A Hawke’s Bay wine, from the Woodstock Vineyard in Ohiti. Last year’s vintage of this wine – the 2022 was reviewed here > www.winefolio.co.nz/?p=7459. A pale straw colour with tinges of green to the edges. Perfume and varietal typicity are so essential in good Pinot Gris – and this has a vibrantly aromatic bouquet. Starting with ripe pear and white peach, overlaid with cardamom, crystallised ginger, tarragon and apple pie notes. A youthful bounce to the palate, showing lively acidity which contrasts nicely with a nibble of fruit sweetness. Tannin is not overlooked either, with a prickle of phenolic showing a little skin contact in the winemaking, and adding complexity. The texture is smooth and satisfyingly full, but that balance acid ensuring a crisp, persistent finish. 93pts
Just a footnote on this ‘Hawke’s Bay’ range from Trinity Hill – it is proving to be consistently excellent and high-scoring. At the NZIWS last year, we judges were unanimous in our praise for the 2021 Syrah as it went on to win three Trophies – for ‘Champion Commercial Red Wine’, ‘Champion NZ Syrah’ AND ‘Champion Syrah and Predominant Blends’. The 2022 Merlot I just reviewed from this range was “a fine example. 93pts”. And now this Gold medal scoring Pinot Gris too! The range also includes ‘The Trinity’ red blend and a very good Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. After tasting the Chardonnay this time last year I commented “Good value here in the range that just gets better and better” and I have no reason to change my opinion on that.
