ERATH PINOT GRIS OREGON

As one of Oregon’s wine pioneers, Dick Erath had always been as tenacious in his approach to Pinot as the Pinot grape is stubborn. The engineer-turned-viticulturist was first inspired to pursue winemaking in 1965 after an early garage experiment. After completing coursework at UC-Davis in 1968, Erath relocated his family from California to the untamed hills of the Chehalem Mountains. An unheated logger’s cabin on 49 acres would serve as home – and ad hoc winery – for several years.

Aromas of melon, poached pear, and white flower-scented talc offer an alluring introduction to this sumptuous Pinot Gris. A creamy mouthful of pineapple, Meyer lemon and shortbread offers a pleasingly plush palate that finishes up-tempo and bright.