Starborough wines have been making their mark over the past 4-5 years with their Sauvignon Blanc and also with their consistently 5 star rated Pinot Gris. Made in the drier style with richness from partial barrel ferment and extended lees contact. It has nice weight and succulence showing excellent fruit intensity and a silken texture.
Winery notes (2022 Vintage)
"An elegant wine with a finely concentrated palate displaying aromatic white and yellow stonefruits lifted by exotic florals, rose-petal elements and complex nutty and flinty nuances. The wine shows excellent fruit intensity and silky texture, leading to a lingering smooth finish."
5 Stars & 93/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, August 2022 (2022 Vintage)
"Elegant and delightfully appealing, the wine shows Asian pear, crunchy apple, subtle spice and floral aromas on the nose, followed by a beautifully weighted palate delivering succulent fruit flavours with supple texture, offering terrific drinking. At its best: now to 2025."
4 ½ Stars Michael Cooper (2022 Vintage)
"Full of personality, the 2022 vintage was grown at two sites, in the Wairau Valley (60 per cent) and the Awatere Valley (40 per cent). Bright, light lemon/green, it is mouthfilling, with deep, vibrant, peachy, slightly spicy flavours, a touch of complexity, finely balanced acidity and a dryish finish. Best drinking mid-2023+."
5 Stars & 18.5-/20 pts (92) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, November 2022 (2022 Vintage)
"Bright, even, pale straw yellow. The nose is full and packed with orchard fruit, stonefruit, honeysuckle and delicate spice. Full-bodied, dry to taste, ripe pear and toffee apple aromas melded with white rose, honeysuckle and ginger. The fruit is concentrated, supported by lively acidity. A weighty palate with fine texture and almost unctuous. This dry Pinot Gris shows generous fruit and spice on a textural mouthfeel. Match with spicy pork dish and fish tacos over the next 3 years. Fruit from Waitau (60%) and Awatere (40%)"