Cable Bay Awatere Valley Pinot Gris

Cable Bay Awatere Valley Pinot Gris captures the essence of Marlborough’s southernmost valley — a wine of textural depth and mineral vitality. Grown on 25-year-old vines in the organically farmed Rocky Vineyard, it reveals crisp orchard fruit, floral lift, and river-stone purity, perfectly balancing richness with bright natural acidity.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Aromas of Pacific Rose apple, white flowers, and ripe rock melon unfold alongside nuances of manuka honey and wet river stone. The palate is dry, full, and textural, its grapefruit-pith edge adding focus and drive. Lively acidity and gentle phenolics evoke the sensation of biting into a fresh, crunchy apple, finishing long, saline, and poised.

Key Details

• Winery: Cable Bay
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Gris
• Region: Awatere Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2023
• Alcohol: 13%
• Volume: 750 ml
• Other: Certified Organic; Sustainable Winegrowing NZ; Gluten-Free; Screwcap Closure

Craftsmanship & Story

The Rocky Vineyard, planted in 1996 on ancient alluvial terraces above the Awatere River, is composed of gravelly soils flecked with fossilised shell. Cable Bay’s winemaking philosophy merges minimal intervention with precision. Fruit is harvested cool and soaked on skins to extract structure and aromatic depth before fermentation at warmer temperatures for complexity. Maturation on light lees adds brioche texture and softness, producing a Pinot Gris of both vibrancy and refinement.

Special Features

Old-vine fruit, regenerative viticulture, and careful skin contact define this expressive Pinot Gris. Certified organic and crafted with minimal handling, it offers full-bodied texture, bright mineral tension, and a beautifully dry, elegant finish that speaks directly of the Awatere’s coastal influence.

Recognition & Accolades

Widely praised for purity, structure, and refined regional expression.

• 93/100 Points – Cameron Douglas MS (2023)
• 4.5/5 Stars – Michael Cooper (2023)
• 92/100 Points – Cameron Douglas (2022)
• 94/100 Points – Cameron Douglas MS (2021)
• 93/100 Points – Bob Campbell MW (2021)
• 91/100 Points – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2021)
• 90/100 Points & 4.5 Stars – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2019)

Consistent acclaim affirms its standing as one of Marlborough’s most expressive and textural organic Pinot Gris wines.

Food Pairings

This dry, mineral-driven Pinot Gris complements both fresh and richly flavoured cuisine. Pair with pan-seared scallops in citrus butter or grilled salmon with a herb-infused glaze, where the wine’s acidity balances richness. It also shines with Moroccan chickpea tagine, creamy mushroom risotto, or a summer salad of peach, toasted almonds, and goat’s cheese — each dish elevated by the wine’s crispness and savoury spice.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

An elegant, organic Pinot Gris that captures the essence of Marlborough’s Awatere Valley — perfect for discerning palates or as a sophisticated gift for lovers of dry, textural whites.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.