White Wines    Pinot Gris/Grigio    Willamette Valley    Oregon   
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Date Printed: 5/25/2013
Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris 2009
Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris 2009
 (search item no. 107577)

PRICE ON 5/25/2013: $17.99

ratings pedigree (past vintages):
2008 Wine Enthusiast rating: 88 points
2007 Wine Enthusiast rating: 90 points
2006 Wine & Spirits rating: 93 points
2006 Wine Enthusiast rating: 90 points
2005 Wine & Spirits rating: 91 points
2004 Wine Enthusiast rating: 89 points
2002 Wine & Spirits rating: 90 points
2002 Wine Enthusiast rating: 89 points
2000 Wine Spectator rating: 87 points
1997 Wine Spectator rating: 86 points

Winemaker's Notes:

 The stylistic vision of this wine is an "Oregon version" of Alsatian Pinot Gris. Depth of extract, richness, big mouthfeel but with elegance and ability to age. The grapes were picked at peak ripeness and the whole clusters were then lightly pressed. The must was cold settled and racked to another stainless steel tank where it was inoculated with 3 special strains of yeast which promote a rich mouth feel. Fermentation

This wine opens with bright, clean aromas of pear and green apple. The sip is round and creamy, with a good acid balance that highlights flavors of key lime and lemongrass, with tart notes of kumquat balanced by just a hint of sweetness. The bright, strong finish invites another sip. The small addition of Pinot Blanc, picked very ripe, adds emollient mouthfeel, and contributes to this classic Oregon style. The barrel fermented portions of the Pinot Gris add a kiss of toast and richness.

My Notes:

Additional wines from Willamette Valley Vineyards:

About Willamette Valley Vineyards:

 United in the dream of building a world class winery in Oregon, thousands of wine enthusiasts joined winegrower Jim Bernau to create Willamette Valley Vineyards, which is regarded as one of Oregon's top wineries. Since 1983, the winery has grown to produce some of the highest-rated Pinot Noirs in the U.S. Wine Enthusiast magazine has named Willamette Valley Vineyards one of "America's Great Pinot Noir Producers." Their wines have been served at the White House and are recommended by wine critic and author Andrea Immer, Food Network's Rachael Ray and Public Broadcasting's chefs Caprial and John Pence.

Willamette Valley Vineyards' goal is to make the highest quality Burgundian varietals possible from the Willamette Valley. Their approach is to grow, by hand, the highest quality fruit using careful canopy management, and achieve wines that are truly expressive of the varietal and the place where they are grown. Bernau's stylistic emphasis is on pure varietal fruit characters, with attention to depth and richness of mouth feel and balance.

The people of Willamette Valley Vineyards are deeply committed to being good stewards of the land using natural means to promote soil nutrition and vine health. Both the Estate and Tualatin vineyards are LIVE certified and designated "Salmon Safe" by the Pacific Rivers Council.