Pinot Blanc/Pinot Gris

Amity Vineyards
2006 Pinot Blanc
Willamette Valley, OR
$17.00

This rich Pinot Blanc offers aromas of melon, pineapple, baking spice and mineral.  The palate is rich with flavors of pear, citrus and tropical fruits making a fine contrast to the hearty flavors of steamed mussels. (10/08 CH)

Cathedral Ridge
2006 Pinot Gris
Columbia Gorge
$18.00

Winemaker Michael Sebastiani crafted this Pinot Gris to "showcase the bright acidity of Hood River area fruit, while carrying a mouthfeel that is soft and pleasant." Tropical fruit aromas of citrus, star fruit and pineapple lead to a fresh palate of tropical flavors with hints of apple and pear. Very tasty with our favorite oysters. (10/08 CH)

Hogue Cellars
2006 Pinot Grigio
Columbia Valley
$10.00

This has been one of our “go to” wines for half shell oyster pairing for several years.  Pear, citrus and orange zest aromas lead you to flavors of Granny Smith apple, sweet grapefruit and herbs.  Widely available and cork-free!  (10/08 CH)

Thistle Winery
2006 Pinot Blanc,
Dundee Hills, OR
$14.00

Jon and Laura Jennison offer this crisp and delicious Pinot Blanc, harvested from their vineyard in the Red Hills of Dundee, Oregon.  Spicy earth and mineral aromas mingle with citrus and pear notes.  The palate of citrus, melon and Bosc pear is a perfect, refreshing match for the briny sea taste of the oyster.
(10/08 CH)

Willamette Valley Vineyards
2006 Pinot Gris
$15.00

Consistency is one of the hallmarks of a quality winery and Willamette Valley Vineyards has crafted superb Pinot Gris for many vintages. Aromas of tropical fruits, pear and melon are delicate and complex. The palate is flavorful with round citrus flavors complemented by notes of honey, apple and light herb. A great wine to serve with Kumomoto oysters and also a good match for mussels. (10/08 CH)

Wine by Joe
2006 Pinot Blanc
Oregon
$12.00

This classic Northwest Pinot Blanc offers aromas of stone fruits, Fuji apple, mineral and light creamy vanilla. The palate is rich from sur lie aging but still has ample acidity to accompany half shell oysters, but it is truly at home paired with steamed mussels. (10/08 CH)


Riesling

Dessert Wine & Port

Bergevin Lane Vineyards
2007 Calico White
$16.00

This refreshing wine is a blend of 39% Chardonnay (stainless fermented) with barrel-fermented portions of Viognier (30%) and Roussanne (31%). The blend creates a mouthfilling wine that offers aromas and flavors of pear, melon and white peach with hints of mineral and herb. A great companion to seafood, whether prepared simply or augmented with a flavorful sauce.  (10/08 CH)

Cor Cellars
2006 Alba Cor
Celilo Vineyard
Columbia Gorge
$16.00

This blend of Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer is from a relatively new winery near the town of Lyle in the Columbia Gorge.  Nose offers pear, mineral, vanilla and tropical fruits.  Palate offers rich flavors of apple, white peach and lychee/rose finish.  A very nice wine and complementary to mussels!  (10/08 CH)

Daedalus Cellars
2006 Gruner Veltliner,
WV, Elton Vineyard
$21.00

This Austrian varietal is just catching on in the Pacific Northwest and looks like it will become a cult favorite. Aromas of spicy Asian pear, mineral and white pepper lead to a palate rich with creamy apple, pear and mango flavors. A light creamy finish from sur lie aging is a nice touch. (10/08 CH)

Foris Vineyards
2006 Flyover White
Rogue Valley
$13.50

Oyster lovers will enjoy this blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Riesling that offers complex aromas of crisp apple, pear and stone fruits. The palate is bone dry and crisp with lingering flavors of apple and mineral. (10/08 CH)

Substance RS and CH
(Riesling and Chardonnay)
$18.00

These affordable white wines are from the new winery assembled by successful Walla Walla wine entrepreneurs Jamie Brown, Greg Harrington and Jason Huntley. Cleverness in the label design, tongue-in-cheek commentary on the spec sheets, and solid quality in the bottle promise success for this lighthearted brand. The wines remind me of some of the best white wines of Washington's fledgling era - peachy, apricoty, citrusy Riesling and toasty, apple-y Chardonnay with a bit of Twinkie(r) finish. Great fun and great sipping for your summer celebrations and light meals. (10/08 CH)

OTHER WHITE WINE REVIEWS

Copyright © 2000 - 2008 Susan R. O'Hara.    All rights reserved.
Last revised:  12/23/2008