Estancia Pinot Grigio 2006

Constellation Brand’s Estancia has always produced luxury wines at budget prices from its Monterey location. Its 2006 Pinot Grigio comes from grapes hand-selected from a variety of California vineyards. The clusters were gently pressed in traditional basket presses, a labor-intensive process that belies the $15 price tag. On the nose are aromas of pear and melon and a distinct lemony citrus. The pear continues among the first flavors along with Granny Smith apple and peach. No, this is not an Odwalla fruit shake. That does have the pepper and mineral backbone that balances the fruit flavor. read more...At a refreshingly (and seemingly rare) 12 percent alcohol, this is a dry wine that still imparts a comfortable sweetness in the mid-palate. Its four months in French oak gives it that touch of complexity we usually don’t see in a low-priced wine, let alone a Pinot Grigio. A great wine with chicken and fish dishes, it is particularly suited to crab and lobster.    (hide)

Medium-bodied and crisp, with flavors of pear and yellow fruit and the faintest suggestion of white pepper on the finish. California has proven itself to be a perfect home for Pinot Grigio - like so many other grapes - and started to turn out incredible examples like this one.

Wine Tasting NotesPale straw. Notes of pear and Golden Delicious apple accented with hints of grapefruit and a dash of strawberry. Bartlett pear, white peach and Golden Delicious apple mingle together in this crisp Pinot Grigio. Medium bodied with vibrant fruit add to the bright finish.

January 2009

Appearance: Pale straw Aroma: Fresh notes of pear, apricot and honeydew melon are accented by hints of citrus and lemongrass. Flavor: Crisp apple and pear with notes of honey and ripe peach mingle softly with white pepper that adds a mineral touch to the vibrant, fruity finish.

Constellation Brand’s Estancia has always produced luxury wines at budget prices from its Monterey location. Its 2006 Pinot Grigio comes from grapes hand-selected from a variety of California vineyards. The clusters were gently pressed in traditional basket presses, a labor-intensive process that belies the $15 price tag. On the nose are aromas of pear and melon and a distinct lemony citrus. The pear continues among the first flavors along with Granny Smith apple and peach. No, this is not an Odwalla fruit shake. That does have the pepper and mineral backbone that balances the fruit flavor. read more...At a refreshingly (and seemingly rare) 12 percent alcohol, this is a dry wine that still imparts a comfortable sweetness in the mid-palate. Its four months in French oak gives it that touch of complexity we usually don’t see in a low-priced wine, let alone a Pinot Grigio. A great wine with chicken and fish dishes, it is particularly suited to crab and lobster.    (hide)

October 2008

Bright, crisp, obvious aroma and taste of pear, tart green apple, and citrus. Nice touch of sweetness. Very refreshing. Great summer wine.

July 2009