Lou Miranda Estate Leone Pinot Grigio 2014 $21. Barossa Valley. 12%. S/cap. The Barossa Valley may seem an unlikely home to this variety, but it works well here. Hints of orange blossom and apple. There is a flick of acidity to carry it along, but it is broad rather than long. A pleasant, easy-drinking style. Chill and drink while young. 87. Deviation Road Pinot Gris 2014 $28. Adelaide Hills. 12.5%. S/cap. More evidence of the suitability of the Adelaide Hills for this variety. A low yielding vintage for winemaker, Hamish Laurie, but a very good one. This wine has a finely crafted nose. Nashi pear, orange blossoms, spices and florals. It is well balanced and not with inconsiderable length. Has weight and density. 91. Tim Adams Pinot Gris 2014 $20. Clare Valley. 12%. S/cap. The Clare Valley is better known for riesling, and most likely always will be, but this wine is evidence that there is hope for pinot gris here. Has a hint of that bronze colouring that comes with the variety. Minerals and pears. Good crisp flavours and yet a pleasing textural component. Good flick of acidity, excellent length. This is delicious. 92. Curly Flat Pinot Gris 2013 $32. Macedon. 12.5%. S/cap. One out of the box. This is totally different in style to all the others included here. It is much richer and more complex. There are notes of citrus, floral and rich pears. Also some nuts and toastiness from a touch of oak. Fine acidity, very good length. This is one of the few examples of the variety where one can confidently say that it will age extremely well. A terrific example. 94. Oxford Landing Pinot Grigio 2014 $9. South Australia. 12.5%. S/cap. Sea breeze, mustard and fresh pear notes here. Quite broad and rather straightforward, but it is certainly a pleasant style. And no one could complain about the value it offers. One to be chilled and drunk soon, preferably with a simple seafood dish. 87. Paracombe Pinot Grigio 2014 $20. Adelaide Hills. 13.5%. S/cap. Definitely one of the more interesting pinot grigio’s around. This is the colour of pale onion skin – I’ve seen rosés with less colour! There is bright acidity here, with freshness and length. Flavours run through crisp pear, mineral notes, spices and lavender. Lots to like here. 90. Mud House Pinot Gris 2014 $19. South Island New Zealand. 13%. S/cap. The Kiwis are doing some good things with pinot gris, though often with a slightly elevated level of residual sweetness, much as with their riesling. Nothing wrong with this and it is a style that often appeals. This is quite aromatic with pleasant and full flavours. Notes of apple, pear and citrus blossom. A mid-length style. 88. Mount Riley Pinot Gris 2014 $20. Marlborough, NZ. 13.5%. S/cap. Swimming against the tide to get a pinot gris noticed in the heartland of sauvignon blanc, but this is a pleasant, deliberately off-dry style that will be popular. Wet stone, citrus, spices, florals and a hint of bitter almond on the finish. Some punchy acidity. Food is needed. 88.
DrinksWeekly_October31
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