(sold out)
Tasting description
This full-bodied Pinot Gris shows ripe Pear William fruit flavours combined with a hint of nuttiness and a spiced almond character on the palate. The creamy mouth-feel is enlivened by the crispness of wild plums, finishing smooth. This wine will develop very well in the bottle over the next two to three years.
Winemaking
This wine was made from young Pinot Gris vines producing their first vintage. The grapes were hand picked and whole-bunch pressed, with the free run and pressings kept separate. We allowed cool settling for 12 hours to retain some cloudiness in the juice, which helps to build good texture. 30% of the wine was fermented in third-fill French barrels with no temperature control, with the balance fermented cool. The wine was aged on yeast lees for six months prior to blending.
Analysis at bottling: Alcohol 14.5% TA = 5.8 g/L RS = 5.4 g/L pH = 3.58
Vintage
Overall, 2009 was an excellent vintage in Cheviot Hills. After a very good, even flowering, the weather was fine and warm throughout the summer. We used shoot thinning to achieve good fruit distribution and an open canopy, while fruit thinning ensured a well-balanced and concentrated crop. The fruit was harvested on 11 April 2009 with very high level of ripeness and intense flavour.
Food match
Mt Beautiful Pinot Gris 2009 is best enjoyed with savoury dishes such as pâté de foie gras, soft creamy cheeses or walnut bread.
