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?

Mercer Estates Pinot Gris (2007 – White Wine)

Jul 31 2009

Mercer Estates Pinot Gris

This week being “Passion for Pinot” week here at PalateBomb.com, we the writers all chose a different pinot based wine for you to hear about.  For today’s Friday post, Content Diva Wendy Cantu takes us for a walk on the lighter side of the pinot family… — SH

As I’ve mentioned before, white wines have never really been my thing (aside from a good solid month in 2007 in which I would only drink Silver Lake’s Roza Reisling – I know, madness, right?) So, when it came to reviewing a pinot, I was at a loss for which one to pick. Leaving it up to fate, I headed to Yoke’s Fresh Market and “spontaneously” picked up a bottle from the shelf – a 2007 Mercer Estates pinot gris.

Alright, I admit my pick wasn’t completely random. The bottle was situated conspicuously on a display at the end of a row and was hailing from vineyards in the Columbia Valley AVA, which I’ve heard produces a nice pinot grape. And Being from the paramount wine producing Mercer family’s latest venture only helped its appeal. Finally, the fabulous $12 price tag sealed the deal (bargain wines are where I’m at three days before pay day!)

After giving this wine a chance to warm up (silly me, I over-chilled it), I could smell the rich and citrusy bouquet. Observing the color, it was a rich golden hue. On initial tasting, I was taken back a little by the almost honey-like sweetness. Not that it was bad, but, as I’ve said, sweet wines have not been my thing. The sweetness wasn’t overwhelming on the palate but I must say it was surprisingly full-bodied. The finish was crisp and evenly-balanced, lingering on the tongue for a few moments.

Because of my own preferences, I’m not sure if I’d actively seek out this wine again. I would recommend it for those who tend to enjoy the sweeter whites but are looking to expand their horizons. Those who are used to dryer whites (or reds) might find this wine a little too sweet for their tastes.

If I were to serve this with dinner, I’d most likely pair it with salmon fillets with a mango chutney to complement the citrusy flavor present in this wine.