Dry River

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Dry River 2004 Chardonnay (Martinborough)

Price $45

Toasty and mealy on the nose, but those characters are well balanced by honeyed peach and citrus scents. Tasted over two days, on the first it seemed quite open and welcoming, lush and richly textured, while on the second it had closed down a bit and seemed tighter and more citrusy. Finishes long, with marked smoky notes. — J.C. (11/1/2006)

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Dry River 2008 Chardonnay (Martinborough)

Online Exclusive

Price $60

Dry River doesn’t get a ton of press for its Chardonnay, but this is a terrific example of what Martinborough can do. Restrained toast and oak-spice elements complement fruits that range from melon to apple and citrus. It’s medium in body, with a long, crisp, citrusy finish. Drink it over the next 5–6 years. — J.C. (6/1/2010)

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Dry River 2004 Pinot Noir (Martinborough)

This, one of New Zealand’s cult wines, should retail for about $85 when it hits a select few retailers’ shelves this fall. Although not perhaps the strongest vintage in Martinborough, the 2004 Dry River Pinot Noir features incredibly kaleidoscopic forward fruit that ranges from cherry to plum to mixed berries and back again. It’s lush and round, yet still… — J.C. (11/1/2006)

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Dry River 2007 Pinot Noir (Martinborough)

Cellar Selection
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Price $90

Dry River’s 2007 Pinot Noir reveals a slight herbal tinge to its dark fruit aromas and flavors, but it’s a nuance that adds complexity and should develop into hints of tea and spice with additional bottle age. As always, it’s not overly big or richly textured, but it is concentrated and intense. Drink 2012–2020. — J.C. (6/1/2010)

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Dry River 2008 Pinot Noir (Martinborough)

Cellar Selection

Price $100

This was an interesting showing for Dry River’s 2008 Pinot, which seems to be showing more structure now than when I first tasted it last November. Now it’s a bit blockier than I remember it, with potent cherry-berry fruit, a bit of vanilla and an long finish that ultimately smooths out and turns silky. Try 2013–2020. — J.C. (4/1/2011)

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Dry River 1999 Pinot Gris

A luscious wine with considerable residual sugar that manages to stay balanced because of its healthy acid levels. The rich pear and citrus flavors are thick in texture. Stylistically, this is reminiscent of Zind-Humbrecht's vieilles vignes bottling from Alsace. — J.C. (5/1/2001)

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Dry River 2008 Lovat Vineyard Gewürztraminer (Martinborough)

Price $45

This vintage of Dry River’s Gewürz is almost tropical in style, with mango and pineapple elements accented by gingery spice and a dash of white pepper. It’s off dry in style, with plenty of body without being at all blowsy. Drink it over the next few years. — J.C. (6/1/2010)

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Dry River 2008 Pinot Gris (Martinborough)

Price $55

Dry River’s 2008 Pinot Gris is a lush, creamy-textured off-dry wine that pairs bold fruit elements of pear and melon with hints of peach leaf and gingery spice. Long on the finish, with absolutely no trace of bitterness. Drink now–2015. — J.C. (6/1/2010)

Most Reviewed Designations

Amaranth Arapoff Craighall Vineyard Late Harvest Lovat Vineyard Lovat Vineyard Amaranth Te Awa

Most Reviewed Varietals

Chardonnay Gewürztraminer Merlot Pinot Gris Pinot Noir Riesling Syrah

2010 Andeluna Altitud

This is a high-quality Malbec with fleshy berry aromas that veer towards…

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