A-Gris-able Weather
Spring signals sunnier skies, satisfying sips
As daffodils and tulips signal the start of spring, why not join in on a jump start to the season with some local Pinot Gris? Tropical fruit and floral aromas are the perfect accompaniment to longer days and lighter meals. And the price point for this pretty varietal leaves more in the wallet for that upcoming summer vacation.
Rock Point 2014 Oregon Pinot Gris
Aromas of peach, jasmine, vanilla, honeysuckle and talc mingle, making the off-dry palate no big surprise. While the hint of minerality hiding behind those lovely aromas foreshadows a satisfyingly tart green apple finish.
$14.99; 700 cases
Schmidt Family Vineyards 2014 Applegate Valley Pinot Gris
Inviting and light, this wine had panelists craving lemon almond shortbread — and for good reason. Delicate notes of marzipan, rose petals and apricot waft from the glass; as a silky mouthfeel, a bit of salinity and a lemon tanginess — popping in mid-palate through to the finish — completes the taste experience. Bet you can’t stop at one sip.
$23; 224 cases
Panther Creek Cellars 2014 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
Enjoy a trip to the tropics with this cheerful wine that starts with orange, pineapple, tangerine, honeydew and hint of clove on the nose. A lush palate follows, delivering bright acidity and flavors of honey, lime and more of those exotic notes. A fun little pucker of grapefruit on the finish invites further sipping.
$20; 2,500 cases
Maryhill 2014 Columbia Valley Pinot Gris
Initial aromas of wet stone, tropical fruit and sandalwood let you know you are in for something a bit different; and the palate does not disappoint with subtle flavors of fresh-cut grass and green herbs. Its complex structure signals a serious stature while notes of candied pineapple keep it fun. Finishes long and clean.
$16; 4,910 cases
Kramer 2014 Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Gris
Sweet aromas of fig bars, almond bread and peach encourage the first sip, revealing a creamy texture and supporting acidity. Minerality plays across the tongue in addition to notes of Meyer lemon, peach and pear. The balance of sweet and tart elements unites for a delightful, dramatic finish.
$18; 600 cases
A to Z Wineworks 2014 Oregon Pinot Gris
At first a little shy in the glass, the wine does not take much coaxing to display aromas of pineapple, tangerine, honey and flint. On the palate, tropical fruits meet silky textures with a whisper of jasmine. The finish is long with a lick of lemon and grapefruit.
$14; 78,025 cases
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2014 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
A sensuous little wine right here, it begins with aromas found in a spring garden stroll. The palate keeps you on your toes with honeydew, green apple, mandarin and grassy notes. The flavors grow through a silky, mouthwatering finish, leaving you somewhere between satiated and longing.
$16; 24,033 cases
Soléna Estate 2014 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
Notes of anise, orange blossom, nuttiness and honey immediately impress. Rich yet tingly, the wine activates the taste buds with a juicy, tart acidity that has you taking yet another satisfying sip.
$20; 3,300 cases
Duck Pond Cellars 2015 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris
Give this young yet impressive wine a minute to expand in the glass, and you will be rewarded with aromas of pineapple, nectarine and sweet spearmint. Don’t be distracted by the nose, as the palate surprises with a slight sweetness on the attack, salinity on the finish, a silky mouthfeel and a zesty, lemony acidity that makes you want to do it all over again.
$14; 21,000 cases
About the selection process: OWP tasting panel has selected these wines based on overall quality and value within their respective categories. To the best of our knowledge, they are currently available in the marketplace. Wine must be: 1) produced by an Oregon winery; 2) currently available to consumers. Recommended wines were selected using a double-blind method and a 20-point ranking system for appearance, aroma, taste, balance and finish.
