This Delatite Pinot Gris showcases the distinctive cool climate character of Victoria's Upper Goulburn region, where altitude and temperature variations create ideal conditions for retaining natural acidity. The hand-picked fruit develops concentrated apricot and lemon zest flavours while maintaining the racy acidity that balances against Pinot Gris's inherent richness. This combination of cool climate precision and varietal authenticity represents what many consider the gold standard for Australian Pinot Gris.

The exceptional 95-point rating reflects Delatite's mastery of cool climate winemaking and their consistent track record as a Five Red Star rated winery. This score recognises the wine's perfect balance between varietal character and regional expression, where the natural plushness of Pinot Gris is elevated by the Upper Goulburn's distinctive terroir. The Special Value Award further acknowledges that this wine delivers premium quality at an accessible price point, making it both critically acclaimed and commercially smart.

The wine's light body and racy acidity make it exceptionally versatile with food, particularly excelling with dishes that complement its apricot and citrus profile. Try it with Asian cuisine like Thai green curry or Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, where the acidity cuts through rich coconut flavours. The wine's fresh, juicy character also pairs beautifully with seafood, particularly grilled prawns or pan-fried fish with citrus, and works wonderfully as an aperitif with soft cheeses and stone fruit.

The Upper Goulburn's high altitude and cool climate create extended growing seasons that allow Pinot Gris to develop complex flavours while retaining crucial natural acidity. This region's diurnal temperature variation - warm days and cool nights - helps preserve the delicate aromatics and prevents the variety from becoming overly rich or flabby. The result is a wine that captures the essence of cool climate Australian winemaking, where precision and elegance take precedence over power.

While this 2024 Pinot Gris is designed to showcase immediate freshness and vibrancy, Delatite's winemaking quality means it will develop beautifully over 2-3 years. The wine's excellent acidity structure provides the backbone for short-term cellaring, where the apricot and lemon zest characters will integrate and develop more complex honeyed notes. However, to fully appreciate its 'fresh, juicy' style and the precision that earned it critical acclaim, enjoying it within the first two years will showcase its intended character.