30-Aug-2017
The Smail family operate the ‘Sea Level’ Nelson wine brand, based on 8 ha of grapes planted on the 14 ha site at Mariri, opposite the Kina Peninsula. Pinot Gris accounts for approximately half of the plantings, with smaller amounts of Gewurztraminer, clone 95 Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir. The vines are tended by viticulturist Dan Manuge who lives on the property, and the wines are made by son Sam Smail, who is better known as the Whitehaven winemaker in Marlborough. While most of the varieties are made at Whitehaven, the Pinot Gris is made at the nearby Anchorage facility to minimise skin contact if the fruit were to be transported to Marlborough. The Pinot Gris is a very successful wine for Sea Level. Here is my review of the 2017. www.sealevelwines.co.nz
