Tasting Notes for Paxton Pinot Gris 2023 from the Winery

100% Pinot Gris. Colour: lemon gelato. Aroma: kaffir lime, almond blossom & lemon myrtle. Palate: refreshing & zippy, lemon & lime characteristics, soft viscosity through the mid-palate. Cellaring: drink within 5 years.

Pinot Gris is increasing in popularity and we believe it’s a variety well suited to one of McLaren Vale’s coolest sites – Paxton’s Thomas Block. The Paxton Pinot Gris is a crisp and fresh style that also captures the interesting characters and essence of the variety.

Vintage Notes

2021 was one of those dream vintages that don’t come along every year; cool, refreshing nights and dreamy, sun-kissed days without any extended stretches of intense heat. After a warmer than usual November there were only four days above 40 degrees. It was mainly dry throughout the ripening season with the odd spattering of just enough rain to keep the grapes beautifully plump, juicy and full of bright fruit flavours and time to dry out in between so disease pressure was low. The gentle undulation between these varying temperatures and perfectly healthy canopies allowed us to really ponder picking times, spending plenty of time out in the vineyard tasting grapes getting the timing of picking just right. The generous harvest has rewarded us with delightfully delicate fruit and varietal characters, with each variety singing its own tune. Natural acids are in perfect balance and the smooth, sensuous tannins completed by an epic energetic vibration that we can’t wait to share with you.

Bouquet

Fresh citrus flavours of lime and lemon myrtle with a hint of pear blossom and canary melon.

Palate

Salty beach days come to mind, sand-covered skin and cricket being played with the waves lapping at sun-kissed feet. A zesty palate reminiscent of grapefruit sorbet framing a soft viscosity through the mid-palate. Grapefruit comes to play again with rindy texture completing the lively finish.

Vinification

The fruit was hand picked and selector harvested once sugar and flavours reached optimal levels. The grapes were whole bunch and berry pressed without crushing or destemming. The juice was racked and fermented at temperatures between 13-16°C in stainless steel, to encapsulate fruit freshness. The wine was bottled early in its life to capture the unique characters of Pinot Gris.

(SKU: PX_PGR_CV)