Pinot Gris 2023
Introducing our Pinot Gris 2023 – a wine born from a truly challenging vintage, but one that has delivered exceptional results. Hand-harvested from a smaller yield, this wine is a testament to the resilience of our vineyard. It boasts vibrant aromas of nashi pear, lime, and mandarin, with subtle hints of spice, all carried by a silken texture and a refreshing, lingering finish. Crafted with care and precision, this off-dry Pinot Gris reflects the essence of our coastal terroir and the dedication of our team. Perfect to enjoy now or savour over the next few years as it evolves.
International buyers can purchase this wine here: https://www.winecollective.direct/region/greater-auckland/brick-bay-wines/wines/72454/Brick-Bay-Pinot-Gris-2023
Tasting Notes
A shimmering pale straw colour, this lively wine reveals aromas of nashi pear, lime, kiwifruit, mandarin and red appleskin. The sumptuous, viscous midpalate is beautifully balanced with concentrated lime, pear, lychee and subtle spiced notes. With a clearly defined framework of ripe fruits, a lithe, silken texture and a salinity that celebrates its coastal origins, our Pinot Gris 2023 culminates in a satisfying crisp and lingering finish
In the Vineyard
An early, although uneven budburst, gave us a long flowering period this vintage, something experienced in most grape growing regions in the country. Veraison (colour change and softening of the berries) also was early, with all the vines netted in early January. Our vineyard team did their usual meticulous job of creating an open vine canopy by removing excess foliage by hand to allow air movement to dry the fruit and allow sunlight penetration. We are clearly reaping the benefits of the application over many years of organic soil health-enhancing products, producing healthier vines which can better withstand disease. Like most North Island regions, we experienced one of the most challenging vintages in our history. A mild but quite rainy 2022 winter saturated our soils limiting machinery access to the vineyard, while January and February presented us with the challenges of the downpours associated with the Auckland floods then the heavy rains and strong winds of Cyclone Gabrielle in mid February. March eventually delivered some sunshine so we were able to carefully monitor the developing fruit ripeness and hand harvest a small but exceptional quality crop. Our yield for this vintage was generally 35% less than the previous year.
In the Winery
Two parcels of hand-picked fruit from our estate were processed separately. After destemming and crushing to press, the must was given very brief skin contact allowing release of aromatics and textural components before pressing. One parcel was cool fermented to dryness (including a small percentage in well seasoned oak barriques), while the second parcel was stop-fermented to retain some natural fruit sugars. After combining the two, the wine was then left to rest on light lees until bottling.
Ageing potential
In stable cellaring conditions, the Pinot Gris 2023 will continue to evolve over the next 3-4 years. With time, the more immediate fruit freshness will be replaced by dried fruit and oily characters.
Accolades
Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier
93 Points
Pristine ripe, white fleshed fruit bouquet with a floral high tone and fine lees complexity. Varietal and refreshing flavours of quince and crisp brown pear, some apple and lees qualities. Just dry as the wine touches the palate with contrasting acidity and flavours that mirror the bouquet. The fine lees work fleshes out the mouthfeel and core fruit flavours leading to a balanced and even finish. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2028.
Bob Campbell, Master of Wine
90 Points
Flavoursome pinot gris with peach, nectarine, honeysuckle and subtle citrus characters. Luscious wine with restrained acidity that achieves a good balance with fruit and alcohol sweetness to give the wine a dry-ish finish.
Harvest date: 8th March 2023
Bottling date: 15th September 2023
TA: 6.0
pH 3.2
RS: 8g/L
Alc: 13%
Composition: 100% Pinot Gris
Quantity:166 doz
