Great weather and cool nights during the ripening period have resulted in the lovely fruit-filled, and interestingly named, 2009 The King's Thorn Pinot Gris. With ripe pear and nectarine flavours it is a truly delicious and sumptuous wine.
Brett Marris is winemaker/proprietor of Marisco Vineyards in the Marlborough region and descendant of the de Marisco family.

The King's Thorn has an interesting story behind the name. In 1155, despite the de Mariscos possession of Lundy Island Devan England, King Henry II, for political reasons, gifted the island to the popular Order of the Knights Templar. However, the de Mariscos refused to relinquish it and were fined for not doing so. They remained a constant thorn in the King's side, retaining possession of the island for nearly 90 years. It was finally forfeited to the crown in 1242.

To go in the draw to win a bottle of 2009 Marisco Vineyards Pinot Gris, simply register on www.sunlive.co.nz then send us an email telling us what year King Henry II gifted Lundy Island to the Order of the Knights Templar. Send your answer, along with your name, contact address and phone number to [email protected] with the subject line 'SunLive The King's Thorn Pinot Gris Competition”.

Entrants must be aged 18 years or over. Entries must be received by March 15.

To watch a video review of this wine with Stewart of Lion Nathan, click here.

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