2021 Konpira Maru Whitlands Pinot Gris Gewürz

WINEMAKER: Alistair Reed & Sam Cook
REGION: Whitlands, VIC
VARIETAL: Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer
VITICULTURE: Organic

80% Pinot Gris and 20% Gewurztraminer from the Celeste vineyard, Whitlands, King Valley, Victoria, planted by the great Dr Jim Hardie. We have been looking after this vineyard for 5 years now and have gradually seen it's exciting return to form after some years in the wilderness. Managed organically with only copper and sulphur sprays.

The 2020 had to be super straight-edge due to the fires that ravaged the region (and the ensuing smoke,) This year however it could get the full skin-contact treatment, with the varieties co-fermented, which elicits the creamy soda expression that made the 2019 so captivating. Similarly to the Pinot Noir, this wine is fermented on skin, outside, just metres from the vines.

Racy acid underlines an intriguing but super approachable palate of rose hip, creamy soda and toffee apple, partnered with a beautiful bronze hue. A really bloody wonderful wine; idiosyncratic but not in the extreme, tasty, organic, and made with thought and care. Best enjoyed with a caramel sundae or spanish anchovies.

The name Konpira Maru has something to do with a fishing trawler and a heroin syndicate. You'd have to ask Al and Sam about that. What we do know is they're seriously good at making wine. Minimal intervention, maximum care.