The 2008 Reserve Pinot Gris has a very nuanced, minimal nose that is supremely well defined with subtle notes of dried pineapple, jasmine, apple peel and hazelnut. The palate has more depth of flavor than the regular Pinot Gris with honeyed notes and quince on the entry, a hint of pear and honeycomb on the mid-palate and then spice and almond interlacing the crisp finish. This is very well crafted Pinot Gris with an Alsace pedigree. Drink now-2013. Warren Gibson is one of Hawkes Bay’s most thoughtful, artisan producers. His Collina Syrah is one of New Zealand’s finest and I suspect will be one of its most long-lived wines. The 2007 was racked less than previous vintages as Warren feels that the wine prefers less intervention. In 2008, his small portfolio is joined by a La Collina white, a wine that should appease those hankering after a Southern Rhone, whilst the Reserve Pinot Gris is made in a slightly drier style that is a refreshing change from the many left with excessive residual sugar to appease the masses.

The 2006 Reserve Pinot Grigio is severely crop-thinned and harvested as late as possible. It is one of New Zealand's best Pinot Grigio (aka Gris) with a very aromatic, phenolic nose of honey, dried apricot and kerosene, a lovely harmonious palate with good acidity and an oily texture leading towards a spicy finish. They seem to have eked everything you can out of the grape variety! Since acquiring their initial 6-hectare parcel of vines in Roys Hill in Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay in 1997, Bilancia (so-called as both proprietors Lorraine Leheny and Warren Gibson are both Librans), have quietly established themselves as one of the region's premium producers, with some exceptional Syrah and Pinot Gris.Importer: Vine Street Imports, Philadelphia, PA; tel. (215) 533-9463; fax (215) 533-8163