Words from a Wine Glass

Up front, I’m going to admit the name, Pinot Blanc, did not excite me.  I’m guessing for the everyday punter it would be the same.  Engage the ‘reconsider’ section of your brain…please, because the label is an excellent source of information about the variety.

If there is one bit of advice I can give, don’t serve it too cold.  There’s always that one person who says “Why?” so, the answer is, because it killed everything this wine had to offer.

On the nose it presented like another white wine that starts with the word ‘Pinot’.  Apples, pears (and floral) aromas which then appeared again on the palate with a touch of stone fruit to finish it off very nicely if a tad short.  As strange as it sounds, this wine actually opened up even better the longer it was in the glass.  The down side, it didn’t stay in the glass long enough very often.

I have to also admit, it was an easy wine to like…in a good way.  One that you can open, pour, sit back, relax and enjoy on a sunny afternoon over lunch…with cheese or with salt & pepper & chilli squid or simply on its own.  Don’t be shy, tuck in!

yellandandpapps.com

Region: Barossa Valley     Price: $25     Source: Sample

Let’s kick off this tasting note with a confession.  I like Pinot Gris.  I have to add though, it has to be quality Pinot Gris.  This isn’t just quality, it’s classy and definitely one I like.

I’ll give you a little heads up.  There is not a hair out of place with this gem.

It looks clean, pristine and dressed to impress.  Pears kick it off on the nose then peaches coupled with pear skins bring it down softly onto the palate where it makes it presence felt. Rich, textural with a lovely mouth feel, it finishes a touch dry but is as smooth as silk and has impressive length to it too. This is also a terrific food wine.

Summer is just around the corner.  Find it, buy it, serve it up.  Your friends will love you for it.  At only $22, how could you not!!

irvinewines.com.au

Region:  Eden Valley     Price:$22     Source:  Sample

There are pinot gris’ and then there is Grey Sands Pinot Gris.

I can’t remember where I heard it but, I was told Pinot Gris is the red drinkers white.  The reason for this was because of the richness, mouthfeel and alcohol level of the wine.  This fits the bill but without that alcohol level.

What I would also like to point out is, I served this, with a couple of other wines, to a couple of mates of mine who, to say the least, know their wine, but didn’t tell them anything about any of the wines.  Their response, “that is quality wine”, “my pick of the wines this afternoon.”  When I revealed the wine, they were not surprised.  Honestly.

My opinion only of course but don’t expect the usual ‘pear’ characteristics with this Gris. They’ve been left on the bench.  It’s very aromatic but softly so.  This may not make sense but you’ll understand when you smell it.  The palate is where it wants to tell you it’s all quality with some humility but it shouldn’t be so.  It should shout about it’s star quality. Full bodied but unobtrusive, rich flavours but so approachable and balanced.  Another great Pinot Gris from Bob & Rita.

greysands.com.au/vineyard/product/pinot-gris-2014

Region: Glengarry, Tasmania    Price: $45     Source: Sample

Straight off the bat, I’m going to say, it is so easy to say how a wine has texture, richness and viscosity and with this wine it’s backed up with substance & truth.  Andy & Angela have nailed it with this wine, that’s for sure.

Strangely enough the vines for this wine have an average age of 2 years.  Yep, 2 years.  But with some deft treatment by the team, including some of the juice being put into barrel, this has come out on the other side shining.

Lots (and I mean plenty) of flavour that seems to hang around for the attention it definitely deserves.  My palate soaked it all in and could not ignore its presence and nor could the others in the room.

A terrific example of this variety that needs to be experienced to be appreciated.  Nice work from the LiNO RaMBLe team.  Very nice work indeed.

linoramble.com.au

Region: McLaren Vale     Price: $30     Source: Online purchase (sort of)