DRY RIVER PINOT GRIS 2025

Winery notes (2025 Vintage)
"The first vine planted on the Martinborough Terrace. Still here, still ungrafted, still telling the same story. It started with Pinot Gris. In 1979, on a terrace that nobody had planted before, Neil McCallum put the first vines in the ground here. Those original vines are still here — still ungrafted, still rooted in the same clay-rich soils of our Estate vineyard, still producing one of the most enduring wines in the Dry River house.

Bright and fragrant, this Pinot Gris opens with fresh notes of peach stone, rock melon, and a hint of ginger, complemented by blonde caramel and soft pear. A subtle floral lift reminiscent of field flowers enhances the bouquet, stemming from muscat characters in the ripe fruit. On the palate, crème brûlée — custard and black sugar, with rich pastry-like phenolics that lend depth and texture. The touch of residual sugar adds a luscious, silk-velvet smoothness, while flavours of popcorn and peach lend structure and contrast to the wine's opulent breadth. The finish is indulgent and persistent, leaving an irresistible, moreish temptation. Born from our original 1979 ungrafted vines, this clay-driven wine will evolve beautifully over the next decade and beyond, rewarding those patient enough to wait."