This wine has a stunning appearance in the glass, it looks a little like a top shelf French Rosé. A slight pink blush which also contains some radiant golden hues. From the first whiff the colour cedes it’s influence to a beautifully aromatic experience as fragrant wafts of pears, shy nectarines, strawberries, subtle pink grapefruit and floral jasmine twirls enthusiastically upwards encircling your nasal senses.
The wine is dry and it is clearly a Gris style with a little less acidity and spice than what you might expect in a Grigio, there is a hint of sweet but this is fruit power not residual sugar. The long and lingering palate is substantial for the style with some colour and textural complexity added from skin contact. The caressing mouthfeel of this wine slinks in a protracted flavouring embrace that touches you with a soft oiliness underpinned by some cool climate crisp acidity. Guavas, white nectarines, pears and lychees present a fruit procession which is dry and contains an almost contradictory lush quality which is quickly transformed by some savoury slightly sour nuances which have been lustrated by a little mineral and spice.
I have always preferred a Grigio style and still do. When I first tasted John Handy’s 2019 Gris I was almost converted and have to admit that his 2019 and now this excellent 2021 are beautiful drinking experiences and now, thanks to John, if ever I reach for a Gris I know which direction I’m going. This is a wine made with considerable skill and talent which has culminated in one of the best Pinot Gris wines in the country.
We paired this lovely wine with roast organic chicken spiked with home made preserved meyer lemons and salad mildly enlivened by Lirah Apple Infused Balsamic and thoroughly enjoyed the combination.
Tasted: Saturday 13th November, 2021 without food and then with over several hours.
Alcohol: 12.8%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $28
Suggested Drinking Window: 2021 to 2023
Winemaker: John Handy
Fruit Source: Estate – Ballandean Vineyard
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