2026 Nest Collection Pinot Gris

Pale gold in colour, this is a finely textured expression of Pinot Gris, with aromas of fresh Packham pear and sweet ginger spice lifted by delicate white florals.

The palate is supple and layered, with poached quince, almond and a touch of citrus zest. Generous mid-palate fruit brings gentle depth and texture, carried through to a clean, naturally fresh finish.

The fruit was soaked for several hours before pressing, with the juice then floated to separate the solids. Forty per cent was barrel fermented in seasoned French oak barriques and stirred on lees for three months, while the remainder was fermented in stainless steel. The two components were then blended prior to bottling.

The 2026 Tasmanian vintage was a challenging but ultimately rewarding one, with lower yields balanced by excellent fruit quality. A cold, dry and persistently windy spring affected flowering and fruit set, resulting in fewer and smaller bunches across the state. A mild, drawn-out summer followed, slowing ripening and pushing harvest several weeks later than usual. The extended season gave the fruit valuable time to develop flavour while retaining the natural acidity and freshness that Tasmania is renowned for.

At Elmsroe Vineyard on the East Coast, we experienced many of these same challenges. Our exposed site felt the full force of the persistent spring winds, making flowering, fruit set and early vine growth particularly demanding. Rainfall was also well below average, increasing our reliance on irrigation as soil moisture levels fell.

There was, however, a silver lining. The dry weather kept disease pressure low and allowed us to leave the fruit on the vines for a long, slow ripening period. By harvest, we were rewarded with beautifully ripe, expressive fruit, excellent flavour development and the bright natural acidity we look for in our wines.

Beautifully fresh and expressive in its youth, this Pinot Gris can also be enjoyed over the next 3–5 years, when its bright fruit is expected to evolve towards softer orchard fruit, gentle spice and greater textural complexity.

The delicate silver-grey foliage featured on our 2026 Rooster & Robin Pinot Gris label belongs to the Silver Wattle, Acacia dealbata. Native to Tasmania and south-eastern Australia, it’s a familiar sight across the landscape, with soft, feathery foliage and bright yellow flowers bringing colour to the cooler months.

We’re fortunate to have Silver Wattles growing naturally at Elmsroe and plan to establish more as part of our ongoing native planting and habitat restoration.

Featuring the Silver Wattle on our label is our way of celebrating a species that belongs to this place, and the important role native vegetation plays in the landscape we farm.

Read the full story here.