2011 Ridgepoint Pinot Noir – Vintages 89003 – $14.95 – ***½+ – There is something rich and concentrated about this Pinot. The nose is cherry, and it pushes right up to the line of being cherry pie… but doesn’t seem to cross that line. There is a slight smoky and cocoa note that rises above the fruit. The tannin is a little firm and this wine would benefit from 9-12 months on its side before opening or at the very least some decanting to really enjoy it. There is nice acidity that will make this a great match to roast lamb, beef or pasta and tomato sauces.
2014 Dirty Laundry Say Yes Pinot Gris – Vintages 423202 – $19.95 – **** – This should be the point of winter when we are all sick of the weather and are looking for bottled sunshine. Even with the mild weather I still think we could all use a little of that bottled sunshine. The fruit in this Pinot Gris brings something ripe and delicious and makes a grape that I generally overlook very interesting. Your first sniff of the glass may feel a little typical with a nice mineral note and some apple in there… your second brings the ripe peaches and nectarine. When you get your first sip you are hit with a rich concentrated cacophony of summer orchard fruit that will make you salivate … even with a mouthful of wine. There is nice acidity to balance this wine, so you better enjoy the fruit while it;’s in your mouth because this wine finishes clean on the palate.
