Tim Turvey was delighted at the high rating. Photo / Paul Taylor
Tim Turvey was delighted at the high rating. Photo / Paul Taylor
The unique characteristics of the banks of the Tukituki River near Haumoana have led to the creation of what Dish magazine has declared to be one of the country's top five pinot gris wines.
Clearview Estate winemaker and co-owner Tim Turvey said he was delighted to see that of the160 New Zealand-produced pinot gris wines that were blind tasted by the upmarket magazine's judging team, the 2013 Haumoana Pinot Gris came in at No4, attracting 4 stars out of 5.
He noted the shared opinion of the judges, who included the Bay's Yvonne Lorkin, James Rowan and Jane Skilton MW, where they summarised that "there was no denying the appeal and drinkability of this charming, mildly spicy, mineral-edged wine".
Mr Turvey said the minerality was largely due to the location of the vineyard the grapes came from, on the gravel banks of the Tukituki River.
"We've used those vines since we started making this wine in 2011 and it's proving a flavour profile that gives our pinot gris a winning distinction," he said.
The grapes were hand-picked and gently whole bunch pressed.
Mr Turvey said while not many wineries would spend the extra money to hand pick, he believed it added "finesse and structure" to the rich flavours of the grapes.
Nikolai St George was impressed with the wine's dry style describing it as a "lift of florals, lime, lychee and pawpaw", while Jane Boyle noted an "interesting nuttiness".
Cameron Douglas, a Master Sommelier, said he found the wine "had a bit of funk".
Mr Turvey said that was all due to the river-gravel influence.
