BRYTERLATER PINOTS 2023

The Bryterlater label by sommelier turned winemaker James Graves-Opie is certainly one to keep an eye on. The wines are made using organically farmed grapes from select sites within the North Canterbury region and have quickly become sort after because of their complexity, sense of place and outright drinkability.

The Brambles range is the slightly more playful set of wines from James, giving him the chance to concoct wines that maximise deliciousness and he has certainly done that with this inspired blend of 75% Pinot Blanc sourced from a unique vineyard in Banks Peninsula and 25% Pinot Noir – the same stuff that James uses for his Petina Pet Nat. Utterly delicious, this is going to be just the ticket for those long summer days, think juicy peach, watermelon, citrus, a hint of coconut with salivating soft acidity and a clean, very moreish finish.

James Graves-Opie, Winemaker notes (2023 Vintage)
"Banks Peninsula and North Canterbury. Pinot Blanc + Pinot Noir. Pinot Blanc from the Bentwood Vineyard grown atop volcanic soils in Banks Peninsula. The majority of this wine is Pinot Blanc made to echo Chardonnay, the late addition of 25% early picked direct press blanc de noir rose from the Barbour Vineyard on the slopes of North Canterbury steered the wine toward a more delicate and lively wine mirroring a Coteaux Champenois. All barrel fermented with minimal battonage. 6 Months in oak. White peach, strawberry, coconut and lifted white floral aromas with soft acidity and persistent minerality."