Tim Adams Pinot Gris 2021
- 92
- $24
- Drink by: 2021 - 2024
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Needless to say, the 2021 vintage in the Clare Valley is proving special for more than just riesling. We are seeing some very fine pinot gris, few with more flavour than this example. Harvested from dry-grown selected sites, the grapes were crushed, chilled (5°C), pressed, with the pressings separated, then a two-week fermentation.
What is immediately notable is the colour. There has been no attempt to moderate pinot gris’s typical hues – a gentle bronze/gold blended with rose petals. The lifted aromatics include the variety’s typical crisp pear notes, but they are merged with florals, mineral undertones and stonefruit. This is no shrinking violet, but exudes flavour from start to finish. There is a lovely supple texture, with good acidity throughout, and the intensity is maintained right through the lengthy finish. The flavours of the palate move more to stewed pears. Excellent value.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
