I’ve been somewhat of an apologist for Pinot Gris in the past. It is possible to make interesting and worthwhile wines from the grape; mouthfeel, weight and balance are key and it’s worth pushing some winemaking boundaries. This year though, I’ve tasted too many clumsy, insipid or overly confected examples. Quite frankly, I’ve had enough.
Doughy, leesy characters with some pear, stone fruits, red apple and spice. Ample weight. It’s amorphous on the palate, lying there placidly and thinking of England. I want more from a wine myself but whatever floats your boat. 86 Average
Region: Orange
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $19.95
Tasted: November 2012
Love your site. Pity I have only found one wine that I have tasted so far and happened to be tonight haa haa! Great blog. Only discovered it tonight and have bookmarked to keep abreast with all your thoughts.
Jeremy I have not tasted this Pinot Gris (Grigio) but have tried a couple of others over the last month or 2. Maybe I do not understand the style or am not that keen on (I think) residual sugar but the only one I have honestly enjoyed is Hardy’s el cheapo. I have tried a few Kiwi, Mud House and Jacks Canyon for example, and a few locals such as Wild Oats and others I am unable to recall but in the end think of that El Cheapo Hardy’s is an OK 8 buck wine in the style. A bit dryer and though safe in it’s lake of complexity is at least flavoursome.
In the end I think they need food. Without we maybe look at the faults.
Thanks John, much appreciated. I think that point about them needing food is quite salient. That’s how I use to look at them and defend them – although I think the market that drives their production doesn’t care much. A good, textural Pinot Gris and some roast pork belly makes me happy. And their are some good ones out there. The Tim Adams version carries a bit of residual sugar well, Curly Flat pull it off without the rs. Yalumba’s Y Series Pinot Grigio (which is somewhere between Grigio and Gris in style) has been really good in 2010 and again in 2012 – very worthwhile for about $10-15. I haven’t tried the Hardys but if my phobia abates I’ll give it go.
Cheers
J