The 2001 vintage conditions were typical of Marlborough's cool climate but with little rainfall. With these dry settled conditions, budburst and flowering were successful. Ripening was even through the vineyards and the cool nights helped develop intense aromatic flavours. The lack of rain helped to keep the grapes clean and free from botrytis. 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 4th 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
