Jim Bernau and his team with the public-traded wine company are bullish on Pinot Gris in Oregon, having planted more this fall at their new Loeza Vineyard in Gaston. Their production level for the white Burgundy grape was nearly identical for the past two vintages, and the winemaking program called for whole cluster pressing, stainless steel fermentation and stirring the lees every other week. There’s a bit of color to the glass, which offers a gorgeous nose of kiwi fruit, dusty Golden Delicious apple, spearmint and lavender. It’s presented in a dry style as rich flavors of white peach and Gala apple are framed by a nicely weighted midpalate. The finish of navel orange pith will make for a nice foil with suggested pairings such as Grilled Halibut with Mango Salsa, Chicken Piccata or Saffron Rice with Honey and Raisins.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 24,033 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
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