2007 Elk Cove Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

91 points and an "Editors' Choice" from Wine Enthusiast: "This is a fruit-powered wine, loaded with fresh pear, melon and tropical flavors. It shows no sign of having suffered from the wet, cool weather that hit Oregon during the 2007 harvest. It seems riper than the perfectly balanced '06 bottling with lower acids and a streak of vanilla and coconut wrapping up the finish." (07/08) The Willamette Valley has a suitable climate for this delicate grape variety - enough sunlight and warmth for ripening and cooler night temperatures to retain varietal character. To preserve the freshness, it is whole-cluster pressed, and then fermented at very cool temperatures in small stainless steel tanks, which accentuates the aromatics and enhances the richness and viscosity. The fruit is hand-harvested from select hillside vineyards in the northern Willamette Valley. The 2007 starts out with sweet and unctuous aromatics; pineapple and a touch of honeysuckle, while also giving crispness on the palate with citrus and grapefruit. Yet true to the Elk Cove Vineyards' style, there is a rich mouthfeel to give a full and satisfying balanced finish. Drink this lovely white wine as an aperitif or with a variety of food pairings from salmon and main-course salads to Asian and Thai influenced dishes.