Seven Hills Winery 2015 Pinot Gris, Oregon, $17
One of the Walla Walla Valley’s most historic figures, Casey McClellan, owns estate vineyards on the Oregon side of the stateline. And he used to make wine in Milton-Freewater. It makes sense that he relies on sites in Oregon — Abiqua Wind near Salem, Dunning near Corvallis and Melrose in the Umpqua Valley – for his stylish Pinot Gris. It’s primarily produced in stainless steel, although he adds complexity by making new French oak barrels 10 percent of the fermentation program. The nose is filled with hints of kiwi fruit and candied cherry with added floral notes of allysum, freshly laundered line and lime peel. On the palate, it goes down the path of orchard fruit flavors akin to white peach and Gala apple. Fresh honeydew melon and vanilla bring richness to the midpalate, while Granny Smith apple peel adds tannin and balance to the finish. The McClellans suggest serving this with Avocado and Grapefruit Salad and enjoying before 2018.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 3,100 cases
Alcohol: 13.5%
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