Squealing Pig 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, and 2013 Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Squealing Pig Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014
  Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand - Marlborough

  Review Date : 04-Sep-2014

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Fruit from the ‘Squealing Pig’ vineyard in the Awatere Valley, cool-fermented in stainless-steel to 13.5% alc. and 1.9 g/L RS, the wine aged on light lees. Brilliant, very pale straw-yellow colour with slight green hues on rim. The nose is very fresh and shows clarity of gooseberry, grassy and nettle-like fruit aromas lifted with herb and esters, and mouthwatering minerally notes. Dry to taste and medium-bodied, flavours of nettles, cut grass and gooseberries form a good core, unfolding delicately sweet passionfruit elements. This is fruit-focussed and accessible. The fruit is underlined by a little textured grip and enlivened by thirst-quenching acidity, carrying the wine to a crisp, lingering minerally finish. This is a classical, crisp, gooseberry and nettle-fruited Awatere Sauvignon Blanc. Serve with seafood, salads and vegetables, and with Mediterranean fare over the next 2 years. 17.5-/20 Sep 2014 RRP $17.99
• Squealing Pig Central Otago Pinot Gris 2013
  Pinot Gris from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 04-Sep-2014

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright, light straw-yellow colour, lighter on rim. The nose is light and delicate with restrained aromas of white and yellow stonefruits with nutty nuances and savoury stonefruit kernels. Dry to taste and medium-bodied, the flavours of stonefruits are intermixed with honeysuckle elements, lending a subtle richness. The mouthfeel is soft with good vinous presence, and the wine following a light textural line. The acidity offers a gentle freshness and the fruit is carried to a light, dry finish with lifted florals. This is a light and soft, dry Pinot Gris to serve with antipasto, poultry and pork over the next 2-3 years. Central Otago fruit hand-picked cool-fermented to 13.5% alc. and 5.0 g/L RS, the wine aged on lees. 16.5/20 Sep 2014 RRP $17.99
• Squealing Pig Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Otago

  Review Date : 04-Sep-2014

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Central Otago fruit given a cold soak and fermented to 13.0% alc., the wine on skins 20 days post ferment and aged 10 months in 30% new French oak. Very dark, purple-hued ruby-red, lighter on rim, youthful in appearance. The nose is fresh with deep, youthfully primary fruited aromas of dark red cherry and berry fruits, along with thyme herb and spice notes, revealing hints of raspberry liqueur and lifted whole berry fermentation florals. Medium-bodied, up-front dark red cherry and raspberry fruit flavours show with a bright juiciness and sweetness. Some herbal detail and spice nuances are present. The fruit has a light grainy tannin underlay and fresh, lively acidity that endows the mouthfeel with good energy, leading to a moderately long, red berried finish. This is a fresh and vibrantly youthful Pinot Noir with fresh structure. Match with pasta, pizza and poultry over the next 3-4 years. 17.5-/20 RRP $19.99