A Guide About California: Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio Wines

I have always had an appreciation for wine, but I admit I really didnt know much, but when I was married, my husband had a passion about wines, so I was able to deepen my love of and knowledge of wine, here is a guide about California: Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio wines

Echelon 2004 Pinot Grigio Clarksburg Esperanza Vineyard

Edna Valley 2004 Pinot Gris Paragon

Gallo of Sonoma 2004 Pinot Gris Sonoma County

2003 Pinot Gris Sonoma County

2001 Pinot Gris Sonoma Coast

2000 Pinot Gris Sonoma Coast ($13). Really liked the spicy character of this appealing Pinto Gris - adds interest and balance to the gentle orchard and citrus fruit. Quite versatile with food - more versatile with flavorful dishes than you might think. Ready to drink now. ($13). Excellent value for this super tasty wine! Fresh and aromatic, and offering juicy tropical and pear fruit, with touches of citrus and light spicy oak on the finish. Clean and focused. Ready to drink now. Wonderful with spicy cornmeal-crusted oysters, calamari, or fish. ($13). Lovely peach blossom bouquet introduces spiced pear and citrus flavors with an elegant, creamy complexity. Long finish brings up honeysuckle and a fresh, citrusy burst of flavor. Ready to drink now.

MacMurray Ranch 2001 Pinot Gris Russian River Valley

Novella 2002 Pinot Grigio Paso Robles

Rancho Zabaco 2003 Pinot Gris Sonoma Coast Reserve

2002 Pinot Gris Sonoma Coast Reserve

2000 Pinot Gris Sonoma Coast

1999 Pinot Gris Sonoma Coast ($16). This latest offering from Rancho Zabaco, a Gallo of Sonoma label, is wonderful. Made in a French style, it starts with a focused, sophisticated bouquet of peaches and white flowers. Flavors of apricot and soft citrus develop and build through the lingering finish, accented with just a touch of creamy vanilla. Very food friendly. We paired it with sautéed calamari that had a bit of spicy kick, and it was an excellent match. I'd also pair this wine with just about any dish involving shellfish, especially something along the lines of linguini with clams and garlic. ($16). A lovely floral bouquet introduces a fruity, concentrated wine that features lush flavors balanced by a racy citrus acidity. Wonderful paired with delicate fish and shellfish dishes, and surprisingly addictive as a match for pâté! Ready to drink now. ($18). Mouthwatering, with juicy apple, smooth pear, subtle honeyed fig, aromatic spices, and picking up concentrated lime zest on the finish. Easy to enjoy and pair with oysters, shellfish and calamari. Ready to drink now.

Sterling Vineyards 2005 Pinot Grigio Central Coast Vintner's Collection

Stone Cellars 2003 Pinot Grigio California

Tamás Estates 2004 Pinot Grigio Monterey County ($10). A nice Cal-Ital Pinot Grigio, with just a touch of pink in the pale, straw hue. Juicy and refreshing, with peach and lime and grapefruit flavors mingling on a crisp finish. Easy to like. Ready to drink now. ($8). Easily our favorite white of the lineup, with a fresh, citrusy bouquet introducing medium-bodied, juicy citrus and tropical flavors and a touch of minerality. Quaffable and refreshing. Ready to drink now. ($13). Clean and crisp, with green apple and lemon fruit that picks up wet stone and apricot on the finish. Ready to drink now. ($18). More restrained and under-ripe than in previous years, but still offering pretty white peach and honeysuckle aromas and flavors, picking up wildflower honey, orange rind and spicy notes through the moderate finish. Ready to drink now. ($13). All juicy apple and lush peach nectar fruit aromas and flavors that continue on the moderate finish. Ready to drink now.($23). Elegant and complex, with perfumed ripe pear mingling with subtle tropical fruit and delicate earthiness. A honeyed richness is nicely offset with mouthwatering acidity. Ready to drink now and over the next year or two. ($16). Pretty peach and almond notes mingle with pear and soft melon flavors. Stays focused through the long, fruity finish. Nice acidity throughout. Ready to drink now. ($18). Smooth, but a little sweet and simple, with peach and honey and just a dash of citrus. Ready to drink now.($10). Really didn't expect much here, for some reason, but how nice it is! Pretty honesuckle aromas mingle with fresh pear and citrus aromas and flavors, ending with just a touch of warm spice. Ready to drink now