Clever Gris: Punt Road Pinot Gris 2018

Punt Road Pinot Gris 2018

With a newborn now eating up most of my waking hours, for the next couple of weeks the reviews will be a little shorter than normal. Oh and I’m only really focusing on wines of interest. Like this Punt Road Gris. Tim Shand at Punt Road is nothing if not clever, constantly tinkering in the bid for more intrigue. Something beyond just varietal typicity and regional character. This Gris then is wild fermented, spends some time in barrel time and has some skin contact. Much going on. It tastes like it too, with layers of flavour and texture. Pear skins, stonefruit, the palate vaguely phenolic and yet with viscosity too. If anything there it’s over complex – grip, juicy fruit, something sweet and sour. It’s not all together, yet, but I can’t think of a more compelling sub $30 Pinot Gris anywhere. Best drinking: Over the next 18 months. 17.7/20, 92/100. 12.5%, $22. Would I buy it? Oh definitely.