Steve Bird
The Whanau Reserve Pinot Gris 2023 750ml

Marlborough Pinot Gris from the Awatere Valley offers a striking expression of place — a wine shaped by wind-swept slopes, ancient river terraces, and a stark coastal climate that forges intensity and poise in equal measure. In the glass, it glimmers with a pale gold hue, hinting at the purity within. Aromatically vivid, the bouquet opens with layers of white pear, quince, and freshly cut apple, underpinned by delicate florals and a whisper of sea spray that speaks directly to its maritime origins.

The palate is finely etched and textural, revealing stonefruit richness tempered by bright, linear acidity. Notes of nashi pear, ripe citrus, and a touch of spice unfurl with graceful persistence, while the mineral thread – a hallmark of the Awatere – carries the wine to a long, dry finish. This is a Pinot Gris of precision and elegance, shaped by the raw beauty of the valley and its cool, extended ripening season. A wine both contemplative and refreshing, capturing Marlborough's untamed southern edge in every sip.

Variety: 100% Pinot Gris

Region: Marlborough, New Zealand

Alc./Vol.: 14.5%