Riversdale Estate Pinot Gris 2023

Winemaker, Jasper Marais, has explored skin contact and some richer elements of winemaking with this 2023 Pinot Gris. They include 72 hours of skin contact and fermentation in both stainless steel (80%) and seasoned oak (20%). The result is a textural wine exploring the richer side of the grape with added phenolic grip. Rose gold hues. The scent brings stewed apple, pear and spice to the fore within a richer, seemingly more mature flavour framework for a ’23 vintage wine. There’s a hint of sweetness on the palate, a fruit tingle confection quality, amid more gris-like familiar territory of honeysuckle, ripe, spiced pear, apple and lemon. Impressive intensity and weight – perfect for something rich like pâté en croûte – with acidity playing second fiddle to the mouth-coating creamy qualities.