TASTING 02: Int Pinot Gris/Grigio

The 2nd wine tasting was a great success with 6 wines being tasted, plus a few great games of 'midget pool'.

Thanks to Simon and Heike for hosting a lovely evening down in leafy Pyrmont, and to the participants, Phil, Leah, Paul and myself.

Have listed the wines in tasting order, with respective votes after each of the tasting notes. (I hope they are correct)



1. Isabel Pinot Gris 2005 NZ
Light yellow gold in colour, clear and bright, with tiny bubbles clinging to the sides of the glass. The bouquet is aromatic with rich scents of pear and creamed nuts, with a fragrant floral character. Bright and zesty across the tongue before flavours of citrus, apples, pears and a touch of tropical fruit are revealed. Good length and well balanced. 2 votes.

2. Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio 2003 IT
Classic Italian Grigio, pale straw-yellow in color, clean, sharp and dry on the palate, with some apple aftertaste, and similary on the bouquet with hints of vanillan, but lacks the tighter structure of previous vintages. Flabby to a degree. Can be a better wine and do hope it returns to its former quality. 0 votes.

3. Gunn Estate Pinot Gris 2005 NZ/IT
Pale straw colour with lifted aromas of spicy pears and raisons with nuances of honey. Spicy pear and raison flavours, slightly savoury with some mineral characters and a touch of sweetness to finish. Well rounded but Lacks a little length. 1 vote.

4. Stefano Lubiana Pinot Grigio 2004 AUS
Pale pale straw colour, tight and quite austere. Pear flavoured and minerally, rather than overtly fruity or nutty, with a firm crispness running the full length of the wine. Sofisticated and Alsatian in character. Would match mussels or oysters very well. 2 votes.

5. Logan Weemala Pinot Gris 2005 AUS
Similar to the Gunn Estate, pear and spice with quince more than raison on the bouquet, sweet and acidic, but could be better balanced. Lacks a little length too. 1 vote.

6. Beelgara Estate 11.05 Pinot Grigio 2005 AUS
Soft and quite creamy on the bouquet with some floral notes. Full flavoured fruit and Refreshing acidity on the palate. Reasonably balanced but unfortunately has negligible weight and length. 0 votes.