Located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island, Hawkes Bay has been producing wine of the highest quality for over a hundred years. It's five rivers and significant protecting mountain range to the west provide a consistent water supply and climate. Stony, free draining soils produce distinctive, deeply fruited wine of refinement, structure and texture. In the vineyard Pinot Gris stands out for the distinct purple hue of its ripened berries. Braided River's winemaking team are passionate about encouraging the varietal's unique character to flourish and evolve.

$1599each $191DOZEN EACH DOZEN A gentle harvesting and handling in the winery is essential to ensure minimal contact between juice and grape skins. Following the crush, juices are naturally settled overnight for clarification. Components are fermented separately in tank with a variety of yeast strains to achieve aromatic and textural complexity. A small portion was also barrel fermented in older oak barriques for added creaminess and subtle oak character. Post fermentation, the components are allowed to rest on their sedimentery yeast lees, known as sur lie, a practice which adds textural nuance while providings a valuable anti oxidative function, enhancing the primary fruit characters retained by cool tank fermentation. Alcohol 13.5%

Light straw colour. Lifted aromas of nashi pears, guavas and peach are complimented by a subtle custard nuance derived from lees ageing. From the lush middle palate emerges a crisp, dry, persistent finish. Delicious on its own, Pinot Gris is also a very food friendly wine, the subtle character and texture supporting but never dominating a dish. Replenish your brain and your soul, as Braided River goes especially well with seafood and sushi.

Marlborough's natural endowments are breathtaking to behold, the vastness and bounty of this beautiful land stirs the imagination and yields no finer example of Sauvignon Blanc than Braided River. The principal vineyard for Braided River sits on the confluence of the mighty Wairau and Waihopai Rivers in Marlborough. Riper characters here are achieved at lower sugar levels, offering great intensity and style at moderate alcohol levels.

$1599each $191DOZEN EACH DOZEN Braided River's winemaking team are passionate about allowing Sauvignon Blanc's unique character to flourish in the vineyard, they work gently with minimal handling throughout vinification to ensure every glass is filled with the vivid signature. Gently crushed and pressed to minimise skin contact, the juices are settled at cool temperatures. Components are individually fermented, long and cool, with select strains of yeast to showcase their unique personalities. Once assembled, after a month resting on fine lees, each batch plays a role in the style of the finished wine as it was bottled fresh and early.

Light straw in colour. Lifted aromas of crushed lime and grapefruit dart from the glass and over the palate to excite the senses. Every sip of this superb Sauvignon Blanc expresses pure Marlborough magic, the palate is instantly rich and mouth filling before the juicy acidity refreshes the mouth and provides the vehicle for a long, fine, flavour packed finish. Enjoy with shellfish or goat's cheese souffle.