From the first vintage in 1986, for many years Dry River towered over other New Zealand Pinot Gris, by virtue of its exceptional body, flavour richness and longevity. A sturdy Martinborough wine, it has peachy, spicy characters that can develop great subtlety and richness with maturity (at around five years old for top vintages, which also hold well for a decade). It is grown in the estate and nearby Craighall vineyards, where the majority of the vines are over 25 years old. In the past, it was not handled in barrels, but since 2017 it has been partly oak-aged. The 2021 vintage (5*) was fermented and lees-aged in old oak barrels for 10 months. Weighty, with highly concentrated, peachy, spicy flavours and an off-dry (9 grams/litre of residual sugar), well-rounded finish, it’s already very open and expressive, but also well worth cellaring.
Details
Type: White Wines
Variety: Pinot Gris
Vintage: 2021
Overall Rating for All Vintages Tasted: ★★★★★ – 5 Stars
Price: $65 NZD
Sweetness: MED
Value for Money: AV
This wine is a Super Classic.
Past Vintages:
Vintage: 2019; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 20 – 31
Vintage: 2018; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 20 – 30
Vintage: 2017; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 20 – 29
Vintage: 2016; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 20 – 28
Vintage: 2015; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 20 – 27
Vintage: 2014; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 20 – 26
Vintage: 2013; Winemaker’s Rating: 6/7; When to Drink: 20 – 25
Vintage: 2012; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 20 – 22
Vintage: 2011; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: 20 – 21
Vintage: 2010; Winemaker’s Rating: 7/7; When to Drink: P – P
Notes: WR provided by wineries. P = Peaked.
Reviewed June 2022