Bird ~ Steve Bird Winery & Vineyards Ltd
Pinot Gris is a classic cool climate variety that has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years to become the fourth most widely planted white wine grape in New Zealand (1500 acres) behind Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling.
Traditionally this grape is cultivated in the old world (Germany, Italy, France), and belongs to the Pinot family of vines.
In cooler areas such as Alsace it produces luscious wines with spice and peachy fruit.
The history of Pinot Gris in New Zealand dates back to the beginning of last century when, in 1906, legendary viticulturalist Romeo Bragato gave the variety high praise.
In 2006 more than 50% of New Zealand's Pinot Gris production came out of Marlborough where the variety is thriving on the coarse, free draining alluvial soils.
2008 Pinot Gris - Tasting Note:
A robust, full bodied, ripe wine with outstanding mid-palate weight. There are hints of gingerbread, dried fruits and orange peel. The appearance of sweetness in the middle is deceptive as the wine finishes dry clean and crisp with some indication of heat from the ample alcohol.
Download 2008 tasting note (pdf)
2007 Pinot Gris - Tasting Note:
An assertive wine. Aromas of ripe stonefruit, pears and apples accost the senses before the first glass reaches the nose. The palate is packed with flavour and texture showing hints of melon and dried tropical fruits. This wine has excellent structure and weight.
Down load 2007 tasting note (pdf)
2006 Pinot Gris - Tasting Note:
An intriguing wine with an abundance of fresh peachy fruit and spicy aromas. The palate has outstanding weight with a beautiful fleshy texture. Concentrated flavours of stone fruit and spice persist through the length of the wine giving a lingering elegant finish.