Ata Rangi Martinborough NZ

Pinot Noir    Célèbre    Craighall Chardonnay    Petrie Chardonnay   

Pinot Gris


Pinot gris from the Lismore block always achieves optimum flavours later in the season, at around 26 Brix. As a result, we pick relatively late to achieve a wine closer to the plump and luscious style of pinot gris made famous in the Alsace region of France, rather than the leaner, generally bone-dry ‘pinot grigio’ version, popular in the north of Italy. The Alsace, or Lismore style in this case, is a fully ripe style with some balanced residual sweetness. About 15% is fermented in older oak barrels. Emphasis is on palate weight and texture, the wines having a luscious mouth-feel and lingering finish.  Delicious with soft white cheese and fruit at the end of a meal. Also a popular before dinner, aperitif wine. Or for a cold starter, try with smoked eel in an earthy new-potato cup, drizzled with a honey- enhanced hollandaise! Always delicious with Asian influenced dishes. Serve Pinot Gris chilled.  

06

now to 2009 (tasting regularly in wine shop)
9 g/l residual grape sugar
Very pure, lifted tropical aromas and flavours (think pawpaws, mangoes, lychees)
mingle with the scent of ripe pears and citrus blossom.
Creamy, luscious, nutty-nougat-spicy - dangerously more-ish (Phyll!)  

05

now to 2008 (tasted Jul 06)
10 g/l residual grape sugar
Fresh pear, stone fruit, hints of almond, creaming soda.
Flinty quality. Quite luscious, big fruit entry. Very complete wine. 

04 now to 2007 (tasted Sep 05)
13 g/l residual grape sugar
03 now (tasted Sep 05)
11 g/l residual grape sugar
02 now (tasted Sep 05)
Luscious pear and poached quince aromas mingle with nutty, spicy complexities.
14 g/l residual grape sugar
01 now (tasted Sep 05)
a fresh cut fruit, pears, white peaches/nectarines nose, earthy qualities.
19 g/l residual grape sugar
00 now - past? (tasted Sep 05)
Developed apricot-y nose, slightly botrytised flavours. Needs drinking now.
Very rich, good weight, caramelised brown sugar - think pear tarte tatin.
15 g/l residual grape sugar