Wine Review: Toru's a Charm for Te Whare Ra

Anna and Jason Flowerday produce wines from their 11 hectare Te Whare Ra property, farmed according to organic and biodynamic principles.

Established in 1979, Te Whare Ra is the oldest small winery in the Marlborough region and boasts the region’s oldest vines. The Toru (Maori for three), is a blend of Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Gris. It’s not a new idea blending these white trap varieties and there is a sense of gestalt to the concept where the finished wine is perceived as more than the sum of its parts. In France’s Alsace wine region, Hugel probably do the most famous rendition with their ‘Gentil’ blend.

We have a couple of great examples here in the Adelaide Hills. It just seems to work nicely. Mid–straw in colour, it is a very pretty smelling wine with aromas of rose petals, jasmine and frangipani draped over beautifully ripe stone and citrus fruits. Hints of custard apple, spice, nougat, almond blossom and creme fraiche complete the aromatic profile.

On the palate it is finely balanced and shows a slinky, textured flow to its fruit. Again, citrus and stone–fruits come to the fore with lighter notes of tropical fruits and apples. Hints of spice, wild flowers, clotted cream and a distinctly floral, musky edge to the fruit that works beautifully. There is great clarity to its line with bright, crisp acidity and a finish the trails off with hints of citrus, dried honey and summer meadows. It is just lovely drinking.

Te Whare Ra 2015 Toru
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