Maryhill Columbia Valley Pinot Gris 07

Sep 2 2009

Excuse me. My palate has been a bit off. I’m not sure if I’m the only who goes though this – but every wine I’ve been tasting (red and white) has had the odd scent of baking bread. Yes. Baking bread. People who know more about wine than me: go for it! Explain it. I certainly can’t. I mean, I do love the smell of baking bread (who doesn’t), but not when I’m drinking my wine.

So, I’m pleased to say that the Maryhill 2007 Columbia Valley Pinot Gris broke my “bread-smelling” streak. On the nose, this wine gives off a citrus aroma with a little hint of melon. The taste is much stronger, but still very fruity. It’s an intense wine (for being a white). If I said “fruit explosion” I wouldn’t be exaggerating. Mostly, I taste the peach carrying through from the nose, but others have tasted pears and even honey. The finish lingers with more bitter notes – although I honestly couldn’t exactly place the subtleties. Oddly, one of the things I liked most about this wine was the golden, rich color. Be-ooo-ti-ful! Not that I think color really matters (sticking to my anti-snobbery) but, hey, I’m a chick. I like pretty colors.

Throughout the summer, I’ve had the pleasure of tasting a number of pinot gris – locally, regionally, and internationally grown (they’re FROM outside the country, not that I was tasting them internationally. Unless you want me to. If so please send plane tickets and hotel reservations to PalateBomb.Com *smile* *wink* *nudge*). This wine was one of my favorites.

Someone who is just getting past the riesling phase (come on, we’ve all been there) might want to try this as it’s not too dry and is plenty fruity. On the flipside, more experienced drinkers won’t be overwhelmed by sweetness (it’s crisp!).

Have you tried this wine? Let me know what you think. What’s your favorite pinot gris?