This is the first of a series of three articles on the terroir of Central Otago, the most southerly wine growing region in the world, at 45 degrees South, marked by a dry, semi-continental climate. Known for pinot noir, the region has more than one grape to it—and more than
Much bigger and more tropical than the European pinot gris and pinot grigio wines I’m used to, this wine was a surprise to me. It begins with sweet florals that continue onto the palate, morphing into honey and honeysuckle. As the wine opens it shows hints of citrus along with
Santa Barbara County’s pioneering winemaker Richard Sanford has been known for his unexpectedly wonderful wines for many decades. He was recently honored as 2020 vintner of the year, a visionary in planting and producing wines in what is now called the Santa Rita Hills AVA [aka Sta Rita Hills]. His
Aromas of apples and pears practically leap out of the glass. Sweet, almost syrupy ripe pears and Honeycrisp apples make up the palate. Bare hints of white pepper show the presence of Gewürztraminer, but the softness of Pinot Gris and the sweetness of Riesling dominate. Drink with chicken and biscuits. Recommended.
The wine is pale gold, and the aromas are floral and stone fruit, evoking white flowers with peaches, pears and nectarines. Surprisingly hefty body with honey and acidity on the palate and a longish finish during which that hint of honey returns. Drink with grilled hamburgers or fish. Very good:
The wine is an appealing pale pink-gold, reflecting the color or the grape. To begin, there’s a woodsy aroma, that hints at the wine’s Oregon origins, then tints of stone fruit on the palate. A medium body, with a hint of bitterness and acidity on the palate that indicates it
The color is a pretty light gold. The nose show pear and mango, with hints of pepper in the background. It shows round and soft on the palate, with ripe pear, hints of mango, and the lightest touch of sweet lemon. The finish is fruity, with a jalapeño tingle around