temperatures (14 to 18ºC) and the wine was aged on yeast lees until blending and bottled on 14 September 2009.
Results:
- 91/100 4 & 1/2 Stars "This wine has lovely silky texture (almost oily) that many pinot gris don't seem to have. The nose is beautifully fragrant displaying peach, pear and subtle spice characters. It's luscious on the palate, yet not sweet (8 g/l), with a rounded mouthfeel and an expansive finish. At its best: now to 2014. Sam Kim Wine Orbit 2010 www.wineorbit.co.nz
Previous Results:
2008 vintage:
- 5 star 93/100 “The nose is absolutely classic and stunning displaying pear, peach, tropical fruit and floral notes, The vibrant palate has soft sweet entry (10g/l), satin smooth texture and zesty acidity. It’s lush and so delicious.” Sam Kim Wine Orbit 2008 www.wineorbit.co.nz
- Silver Medal Liquorland Top 100 Wine Show 2008
- 4 & 1/2 star 87/100 Bob Campbell Bobswinereviews.com
2007 vintage:
- 5 star 94/100 “This is an outstanding Pinot Gris resembling a top-notch Alsace wine. It has an opulent nose exhibiting baked spiced pear and stonefruit characters. The palate is concentrated and generous with beautiful textured mid range and a lovely tail at the end. Excellent balance and structure. It is remarkable how unctuous the wine feels on the palate with only 4 g/l residual sugar. At its best: now to 2011.” Wine Orbit Issue 5 2008
- 4 star Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide to New Zealand Wines 2008
- Best of the Best Peter Saunders Food & Beverage Magazine Dec 2007
2006 vintage:
- 5 star Australian Gourmet Traveller WINE Feb 2007
- Best of the Best Peter Saunders Food & Beverage Magazine Dec 2006
2005 vintage:
- 5 star “This was the top wine of the survey". New Zealand Magazine Annual Pinot Gris Tasting, July 2006.
- Silver medal Liquorland Top 100 International Show 2005
- 4 star Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide to New Zealand Wines 2006
2004 vintage:
- GOLD MEDAL Liquorland TOP 100 Wine Show 2004
- 5 star "The stunning 2004 vintage… is one of New Zealand's finest Pinot Gris to date." Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide to New Zealand Wines 2005
