Catalina Sounds Pinot Gris 2023

Product Information:

The fruit is sourced from two vineyards in the Omaka and Waihopai Valleys which is part of the cooler and drier Southern Valleys. 60% of the fruit comes from our Sound of White Vineyard in the Waihopai Valley, where ripe fruit and concentration creates the core of our Pinot Gris. The remaining 40% comes from a grower vineyard, Fairhall Downs in the Omaka valley, creating vibrancy and freshness. There's ripe nashi pear, rose apple, white nougat and vanilla bean aromatics. The wine is plush, fleshy and juicy, with ripe mid-palate fruit and a crisp racy finish that appears dry but is balanced with a little residual sugar.

Maker:

Catalina sounds officially took flight in 2005 with a singular vision to produce the best wines in Marlborough. Named after the majestic Catalina flying boats and the iconic Marlborough Sounds at our doorstep, Catalina Sounds produces wines that are true to the region and our vineyard sites while building an extra textural dimension – wines that are uniquely Catalina Sounds. The name comes from the majestic Catalina flying boats that played a vital role across the South Pacific during and after World War II. New Zealand’s famous and largest warbird, the Catalina is a rare sight, in fact there are only a handful of these beautiful, iconic planes left in the world today. Get up close to the label, and you can just spot the reflection of the Catalina soaring across the Sounds.

Evolved from their humble origins, Catalina Sounds has quickly reputation for producing premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc throughout the world. Now pushing into new varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Their aim remains to produce a single vineyard range from their over achieving estate vineyard, 'Sound of White'.

Catalina Sounds is accredited with Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, a core element of their winemaking and viticultural philosophy is protecting, regenerating and planning for a sustainable future. In recent years, Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) certification has become an integral piece of their vision to produce the best wines of Marlborough. Catalina Sounds considers AMW as the benchmark for protecting provenance and a signifier of integrity and quality as they look toward the future of Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough in a supply constrained market.

Vineyard:

The 2023 vintage was late to start due to a wetter season early on. Fine weather from January onwards meant extra hangtime on the vine, which provided increased flavour concentration, exceptional varietal purity and laid the groundwork for some brilliant wines. The Pinot Gris from Sound of White was picked in two halves; an earlier parcel on the 31st of March and the balance on the 9th of April. These parcels make 60% of the blend, where the other 40% is from an exclusive grower in the Omaka Valley, meaning it’s all from the Southern Valleys – beautiful clay loam soils, that added another element to the wines.

Nose - White Nougat, Nashi Pear, White Flowers
Aromatics of nougat, nashi pear, vanilla custard and white flowers.

Palate - Poached Pear, Apple, Ginger
The palate is generous, where ripe fruit and texture create richness, yet balance with very fine minerality and a touch of residual sugar to bring the wine to a memorable finish.

Finish - Fine Minerality, Ethereal Texture, Leesy
A dry wine with an ethereal texture and appealing purity.

Attractive pinot gris that's been made with a light touch with poached pear, apple, ginger and nutty yeast lees characters. A dry wine with appealing purity and an ethereal texture. - Bob Campbell, The Real Review, 93 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Pinot Gris
Country - New Zealand
Region - Marlborough
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%