River Farm 2022 Pinot Gris, Marlborough, New Zealand

River Farm’s 2022 Pinot Gris offers an immediate sense of place—Awatere Valley’s freshness sealed in the glass. Aromas of ripe pear and citrus are joined by white peach and a wispy thread of spice that keeps things composed, not cluttered. It feels lifted, not bloated.

That aromatic promise plays out on the palate with clarity. It’s textured—silky on the tongue—but balanced by a clean line of acidity, carrying flavors of pear, citrus, and a mineral hint that stays respectful, not showy. The finish lingers smooth and assured.

This isn’t a wine built for flash. A touch of seasoned French oak (10%) adds weight, and three months on lees lend gentle texture. Fermentation was mostly stainless steel, keeping fruit definition sharp. The partial oak feels like structure, not decoration.

Awatere Valley’s influence shines through—cool nights, wind-swept slopes, and alluvial soils produce fruit with aromatic lift and mineral tension. River Farm taps into that clarity rather than stretching for warmth, resulting in Pinot Gris that speaks to place without hesitation.

This is a wine that rewards presence. Pour it now, and it holds through dinner—egg dishes, creamy mushrooms, or simply next to conversation. It doesn’t need to stand out. It just wants to be sipped thoughtfully.