Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 2011

This straightforward, fruity effort is bright, tart, and full of lemon and melon flavors, with a touch of spice for added interest.

Light and fragrant, this is juicy with pear, apple and lime flavors, hinting at almond flowers on the finish. Drink now through 2012.

Easygoing, with tangerine and melon flavors, lingering nicely. Drink now.

Vibrant pear fruit is at the heart of this elegant gris. Framed by a mild herbal scent, its succulent fruit is unabashedly rich and pure, but the wine never becomes too heavy or opulent. Talclike acidity lifts the wine and gives it a gentle contour. A good accompaniment to roast halibut.

This Oregon gris is lean, bracing and mineral, with a heady scent of brioche and fresh-cut grass. With air it reveals exotic flavors of white tea, fresh fig, even persimmon. Already compelling, it could use a little time in bottle for all of these elements to come together, then serve with seared halibut.

Oregon's 2005 vintage was wet and cool, which led to some vivid, well-structured white wines like this lithe, supple Pinot Gris. Founded by Pat and Joe Campbell in 1974, Elk Cove currently farms 120 acres on three different sites. Son Adam Godlee Campbell is now the winemaker.

The scent of a juicy Bartlett pear leads into distinctive pear-like flavors, and there's grip to help those flavors last. It's like a delicate, well-preserved fresh fruit; drink it up and taste the cool rains of Willamette.