I can hear you already: what the hell is going on here? What's up with all these strange names? Wairarapa is a winemaking region of New Zealand in the south-eastern-most part of the North Island, across the water from Marlborough. Matahiwi Estate is a family-owned winery in Wairarapa. Matahiwi produces several tiers: Mt Hector is their introductory level, the self-titled Matahiwi is their "premium range", and Holly is their limited production and reserve level.
I'm be reviewing four of their wines (hopefully), two at a time, and I've already done Matahiwi Estate Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2014 and Holly Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2013, and today I'll be tasting Holly Wairarapa Pinot Gris 2012 and (hopefully) Holly Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2013.
Yeah, I was supposed to review the 2013 Holly Pinot Noir along with the 2012 Pinot Gris but when I received the bottles in the mail there was a bit of dried red wine on the styro under the cap of the Pinot Noir. It had stopped leaking, obviously, so I was holding out unrealistic hope that the wine would still be good. Well, it wasn't. Please remain quiet for a moment of silence...
With the 2012 Pinot Gris, Matahiwi wanted to go the French Alsace style. They used two clones of young PG vines on soil of silt and gravel. The grapes were gently pressed, barrel fermented with aromatic and wild yeasts, and left to age in used French oak for seven months. It costs $22 retail price.
It's apple juice colored. I might save some for breakfast and nobody would even know. Hmmm... no, that's what alcoholics do... I'll think about it. Alright, I'll probably do it.
Woofa! That oak is the first thing you get on the nose. It even has an apple juicy smell to it, with peaches and brown leaves. There's apple juice on the palate too with pineapple and I'm beginning to think this will go really well with pancakes. The body is heavy, it's very well rounded, and it finishes with brown baking spices.
So I really like this but Pinot Gris done in the Alsatian style is a tough crowd to be in at this price range. It's up against some really killer stuff and I feel like this one kinda needs to be in the $18 dollar range. I have to give it a 3 out of 5 on price vs. quality for Satisfying. That's not a bad thing; it just means it won't blow you away but you'll like it and you won't feel like you wasted your money.
Yeah, I was supposed to review the 2013 Holly Pinot Noir along with the 2012 Pinot Gris but when I received the bottles in the mail there was a bit of dried red wine on the styro under the cap of the Pinot Noir. It had stopped leaking, obviously, so I was holding out unrealistic hope that the wine would still be good. Well, it wasn't. Please remain quiet for a moment of silence...
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| IT'S A SECRET |
It's apple juice colored. I might save some for breakfast and nobody would even know. Hmmm... no, that's what alcoholics do... I'll think about it. Alright, I'll probably do it.
Woofa! That oak is the first thing you get on the nose. It even has an apple juicy smell to it, with peaches and brown leaves. There's apple juice on the palate too with pineapple and I'm beginning to think this will go really well with pancakes. The body is heavy, it's very well rounded, and it finishes with brown baking spices.
So I really like this but Pinot Gris done in the Alsatian style is a tough crowd to be in at this price range. It's up against some really killer stuff and I feel like this one kinda needs to be in the $18 dollar range. I have to give it a 3 out of 5 on price vs. quality for Satisfying. That's not a bad thing; it just means it won't blow you away but you'll like it and you won't feel like you wasted your money.
QUALITY VS PRICE RATING
Price: $22
Rating: 3/5 = Satisfying (what does that mean?)
The bottle used was supplied free of charge for the purpose of this unpaid review. To have your wine reviewed follow this link.
The bottle used was supplied free of charge for the purpose of this unpaid review. To have your wine reviewed follow this link.
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