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Villa Maria East Coast Pinot Gris 2016 Wine Review

Villa Maria East Coast Pinot Gris 2016

Villa Maria East Coast Pinot Gris 2016

Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand

Community Score:88/100

Community Reviews: 11

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Price: $19.95

Drink: 2016-2019

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 14%

Sweetness: Extra Dry

Wine Type: White Wine


Winery: Villa Maria

Agent: Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd.

Natalie's Score: 91/100

New Zealand's climate is similar to that of Alsace in France, so it's not surprising that this Pinot Gris has Alsatian leanings in its steely dryness and focus. This is an off-dry style yet vibrant acidity keeps it refreshing and food-friendly. Aromas of white pear and golden apple. Rich, mouth-filling texture. Pair with poultry and creamy cheeses.

This Villa Maria East Coast Pinot Gris 2016 was reviewed on November 11, 2016 by Natalie MacLean

More Vintages: 2015  2008  2012  2017  2008 

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Pricing & Stock Information

  • BCLDB
  • 217349
  • $12.85 
  • Check Stock

Reviews and Ratings

Jane Staples - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Many people enjoy Pinot Gris for its versatility with food and because it doesn't have the polarizing elements such as strong oak. The Private Bin East Coast has fresh aromas of white tree fruit and honeysuckle, repeated on the palate with slight lime. Well-balanced with slightly off-dry finish.
Tasted Nov. 2016
Lori Kilmartin WSET3 - WSET3 Sommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

In 2002 Villa Maria owner Sir George Fistonich had the foresight to be one of the first NZ Wineries to plant Pinot Gris. Today it is the 2nd most purchased wine in New Zealand. The low acidity makes this a versatile food wine and would be a great match with mussels in garlic sauce. While this is a clear, pale wine make no mistake that there is some weight to it with 13% alcohol and predominant pear aromas and flavours and a long lovely off-dry finish. Tasted November 15, 2016.
David Skinner rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

Light straw and clean. Plenty of tree fruit on the nose. Pear. apple and some sweet notes of honey. Medium acidity and some residual sugar are well balanced in an off-dry style. more pear and apple on the palate leading to a medium-long finish.

This wine is made from grapes across three distinct regions: Marlborough, Gisborne and Waipara. Each region lends their own characteristics to the final blend with great harmony.

Give this a try with white pizza.
Matt Steeves - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

Villa Maria's Private Bin Pinot Gris is a real crowd pleaser. If you're ever looking for that universal white wine to serve at a larger gathering, during cocktail hour, pre or post dinner, then this would be a great choice. It's loaded with sweet orchard fruit and has a creamy texture balanced with pear notes on the finish. A guaranteed hit. Simply enjoyable! Tasted November 2016. 89 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca
Rachelle O'Connor rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

This wine is aromatic with lots of pear on the nose, golden crisp apple and more pear on the palate with a well balanced off-dry finish. This Pinot Gris is crafted from the grapes of many different regions of Gisborne, Waipara, Marlborough and Hawkes Bay. This style of wine is being well received by consumers in New Zealand, and is a little more versatile than Sauvignon Blanc - a wonderful accompaniment to a goat cheese salad.
Pamela Chiles rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

Villa Maria was one of the first wineries in NZ to plant Pinot Gris and this is a stylish, slightly off-dry example (residual sugar 6.4 g/l) from their Private Bin series, a blend of grapes from several regions. Pink grapefruit, pear and plenty of juicy acidity are in balance and enhance the texture. Try with grilled chicken with a lemon-herb crust.
Lynn van der Linde - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

Easy drinking, pairs well with many dishes.
Citrus and red apple carry through on the palate, with noticeable residual sugar, making this a very food friendly wine.
Tasted Nov 2016.
Cora Beaulieu rated this wine as 86/100 with the following review:

Pale straw almost green in color. Subtle aromas of cantaloupe, hints of pear fruit, red apple, pears. Mainly floral and a little spicy. Smoky scents, a touch of herb, with a big hit of pear. Rich mouthfeel, slightly creamy texture and off dry finish. The palate is juicy, full of fruit, slick in texture. Tastes like fresh apples and stone fruit flavors, layered with dried flowers and citrus-accented flavors. Hints of lychee. Minimal sweetness and lively acidity. Very crisp, especially on the great finish of peach, pear and spice flavours. Good value.
Sylvain Segard rated this wine as 86/100 with the following review:

An easy drinking Pinot Gris with a soft mouthfeel and aromas of red apples, ripe pears aromas, and a hint of honeysuckle. A well executed wine, albeit not particularly memorable, it will show off almost any lightly seasoned white meat fish or fowl dishes. Score 86. (Reviewed Nov. 2016)

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