Gibson Bridge Estate Blend Marlborough Pinot Gris 2015 $38
This pinot gris is deeply golden in the glass, perhaps due to its age and also its partial barrel fermentation and the addition of 12% gewurztraminer already barrel fermented itself. On the nose it has nutty complexity, musky florals and spiced stonefruit characters. The acidity is fresh and there’s an underlying smoky note on the finish. It’s hit its peak drinking window, so enjoy now. 4 stars.
Gibson Bridge Barrique Ferment Marlborough Pinot Gris 2013 $45
This is a dry, oak-aged pinot gris that rides on the toasty side of the road. Matured for 2 years in French oak and then another 2 years in bottle before release, this pinot gris has nutty, smoky, mineral-driven complexity which you just don’t find very often in New Zealand. White pepper, apricot stone and roast pear notes and a hint of creaminess on the finish make it a really unusual, yet tasty example. 4 stars
Gibson Bridge Reserve Marlborough Pinot Gris 2016 $23-$35
Hand harvested fruit was gently crushed and cool-fermented in stainless steel before extended aging on its yeast lees for creamy complexity before being rested for 11 months prior to bottling. It has those classic quince and nashi hallmarks, with frisky acidity and a long, seductively powdery finish. 4.5 stars
Gibson Bridge Reserve Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2015 $28
Beautifully musky and floral and spliced through with freshly grated ginger, crystalised mandarin, Turkish delight and bran muffin spices. The perfectly prickly acidity and rich almost creamy textures on the mid-palate makes this a nicely balanced example that finishes dry and long, long long. 5 stars.
Gibson Bridge Pinot Gris Marlborough Rosé 2017 $28
100% pinot gris fruit was hand harvested, crushed and left on its skins for enough time to bleed some rose gold colour into the wine and texturally this wine is dry and grainy and there are some attractive pear, quince and nashi notes washing through. It’s a far cry from the bog standard, commercial gris that one gets from the supermarket – instead this is a dry, mineral-driven style that will appeal to those with a sense of adventure. 4 stars
