Esk Valley Black Label Pinot Gris

Notes - This wine is a blend of three Hawkes Bay vineyards. All three are situated near the coast in warm sites. The Kaybay and Kaye vineyards are in the Esk Valley at the northern end of the Bay. These vineyards are planted on sandy silt loam, deposited on the valley floor by the Esk River. These are free draining and early ripening sites. The Seascape Vineyard at Te Awanga in the east, is planted on silty soils over coastal pea metal. Once again this is a free draining site. All these vineyards are trained vertically on a VSP system and are extensively managed using shoot and bunch thinning. All fruit was handpicked. The Kaybay vineyard was picked first at lower brix to provide the finished wine with acidity and freshness. It was fermented in old oak barrels with wild yeast. The Seascape Vineyard was fermented dry in tank at low temperature and provided the finished wine with fresh fruit flavours and a full body. Three different picks were conducted at the Kay Vineyard. The first was at 23.5 brix providing excellent acidity and freshness. This parcel was barrel fermented. The later picks were conducted at higher brix and with a noble rot influence. These parcels were fermented in tank and the ferments were stopped to provide the finished blend with richness and complexity. This is a rich and full bodied style of Pinot Gris. On the nose the wine is reminiscent of ripe pears with hints of pineapple, while on the palate it is rich and satisfying, testimony to the excellent fruit that was used in its production. Flavours of pear apple and honey predominate. This is an excellent match for full flavoured food. Enjoy with pate, scallop, crayfish and other sweet seafood dishes. Good match also for spicy dishes and washed rind cheese.
 
   

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