The 2001 growing season started off very well with above average monthly temperatures, although sunshine hours were lower than usual. February was very cool and as a result berry ripening slowed down. However the season really came together in March, with huge amounts of sunshine and warmth. Ripening was even through the vineyards and the cool nights helped develop intense aromatic flavours. Huia experienced an excellent vintage with real fruit intensity and ripeness showing in the wines.
The Pinot Gris grapes are grown in the upper Brancott Valley on the Anderson Vineyard. The soils are clay and stone with good drainage, planted with a mixture of old (Mission or Petit Grains) and new (2/15+2/16) clones. The berries were silver grey at harvest with the occasional bunch throwing an assortment of red berries showing the Pinot Noir heritage. We hand harvested ripe healthy bunches on the 19th April. The grapes were whole bunch pressed to maximise the flavours. The wine was racked into tank and underwent a long cool indigenous yeast ferment.
The Huia Pinot Gris is a wine of subtleties. This wine shows ripe pear, mandarin and some nutty characters on the nose. The palate is broad and rich with a lengthy, persistent and dry finish.
WINES - Tasting Notes
