The other half is quite fond of Pinot Gris and that keeps me in the tasting loop as far as this variety is concerned. It's quite fashionable to knock this varietal as unworthy but, occasionally, a wine does stand out. They are the exceptions that prove the rule, perhaps.
Quite a rich colour, hay-like verging on golden. A subtle nose of pear, apple skins, some vanilla oak and bitterness. The palate is big but strangely flavourless. Initially, the entry ushers in similar fruit flavours as seen on the nose. On the middle palate, however, phenolic bitterness becomes quite prominent and persists until an after palate and finish that display alcohol heat (14%).These combine to mask the attractive, varietal fruit flavour and transform the wine into a rather coarse experience.
Time in glass didn't assist with the wine's balance. I think this wine might be best accompanied by something summery and rustic in flavour -- Caesar salad, perhaps.
Black Barn
Price: $NZ20
Closure: Stelvin
Date tasted: December 2007
Quite a rich colour, hay-like verging on golden. A subtle nose of pear, apple skins, some vanilla oak and bitterness. The palate is big but strangely flavourless. Initially, the entry ushers in similar fruit flavours as seen on the nose. On the middle palate, however, phenolic bitterness becomes quite prominent and persists until an after palate and finish that display alcohol heat (14%).These combine to mask the attractive, varietal fruit flavour and transform the wine into a rather coarse experience.
Time in glass didn't assist with the wine's balance. I think this wine might be best accompanied by something summery and rustic in flavour -- Caesar salad, perhaps.
Black Barn
Price: $NZ20
Closure: Stelvin
Date tasted: December 2007
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