Rock Ferry, Orchard Vineyard Pinot Blanc, Marlborough, 2014

From husband and wife team Tom and Fiona Hutchison, produced in their converted fruit packing house; fruit is hand-harvested, picked according to the biodynamic calendar, hand-sorted and fermented using natural yeasts where possible and minimal sulphur dioxide treatments. The Pinot Blanc juice is lightly settled then mostly fermented in stainless steel, though 12% goes into 3-year-old puncheons in order to add texture and dimension rather than woody flavours. There are lemon-lime and pear juice aromas along with a welcome contrast of savoury cheese-rind character. It’s rounded and fleshy on the palate with creamy lemon meringue notes supported by a buttery depth of flavour mid-palate. Good for food, a versatile option for white meats or light pasta dishes.