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Aug-Sept 2000
93 Lawrence J. Bargetto 1999, California, Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio, like its cousin Pinot Noir, really shows off its origins. The styles differ radically from Italy to Alsace to Oregon and California. This version is one of the better Pinot Grigios ever produced in California. It has a prominent nose that’s hard to describe–perhaps floral with ripe cantaloupe – while on the palate it adds gentle cherry and tart citrusy notes. Full of fruit with a fleshy mouthfeel and a crisp acid edge, this wine is a pleasure to drink as an apertif, and pairs especially well with poultry or pork.
90 Hogue 1999, Columbia Valley, Pinot Gris
One great bargain. Honestly, I’d never guess this is a Pinot Gris if I didn’t already know its pedigree. It has a load of peachy, grapefruit, and pear fruit, some vanilla, and a tangy minerally character through the finish. Yeah, baby!
90 Montevina 1999, California, Pinot Grigio
Seductive aromatics of orange flesh melon and lime follow through to the palate with the addition of some sweet spices. Creamy on the mid-palate, tart in the finish, this is a fine match for seafood or poultry, or pasta in cream sauce.
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Dec-Jan 2001
91 Banolis 1999, Grave del Friuli, Pinot Grigio
The wines of Friuli are very distinctive and this Pinot Grigio is a fine example. It displays good varietal definition, yet it is also expressive of the place where it’s grown. Medium-bodied and aromatic, dry as a bone, the Banolis presents lean citrus and pear fruit, light earth, mineral and a hint of dried herbs from the nose through the finish. Quite complex and a steal at
90 Navarro Vineyards 1999, Anderson Valley, estate bottled, Pinot Gris
Peach and grapefruit flavors, dry, spritzy, intense, aromatic, with some mineral character in the finish. Excellent varietal definition.
87 to 88 La Famiglia de Robert Mondavi 1999, California, Pinot Grigio
Dry and peachy, with crisp acidity, and a light undercurrent of bitter almonds. Good food wine to pair with such dishes as pork chops and pasta primavera.
June-July 2000
91 Navarro Vineyards 1998, Anderson Valley Mendocino, Pinot Gris
Navarro does here for Pinot Gris what it has for Gewürztraminer, defining the varietal. Bright, peachy, spicy, sprtizy, dry yet fruity with a slightly bitter finish, this is a perfect wine to pair with shellfish.
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