Thursday, July 29, 2010

Pinot Gris/Grigio from Oregon: Solena Cellars Pinot Gris 2008


2008 will be remembered as one of the best growing seasons Oregon has seen since 1999. The select vineyard sites used to produce the Pinot Gris experienced a cool spring, which put bud break behind schedule. Bud break was followed by days of overcast weather making June and July two of the coolest summer months in recent history. Only 1.5 inches of rain fell during the autumn months resulting in considerably less precipitation than forecasts predicted. Oregon experienced one of the longest harvests on record and we were able to pick at our leisure as grapes reached full potential. All fruit was harvested under ideal conditions.

The 2008 Pinot Gris displays aromatics of green apple, pink grapefruit and citrus. In the mouth, the wine has great balance; appealing fruit and a pleasing acidity, creating a mouth feel that is clean and refreshing while maintaining weight and substance that carry through the long finish. The wine pairs beautifully with our fresh Northwest seafood - try it with scallops, crab and even salmon!

As classy a bottle as you might expect from veteran winemaker Laurent Montalieu. Once again the fruit is crystal clear, setting up fresh pear, green apple and pink grapefruit flavors against crisp, juicy acidity. The finish is lively and spicy.

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