Carlei Green Vineyards Cuvée Stephen Thomson Pinot Gris 2020

Sergio Carlei looks to the King Valley for his 2020 pinot gris release. It’s in a similar style to the previous 2019 sourced from the Cardinia Ranges, in that it employs a strong textural richness across the middle palate. It’s a real highlight of the wine, serving to emphasise the wine’s spiciness and overall warmth. Attractive, ripe baked apple (tarte tatin!), wild honey and citrus aromas bring the essence of the grape to the fore.

The tarte tatin mental image won’t go away. It’s still there to taste in a soft, buttery kind of flavour with almond meal delivered with apples and pears with a touch of vanilla spicing things up on the finish. I would happily drink a glass or two without food, such is the generosity and roundness on display. It’s fine just by itself, that way you get to enjoy the winemaking which is in tribute to a gentleman – “Thommo” – who once worked with Sergio. It’s a fine tribute.