A WORD from our winner…..

“2019 was a top year for Marlborough pinot gris, and for me the Ara Single Estate example really shows that quality,” says Duncan Shouler, the winemaker responsible for our top wine.

“What I love about it is its purity and its varietal expression, it just oozes varietal character of pear, white nectarine, sweet spice and delicate floral aromatics. On the palate it has recognisable pinot gris lushness, full mid-palate and a touch of sweetness. But the refreshing bite of juicy acidity on the finish balances out the sweetness, and really lets you know it’s a Marlborough wine.” There’s very little winemaking influence here, he reckons, “so the fruit has to be spot on – there’s nowhere to hide!” Duncan explains the challenge is getting the fruit fully ripe while avoiding disease and retaining characteristic Marlborough acidity. “The vineyard team have done a fantastic job with the 2019. The fruit was very clean with ripe

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Ara Single Estate Marlborough Pinot Gris 2019 ($21.99) Gold Medal

Big, bold aromatics of quince, apple crumble and spice were what completely seduced Yvonne, while Cameron was impressed by its white-fleshed fruits, such as pear and apple, and its dry spicy texture and delivery, “a very sound wine”. Jo noted its lovely ripe aromatics, generous, juicy, nashi and baked pear brilliance. “I love this wine!” she said, noting its smooth delivery, genuine length and superb drinking. Clearly a champion, this wine is outstanding.

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Rockburn Central Otago Pinot Gris 2018 ($25.99) Gold Medal

Fresh, feisty, frisky and chock-full of flavour concentration, this wine, crafted by Malcolm Rees-francis, is one that every pinot gris fan needs to experience. “Balance” was the word du jour from our judges here, along with “alluring spicy bouquet”, “lovely fresh acidity”, “crisp citrus bite on the finish” and “charming”. Yvonne even felt it had a “mojito note” and commented on the purity and richness of this highly aromatic, super southern example.

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The King’s Thorn Marlborough Pinot Gris 2018 ($24.99) Gold Medal

Here’s a gris boasting a teensy touch of toast to add complexity to the brown pear, quince and dry, mineral elements in the mid-palate. “It’s got great consumer appeal, fleshiness and length,” added Jo. “I really like the roast stonefruit and honeyed characters, plus it’s got a massive finish too,” commented Yvonne. It’s a style that’ll appeal to those looking for a bit of ‘guts’ in their gris. »