Spring Release 2010
2010 The early spring weather was extremely settled but unfavorable cooler temperatures towards the end of spring/early summer brought quite severe frosts along with the unfortunate consequential damage. At the time the damage did not appear to be particularly significant but it is always difficult to assess the effect on vine physiology. These cold weather conditions continued through the very sensitive flowering period, indicating copping levels would be negatively affected, and after early crop estimates were carried out it was seen that at best only average yields could be achieved.
The summer months were no different to spring with uncharacteristic cold wet conditions (108 mm of rain recorded for January alone) through to an extraordinary well timed change from late February when the Martinborough autumn turned what might have been an average year into what we perceive may be a vintage of pure quality.
- Dry River Chardonnay 2009
The Mendoza clone – considered by many to be the key to producing fine NZ Chardonnay – is used for this wine. The wine is light in colour with a whiff of the classic “wet stones” and crushed walnuts along with citrus rather than stone fruit aromas. As with the nose, the palate features minerality, a suggestion of walnuts and flavours of freshly squeezed lemon with a long aftertaste. As a young wine it emphasizes the front palate but with time in the cellar, expect it to open out into the typical complex Dry River style if given appropriate cellaring conditions.
- Dry River Bunch Selection Lovat Gewurztraminer 2009
Dessert Gewurztraminers are a rarity for Dry River, the previous one being produced in 2004. These grapes were harvested on the 18th of May at 30+ brix. The gentle, careful processing yielded juice with an extraordinary purity of flavour. The wine has an appropriate pure golden hue, an ebullient nose of honeycomb, crystallized ginger and cinnamon laced with orange zest. The palate reveals an intriguing complexity of integrated rich and round flavours. Ginger, honeycomb, cinnamon and sweet orange all contribute without sacrificing the refreshing clarity of expression. Wines such as these can be long lived with proper cellaring and the 750mL bottle means there is more to enjoy at the time of opening!
- Dry River Craighall Riesling 'Amaranth' 2010
This season, with its long Indian summer, produced a wine with what we believe to be a particularly interesting future, hence the 'Amaranth' title. On appearance its bright straw hue almost sparkles. Blossoms, wet river stones and an expansive medley of yellow peach and grapefruit aromas anticipate what is to follow on the palate. Powerful grapefruit, talc and a compote of other fruit flavours are sustained in a distinctly taut structure. To appreciate its full potential we recommend this Riesling be allowed to develop over 3–4 years when cellared at around 12°C and expect it to have a future extending well beyond this.
- Dry River Lovat Syrah 2008
… is a dense, dark red with hints of violet. The bouquet gives an immediate impression of sweet earthiness and lifted florals, blueberries, fresh tobacco and spice, with the white pepper found as a common thread in our Syrah. Pure florals, red berries and a silken texture all integrate on the palate to offer a firm and focused wine. This is cool climate Syrah, elegant and gracious rather than weighty, and with a clean finish. Its structure will allow it to blossom and soften with time and I believe this to be a long term wine that will show significant development in an appropriate cellar. Review in another 3–4 years.
- Dry River Viognier 2010
This wine is light gold with a definite greenish sheen. The nose is distinctly Viognier; open and fragrant with a mix of tropical flowers and perfumes, ripe juicy pear, fresh apricots and exotic spice. The palate is lush rather than sweet with a low level of residual sugar that offers a glossiness to its texture. Old fashioned ripe pear, apricots and yellow peach with a subtle lift of mandarin zest make up an intriguing flavour spectrum which finishes with a clean and refreshing aftertaste. We would liken the role of this wine to our Pinot gris and pair it with richer dishes but perhaps leaning towards more delicate flavours such as chicken, or you could enjoy it with cheese or as an aperitif.
- 2009 Pinot noir (en primeur)
Your payment for this wine will be processed after November 15 – for dispatch before the end of November. Please note on the order form if you are likely to be away during this period and we will check with you before sending it. You will be advised by mail at the time when the wine has been sent. The intense colour with hints of purple happily reflect its youth and condition. An array of aromas including flowers, red fruit, black tea and fruitcake spice - maybe even a touch of dried sage introduce a palate which is gracious rather than overtly concentrated displaying a fresh minerality and a structure which is well-suited for cellaring. The flavours centre around plums, with hints of black tea and fruit cake spice and in my view the wine invites comparison with the ’08 Pinot in its personality – just as we have found with other varietals from the same two vintages.
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