Sherwood Estate, Stoney Range, Pinot Gris, Waipara, New Zealand, 2018

Producer Profile

Pioneers of the Waipara Valley the Sherwood family have been working this land for over 30 years.

Waipara is a region with great potential that is still to be realised fully, with greater extremes of frost and warmth than its close neighbours, Marlborough and Nelson. Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris are a special focus here with a fresh regional style of their own. Perfect counterpoints to some of the more famous regions of NZ.

Viticulture

Fruit was harvested from our Pilgrim, Terraces, George's Road and Stirling wineyards in the heart of the Waipara Valley, North Canterbury.

Winemaking

The fruit was harvested mid April in excellent condition. A number of treatments on the fruit followed – whole bunch fermentation, extended skin contact, indigenous fermentation and barrel fermentation. The wines were then blended together prior to bottling.

Oak Ageing

Time: 4 Months
Type: French 225 Litre
% wine oaked: 10
% new oak: None

Tasting Note

The Stoney Range 2018 Pinot Gris has a rich flavour profile and silky smooth mouth feel. The palate is medium bodied with a slightly off-dry finish. Barrel ageing small parcels of wine has given a richness and leaves a smooth finish in the mouth. Cool fermentation has allowed for gradual flavour development and a complex array of fruit aromas and flavours. A light acidity provides a freshness that coupled with the light fruit sweetness.