WINE TASTING NOTE: 2020 Rock Point Oregon Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris from Oregon? Now that sounds interesting!
Usually thought to be the land of Pinot Noir, Oregon does in fact produce a range of varietals across its varied landscape. Pinot Gris is one of its other “major” grapes (though still decidedly minor relative to Pinot Noir).
Regardless of the grape though, Oregon is usually thought of as quintessentially cool climate territory for the most part. A land where Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris come into their fullest expression in a restrained manner. Je ne sais quoi mais…..the style is thought to be un petit peau francais if you will.
But that’s not what you get with the 2020 Rock Point Pinot Gris. Not at all! This wine is full, it is expressive and lively and it could even be described as creamy.
This is because this wine hails from the Rogue Valley in southern Oregon. Here, it is warmer, with more consistent sunshine….and voila! You get more body, more fruit, more oomph!
The best way to describe this wine in our opinion is to think of sunshine in a glass. Because that’s what we think it tastes like!
About the producer
The 2020 Rock Point Pinot Gris is produced by Del Rio Vineyard Estate, from their Rock Point vineyard.
Del Rio is the largest single vineyard in Southern Oregon and also one of the top wine producers in the state. The Rock Point vineyard is one of three properties that they own. It used to be the site of a pear orchard, which is a lovely thought.
Established in the late 1990s, Del Rio has had respectable growth over its short history and also really demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable practices in the vineyard and winery.
Wineitupanotch Tasting Notes
This wine is restrained and elegant, yes indeed. But it is also full and expressive. It bursts at the seams with peach, apricot, green melon, honeysuckle and acacia notes.
As noted above, it’s slightly creamy too.
As a backbone, there is crisp acidity offsetting this bouquet of flavours, which leaves the wine with an overall light finish.
Simply delicious!! And an excellent value play for a casual weeknight and/or warm night on the patio drink with friends.
Wine it up a notch by pairing this wine with strawberry and spinach salad, soft ripened cheese, veggie rice paper rolls or sushi.
Cheers, Friends!