2025 Man O'War Exiled Pinot Gris

Man O’ War farms a crazy patchwork of vineyards out on the far eastern end of Waiheke Island – rugged hills, sea breezes and plenty of personality. The Exiled Pinot Gris comes from some of the cooler, windier spots that don’t quite ripen for big, rich styles, so instead the fruit makes a fresher, more savoury and textural kind of Gris.

Some of it was fermented in tank to keep the brightness, some went into old barrels for a bit more texture and spice, and the wine spent time on lees to round it out. The end result is crisp and lively but with enough weight and flavour to keep things interesting.

It’s the sort of wine that’s really easy to drink but not at all simple – equally good with food or just on its own. Classic Man O’ War in that it feels wild, coastal and full of character.