Handley Anderson Valley Pinot Gris 2009

The 2009 growing season was one of the best in recent years, largely due to moderate temperatures all season long, followed by a warm spell at the beginning of September to completely ripen the grapes. The cool weather encouraged freshness and acidity at the time of harvest. The vineyards recovered very well from the 2008 frost and harvest, to deliver excellent flavors and good yields in 2009. Most of the fruit for this blend comes from the warmer end of Anderson Valley near Boonville, which tended to promote more tropical flavors, while the Romani and Narrows vineyards in the Deep End offered more delicate floral and mineral qualities.

Our 2009 Pinot Gris explodes out of the glass with aromas of lemongrass, orange blossom, honeysuckle, and white peach, while the flavors follow through with pear, melon, and cucumber. The texture is creamy, the finish long and spicy.