Fifth Bridge – Bespoke Central Otago

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Fifth Bridge Central Otago Riesling 2011
  Riesling from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 27-Jun-2012

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright, very pale straw colour with green hues, pale on rim. Tightly bound aromas of limes, lemons and green apples show with piquant, steely mineral notes on bouquet. Off-dry to taste, this is an elegantly proportioned wine. Bright, aromatic and exotic floral fruit flavours combine with apple and citrus elements on a racy and driven palate. The crisp acidity and a fine textural grip result in a firm line that carries through to a dry, brisk finish with apple and honey nuances. This crisp, firm and zesty Riesling has attractive floral, honey and apple flavours to make it an ideal aperitif wine or one to serve with Asian cuisine over the next 4-5 years. Fruit from Pisa on Wanaka Road, grown on gravelly loam soil, cool-fermented in stainless-steel to 13.0% alc. and 11 g/L rs. Winemaker: Peter Bartle. 17.5-/20 Jun 2012 RRP $20.00
• Fifth Bridge Central Otago Pinot Gris 2011
  Pinot Gris from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 27-Jun-2012

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Fruit from an elevated terrace overlooking Bannockburn, hand-picked and mainly cool-fermented in stainless-steel, with a portion by indigenous yeasts in old oak barrels to 14.0% alc. and 15 g/L rs. Winemakers: Dan and Sarah-Kate Dineen. Brilliant straw-yellow colour, lighter on rim. This has an elegant, lifted nose of white florals, pears and delicate spices, along with honeysuckle notes, all with a degree of the exotic. Off-dry to taste, this is medium-bodied with subtly lifted minerally stonefruit flavours intermingling with florals and spices. The palate has an understated weight and depth, with a growing richness and lusciousness providing concentration and smooth textures. The fresh acidity and liveliness is in good balance and leads to a sustained finish. An alluring Pinot Gris with exotic fruit elements and excellent textures. Match with tapas and dim sum over the next 3-4+ years. 18.0/20 Jun 2012 RRP $20.00
• Fifth Bridge Central Otago Pinot Noir 2010
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 27-Jun-2012

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Moderately deep ruby-red colour with some garnet hues on edge. The nose is tightly bound and reserved, showing black berry fruits with nuances of florals and dusty, earthy elements. Medium-full bodied, linear dark berry fruit and plum flavours are set on a dry, textural palate with tannin grip and soft acidity. The flavours flow through the palate, becoming sweeter with plum and liquorice notes on the finish. This is a restrained Pinot Noir with some extraction. Match with casseroles and slow-cooked red meat dishes over the next 3-4 years. Hand-picked fruit from the Pisa district fermented to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 12 months in French oak, a portion new. Winemaker: Dean Shaw. 16.0+/20 Jun 2012 RRP $26.00