Look out for the Food Top Wine Award stickers on these bottles at supermarkets and selected liquor retailers.
Sacred Hill Marlborough Pinot Gris 2018 ($17)
This wine shows aromas of Nashi pear, apricot, sweet white flowers, brioche and cashew. A rich and creamy palate showing stone-fruit and pear, finishing with a light acidity which highlights the beautiful floral aromas.
Mount Riley Marlborough Pinot Gris 2018 ($18)
Lifted stonefruit characters, fresh and lively, with a juicy, zesty mouthfeel. This has just a touch of sweetness to balance everything. A lovely uncomplicated, vibrant expression of Pinot Gris at a sharp price.
Sherwood Estate Stratum Waipara Valley Pinot Gris 2018 ($20)
This is a fine example of what Pinot Gris should taste like: candied apples, a hint of spice – a rich, yet firm flavour. This is an off-dry wine, making it the perfect match for an onion tart, or salty cheese.
Peter Yealands Reserve Pinot Gris 2018 ($20)
Yealands Estate has almost developed into a Pinot Gris specialist, producing a number of different wines, but of their range this is my favourite at the moment. Delicate apple and stonefruit characters, a focused elegant palate and great length. A poised, dry style that begs to be enjoyed alongside food.
Russian Jack Marlborough Pinot Gris 2018 ($22)
This simple, fruity, uncomplicated wine features gentle peach fruit, some crisp acidity and a soft, medium dry finish. Great value, everyday Pinot Gris.
Kumeu Estate Pinot Gris 2017 ($25)
I have previously been on record stating that this is consistently New Zealand’s best Pinot Gris, and this latest vintage maintains that high quality. Peach, nut and spice characters on the nose, the palate is full and rich, but with a clean, fine finish. This wine truly delivers – I defy any Pinot Gris fanatic not to enjoy it.
Black Cottage Marlborough Pinot Gris 2018 ($20)
Fresh and zesty, there are citrus fruit and spice aromatics, crisp apply fruit in the mouth, but also a splash of sweetness. If you like fruity, uncomplicated, easy drinking styles of Pinot Gris, this one’s for you.
Ostler Audrey’s Waitaki Valley Pinot Gris 2015 ($30)
From New Zealand’s coolest wine region comes this graceful, elegant wine. Though already showing some bottle development, there is a lift and purity to this wine on the nose, which is apple-like and floral. That toasty development is more evident in the mouth, which is textured but also dry and firm.
Greystone Waipara Pinot Gris 2018 ($30)
Pockets of limestone in the vineyard have produced a wine with striking fruit intensity – think overripe stonefruit, crossed with a taut, edgy mouthfeel. Medium dry in style.
