I’ve been watching the hearings conducted by Congressman Schiff, and I’m curious about our readers’ opinions. In addition to watching them on C-Span, I tuned in to Fox, CNN and ABC. I learned I have not only lying eyes but lying ears as well. Contact me at chjonmc@yahoo.com.
More wine for turkey today. Pinot Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Gris are my go-tos. That said, for those who prefer dry (less than 5 g/l), highly rated white wines, take a look for Amalaya Blanco Dulce de Corte Torrontes Riesling 2016 Argentina, 13 percent ABV, 85 percent Torrontes grapes. It opens to grape aromas nuanced by pineapple and jasmine. Surprisingly round on the palate with bright acidity, lovely peach flavors and a palate-cleansing finish. This is another Hess Family selection, 90 points, and if you find it around $12 add a price point. You are safe with the 2017 and ‘18, both rate 89 McD. The 2017 has 90 percent Torrontes in its blend, and I think it deserves 91 points.This is another of those, “Oh, just another Argentina white blend” wines that often are underscored due to price and lack of pedigree.
The following should be easy to find and all Pinot Blanc. Trimbach 2014-16s deserve 90 points around $15, they show pear, hint of lemon, excellent fruit palate. Domaine Willm Reserve Alsace 2016, 89 points around $13, also goes well with steamed shrimp, hold the lemon. Hugel & Fils Cuvee Les Amours 2016 around $15 gets 88 McD, has 40 percent Auxerrois (varietal) juice. Gold straw-colored, it opens to a mixed bouquet of apricot, lavender and tangerines. Auxerrois provides honey and spice. Rich and spicy with ripe orchard fruit flavors lifted by lemon, lime and fresh herbs. Don’t mistake the ripe fruit for sweetness; it only shows 2.8 g/l. This is a great introduction to Alsatian Pinot Blanc. Eyrie Vineyards Dundee Hills Oregon, 90 McD, best vintages are 2014, ‘16 and ‘17. Their Pinot Gris and the 2014 Pinot Noir, 91 points under $34, are also good choices.
These Pinot Gris are not to be confused with Pinot Grigio as most know it. Let’s look at two from Oregon to start. Elk Cove 2017 should be found under $20. Orchard fruit nose of apricot, peach and pear with hint of white flowers. Crisp acidity supports fruit on palate, 88 McD points. If you find the 2015, it’s 91 McD. J Vineyards and Winery, Russian River Valley 2017, 88 McD under $16. Lime, tangerine and honeysuckle aromas, green apple, underripe pineapple and lemon flavors ride a mineral frame. This will also support mild curry dishes and grilled shrimp. How about a $10 winner? McD 87 plus two price points for Hogue Cellars Columbia Valley, which is actually blended of Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Semillon and Pinot Blanc. Look for pear, pineapple and nutmeg aromas with apple, vanilla and toast flavors riding a crisp acid frame. Shaw Vineyards Li Bella NV goes for $15. I noticed it due to its bottle, its label and that it was a New Yorker. Peach and pear on the nose and the medium-body palate. Sufficient acidity provides a clean, dry finish.
Let’s wrap up with a Ponzi scheme. Ponzi Pinot Gris Willamette Valley is one of the most consistent PGs I have rated, garnering 89 points since the 2011 vintage. Its profile changes as the weather varies, but the winemaker knows her stuff. Dick Ponzi, 85 years old, is an original Oregon wine star. First successful as a structural engineer, he was a founding member of Oregon Winegrowers Association and the Oregon Wine Board. He and his wife of 58 years, Nancy, also established Bridgeport Brewing Company, Oregon’s first craft brewery. They were first to plant Pinot Gris in Oregon, and the product speaks for itself. His daughter Luisa took over the winemaker mantle in 1993. His bio is worth a read due to the many innovative technological inventions he has brought to winemaking. Here’s an interesting side note. Another Oregon wine giant is named Dick Erath. He is also an engineer who relocated his family from California to Oregon. Here’s wishing all a wonderful Happy Thanksgiving.
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Email John at chjonmc@yahoo.com.
