Wooing Tree Blondie / 2025 / 750mL

The Wooing Tree Blondie 2025 is a white wine made from Pinot Noir grapes in Central Otago, pressed off its skins so the colour stays pale rather than pink. Expect a dry, textural white with more weight through the middle than the pale straw colour suggests.

Blondie opens with white peach, nashi pear and a squeeze of pink grapefruit, with a faint red-fruit echo underneath that hints at where the grapes came from. The palate carries citrus blossom and something like almond skin, and there is a subtle savoury edge that keeps the fruit from turning sweet or simple. Acidity is bright but rounded, running the length of the wine without sharpness, and the texture is gently creamy across the tongue. The finish is dry and clean, with a slight grip that makes you want another mouthful. Central Otago's cool nights show in the freshness here rather than in any austerity.

Serve the Wooing Tree Blondie 2025 at around 10 degrees, in a decent-sized glass so the aromatics have room. It suits roast chicken, pork belly, prawns off the barbecue, or a plate of soft cheeses and stone fruit. Drink it over the next two to three years, though it is already open for business.