A To Z Oregon Pinot Gris 2009

A to Zrsquo;s 2008 Pinot Gris offers plenty of fragrant pit fruit and melon aromas followed by a vibrant, flavorful, just off-dry wine that will match well with Northwest seafood.

A to Z honestly lay claim to making Oregonrsquo;s best budget Pinot Gris. Their inexpensive, widely available bottlings consistently offer fresh, varietal scents of citrus and pear, with nuances of acacia flowers and honeysuckle. Production has ramped up to 31,000 cases, with no diminution of quality.

This excellent Pinot Gris offers a rich mix of ripe citrus and tropical fruits, acacia flowers, honeysuckle and a hint of buttered toffee. Itrsquo;s rich and full-bodied without being tiring or flabby, with excellent length and structure. Almost 24,000 cases were produced.

Light and spicy, with nutmeg and clove overtones to the peppery citrus flavors. Drink now.

There are 9,300 cases of the excellent 2003 Pinot Gris. This fabulous value displays an engaging nose of honeyed floral scents. Lushly-textured, suave, and packed with sweet minerals, this well-made medium-bodied wine is ideal for drinking over the next 12ndash;18 months.

This well-priced pinot gris melds aromas of whole grain with a rich golden apple scent. Its flavors are ample, almost as sweet as applesauce, while fresh enough for a salmon tart.

A to Z Wineworks is a partnership of two winemaking families who actually did grow up in the wine industry, unlike the corporate types who abandoned their careers after watching the movie ldquo;Office Spacerdquo; and tried to become winemakers. The erratic Oregon weather of the 2004 vintage proves that these original winemaking families hold the key to Pinot Gris. The presence of juicy green apple here is undeniable, and it is accented by a touch of honey to define the slight creaminess of the wine. Lively acidity and stimulating freshness make this wine a wise choice over any Pinot Grigio.