I tasted and reviewed the 2009 Blackenbrook Vineyard Nelson Riesling back in January this year and thought it’s about time I opened the 2010 Pinot Gris so kindly provided by Ursula for me to review.

Notes from their website on viticulture and winemaking state that this Pinot gris was made from 100% Blackenbrook fruit from their Home block situated on Moutere clay soils with a layer of sandy loam. The Grapes were hand-picked and sorted at 25.7 Brix – There were then whole bunch pressed via gravity-feed from press area to main winery and cool fermented until stopped at approx 20g/ltr rs, and left for an extended period on lees in stainless steel before minimal pumping and gentle filtration. No fining agents were used and it was bottled on 4 August 2010.

On opening and pouring, the wine shows a great colour, bright medium golden hues and in the nose is filled with peaches, pear and spice notes – on the palate there’s a whole lot going on with more ginger spice and pears and an element of “warmth” from the 15% alc is balanced beautifully with a luscious sweetness and fine acid balance providing a long satisfying finish. Mmmmmm!!!!!

I really like this Alsace style of Pinot Gris and this is a fine example of what New Zealand can produce – kudos to the team at Blackenbrook – I rated this wine 18.5/20 or 92.5/100

To find out more about Blackenbrook Vineyard and purchase this wine, visit their website at http://www.blackenbrook.co.nz/

Cheers, JB