2008 Benton Lane Oregon Pinot Gris

93 points from Wine & Spirits Magazine and the top rated Pinot Gris in the 'Year's Best Pinot Gris' article: "This wine is a great example of a crisp and bright style of Pinot Gris. Exhibiting aromas of Asian pear, honeydew and citrus blossom, it is overtly fruity yet still complex for this wine variety. The flavors of tangy lime, comice pear and starfruit linger on the exceptionally long finish. A great 'warm weather' wine, it goes with simple appetizers and a wide assortment of seafood any time of the year." (08/09) Sometimes Chardonnay just won't do, whether it's too oaky, too creamy or too sweet. So what do you drink when your trusty Chard fails? Panic and run for the hills screaming like a 4-year-old girl? Don't lose it just yet; I have something that will take the place of your trusty Chard blanket. The 2008 Benton Lane Oregon Pinot Gris will be a pleasing surrogate sure to assuage your need for an inexpensive but flavorful white table wine. The nose is full of spearmint, bay leaf, Bosc pears, jasmine and an underlying tropical note from the small amount of Estate Viognier added to the wine. The word Zesty comes to mind as soon as this is on the palate with lasting flavors of Granny Smith apples, preserved lemon, chalk, a return of the spearmint found on the nose and an underlying flavor of anise. A great mach to a simple summer salad or a fresh pea and bacon risotto. This may make you get rid of that Chard security blanket once and for all. (Bryan Brick, K&L)