Sourced from Lola's Block, a tiny parcel nestled among some of New Zealand's finest Pinot Noir vines on Felton Road, Bannockburn, this Pinot Gris is crafted with a "hands-off" approach. Natural fermentation occurs in neutral oak puncheons, allowing the wine to express the unique qualities of its origin. The vineyard is organically farmed, employing no-till regenerative practices, and is organically certified .
Bouquet The nose is expressive, offering aromas of pear, gingerbread, wet stone, mineral, and florals, all contributing to its complexity and allure .
Palate On the palate, the wine exhibits an Alsace-like weight with a pillowy, textured mouthfeel. Flavours of pear, gingerbread, and mineral notes are present, leading to a long finish with lingering nuttiness and spice. This complex and sophisticated expression of Pinot Gris showcases the depth and character of its terroir .
Food Pairing This Pinot Gris pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Consider enjoying it with Japanese-inspired cuisine such as salmon sashimi, prawn and vegetable tempura, or okonomiyaki (savoury pancake). Its versatility also makes it a great match for rich poultry dishes and meats .
Cellaring While approachable upon release, this wine has the potential to develop further complexity with short-term cellaring. It is recommended to consume within 5 years to experience its optimal freshness.
Interesting Fact Lola's Block is a rare example of prime Felton Road soils being dedicated to Pinot Gris, a variety closely related to Pinot Noir. The soils, formed by the erosion of the Carrick Range, consist of schist gravels with a top layer containing clay and quartz, contributing to the wine's distinctive minerality and texture .