Best Buy! Portland vintner/cyclist Nicolas Quille, formerly with Randall Grahm, continues to head up Pacific Rim Winemakers and recently launched this label devoted to fruit-forward and affordable Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. He sources from hand-harvested vineyards near the state capital of Salem, which get picked at less than 22 Brix. There’s neither oak and nor malolactic fermentation involved, but the wine spent six months on the lees to build aromas of starfruit, pear and lime with yellow rose petal, minerality and Corn Chex. Those same brisk, fruit flavors reign supremely on the palate with pleasing crispness and nice leanness, making it a great wine to go with grilled chicken, linguini in clam sauce or soft cheeses.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 14,500 cases
Alcohol: 12.5%
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