Bird Wines Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris 2012

20-Feb-2013

With over three decades of winemaking experience, Steve Bird is one of this country's industry stalwarts. Well-known for his supporting role with John Hancock at Morton Estate and then founding his own Thornbury label, which was acquired by Villa Maria, Steve has gone on to create Bird Wines, his hands-on venture that sees him work closely with fruit from special Marlborough sites. Steve sees the bigger picture in how wines appeal to the consumer, and his innovative big barrel approach with Pinot Noir is a point in case of innovation in vinifying this most important variety. His wines are becoming more refined as he understands his vineyard sources better. Steve is very active in export and keen in developing new markets. Life must be very busy! Here are my reviews of his new release 2012 Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. www.birdwines.com

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

Bird Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2012
Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand - Marlborough
Review Date : 19-Feb-2013
☆☆☆☆☆
Fruit from a Raupara district single vineyard, stainless-steel fermented with a portion in French oak barriques to 13.1% alc. and 4.7 g/L rs., the wine aged on lees for 3 months. Bright, pale straw colour with slight green hues, very pale on edge. This has a softly fresh, fragrant and ethereal bouquet of gentle passionfruit, yellow capsicum and gooseberry aromas. Dry to taste, this is elegantly presented with soft passionfruit, floral and lime flavours, revealing gooseberry notes, on a lively and poised palate. Very finely textured and concentrated with lacy acidity, this has a bright and refreshing mouthfeel, and the flavours flow to a light, dry and subtly flavoured finish with good length. This is an elegant and ethereal Sauvignon Blanc with a lively and refined palate. Serve with Thai, Vietnamese or Malay cuisine over the next 2 years. 3,000 cases made. 17.5+/20 Feb 2013 RRP $19.95
Bird Marlborough Pinot Gris 2012
Pinot Gris from New Zealand - Marlborough
Review Date : 19-Feb-2013
☆☆☆☆☆
Bright, pale straw-yellow colour, light on rim. The nose is very fine and elegantly concentrated with lifted aromas of white florals, along with esters, honeysuckle and subtle nuances of herbs and savoury musk. The aromatics are expressed with clarity and cut. Dry to taste and medium-light bodied, delicate flavours of florals, stonefruits are entwined with honey and herbal elements. The flavours are easy and accessible with a gentle richness and fresh liveliness from balanced acidity. A little textural line develops and leads to a dry, moderately sustained and soft finish. This is a light and, dry Pinot Gris with delicate floral and stonefruit flavours and herb and musky detail. Match with dim sum, tapas and starters over the next 3+ years. Fruit from a single vineyard in the Rapaura region, stainless-steel fermented with a small portion in French oak barrels to 12.8% alc. and 4.9 g/L rs. 2,000 cases made. 16.5/20 Feb 2013 RRP $19.95

Bird Wines Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris 2012

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

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