THE KING’S THORN PINOT GRIS 2012

VARIETY100% Pinot Gris.

VITICULTUREVertical shoot positioned, cane pruned vines planted at 2,500 plants per hectare.

The terraced vineyard is situated alongside the Waihopai River and consists of very complex soils with less fertility and uniformity than those of the main Wairau Valley.

VINTAGE2012 was a classic cool climate Marlborough vintage, giving us elegant wines with great concentration and flavour intensity. The season started with a cool spring which continued through the summer months. Late summer and autumn were sunny, warm and dry. For Pinot Gris this resulted in ripe spicy fruit, balanced by beautifully crisp natural acidity.

W INEMAK INGThe King’s Thorn is made from select low yielding portions of our Waihopai Valley Vineyard. The fruit was picked over a 12 day period to capture the full spectrum of flavours. The grapes are given skin contact, and 10% of the wine is fermented in 500 L French Oak puncheons to build in some richness and weight.

ANALYSISpH 3.5

T.A 5.8g/l

Alcohol 13.5%

Residual Sugar 4.0g/l

COLOURPale Straw.

AROMALovely aromatics of ripe stone fruit dusted with nutmeg and five spice. Some floral perfume and rose petal notes make a very attractive addition to the bouquet.

PALATEJuicy stone fruits like nectarine and white peach are complimented by a hint of vanilla from the oak. A fine chalky texture, combined with some richness and weight from the barrel portion, help to balance the succulent fruit.

FOOD MATCHINGThis is a very versatile wine to match with food. This would work well with pancetta wrapped scallops, liver paté, or spicy asian noodles.

CELLARING POTENTIAL2-6 Years.