Tinpot Hut, Marlborough Pinot Gris

The Tinpot Hut story began in 2003 when winemaker Fiona Turner and her husband Hamish established their 20-hectare vineyard in Marlborough’s emerging sub-region of Blind River. Fiona named the project after a historic Marlborough mustering hut, the ‘Tinpot Hut’, linking the area’s sheep farming past with its current state as one of the world’s most dynamic wine regions. Fruit for the Tinpot Hut wines is sourced from Fiona’s ‘Home Block’, supplemented by grapes from carefully selected vineyards. Fiona is assisted by Matt Thomson, of Blank Canvas, a friend and colleague with whom she has worked for many years.

Tinpot Hut’s flagship Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of fruit from Blind River, which contributes mineral and crushed herb characters, and the Lower Wairau, which imparts lovely tropical flavours. The Pinot Gris, also from Blind River, shows fragrant aromas of spice and pear, with underlying notes of brioche and stone fruits, and has a textured body and lingering finish. The Riesling, sourced from selected sites in the Lower Wairau, is made in a lower alcohol style, with flavours of lime, grapefruit and a distinct flinty finish. The Late Harvest Riesling is sourced from Fiona’s ‘Home Block’ in Blind River and another vineyard in the upper Awatere Valley. It is a full-bodied and textural wine, with enticing ripe apricot, mandarin and touches of subtle spice and honey.

Equally fresh and pure, the Pinot Noir has intense aromas of black cherry, supported by hints of plum and redcurrant. Structurally, the tannins are soft and silky, with well-balanced acidity ensuring excellent length and weight.