2022 Punt Road Pinot Gris

2022’s exceptionally low yields on Punt Road’s Napoleone Vineyard had Tim Shand’s discerning eye looking further afield for Pinot Gris grapes to complement his Yarra Valley fruit. The vineyards that contributed this year are Napoleone (50%), Beenak in Gembrook 10%, Whitlands (Chandon, 20%) and Goulburn Valley (20%).
All the grapes were crushed and steeped for phenolics and texture. There was a nice bit of colour in the Beenak parcel so the wine has a nice copper hue. The Napoleone must went to old oak for natural fermentation. The remainder was fermented in stainless steel. The wine was blended in early April. It’s a touch more savoury than usual, but it’s bright and fresh with genuine mid-palate richness. The phenolics work well with the softness of a juice. – Tim Shand