About our Reserve Pinot gris
After pressing, the Pinot gris Reserve is transferred to 5–6 year-old oak barrels for fermentation and aging. We use older or “neutral” barrels because we do not want a strong flavor of oak in this wine. However, we are seeking the rich, full, complex flavors and mouthfeel that develop over months of barrel aging. The neutral barrel is the perfect vessel to showcase the sometimes-overlooked potential of Pinot gris. Aged in French oak for 9 months.
The 2021 growing season was warm and dry, but with 20+ years of age, our vines have well established root systems to access water and nutrients deep in the soil. Throughout the growing season, hand positioning the canes, removing extra leaves that could shade the clusters, and trimming the tops and the sides of the canopy are some of the things we do to keep the fruit healthy and delicious. Prior to harvest, we monitor the sugar content, the acidity, and most importantly, the flavor of the ripening fruit. When all three aspects line up, harvest can begin.
Tasting Notes
From the vineyard to the bottle, we pour our care and attention into crafting a Pinot gris with intense flavor balanced with structure and weight. That structure means that you can enjoy our Pinot gris with a wide range of rich, flavorful recipes. We also believe that our white wines continue to develop and mature in the bottle, and we encourage you to try aging this wine for 4-6 years just as you might age one of our Pinot noirs. If you want to open it right away, you’ll find ripe pear and stone fruit aromas, with a long clean finish. Try it with hummus, or a charcuterie board.
2021 Vintage “This is a pleasing offering of the variety, with aromas of apple, pear, and a whiff of tropical fruit. Light, tart flavors follow, and the finish lingers. Pair it with grilled halibut topped with fresh mango chutney. 13.3% alcohol. 144 cases produced. TCA-free micro-agglomerative cork.” 90 points Northwest Wine Report
2019 Vintage “There’s a nice texture to this wine that underscores apple and pear fruit with citrus rind and wet stone highlights. The percentage of new oak (if any) is unknown and unintrusive. It’s young and crisp and clean and, as other vintages have shown, has the potential to age and improve for another six to eight years.” 92 points Paul Gregutt. Wine Enthusiast.
