This is my review of Harry & David Vineyards 2021 Oregon Pinot Gris. I start with the highlights for all of you impatient people! Those that read the whole review might get a surprise along the way!
Pinot Gris Review Highlights
- Great mouthfeel that you’d expect from a Pinot Gris – and not like a yucky Pinot Grigio! This feels full, coating your mouth in a nice hearty manner. At first I thought that was all that was there, but over time the fruit came out to dance.
- Overall, a strong showing – there are hints of citrus and tropical fruits. Lemon & Pineapple are there – it’s not overly sweet but has enough fruit.
- Secondary notes of baking spices and a bit of toasted vanilla add to the finish, rounding out the wine very nicely.
Pinot Gris Review Details
I really enjoyed this after the initial sip. The first sip gave me a bit of reservation, kind of like when you first see a large dog, like a rottweiler. You look at that dog, and are a bit excited to see it, but you also think to yourself, “that dog could easily render me the headless horseman.” However, once you see that the rottweiler is rather mild mannered, you warm up to him and just fall in love!
That was kind of my experience with this wine. The first sip was a bit uninspiring….a bit like lemon water, but with more body. Perhaps like lemon milk – wow, that really doesn’t sound enjoyable! In any case, after a few minutes in the glass, while I was firing up my pizza oven, I came back to have another sip. That’s when it started to come together.
The fruit forwardness came out in a way I hadn’t noticed at first. Citrus and Pineapple on the nose, with a hint of pear on the mid-palate. Then, I was hit with the oak notes – baking spices and a distinct toasted vanilla flavor rounded out the wine wonderfully.
Harry and David spoke on their website that this was a crisp and light wine. I disagree – simply due to the nature of it being a Pinot Gris (and not a Pinot Grigio) in the Alsace style. It had a bit of acidity, but nowhere near what I’ve seen from other lighter white wines.
The Pinot Gris Acquisition Backstory
I had to search far and wide to acquire this wine. I spend nearly 10 hours combing the internet for a particular hoarder of relatively inexpensive wines. Once spotted, numerous back and forth with said hoarder ensued, and for a time I was worried we simply could not make this happen. I was feeling a bit hamstrung, and despite my best attempt, I almost called it quits. Then, my significant other asked me to check a website called harryanddavid.com. To my surprise, not only did they carry this wine, but I could buy it along with wonderful fruit baskets! Yay! My life is changed!
Food Pairings
This Pinot Gris is not as overpowering as a Chardonnay, but it can stand on it’s own next to slightly heartier dishes, such as seafood, chicken, and light pasta dishes. You could even go further, to pork tenderloin or a hearty potato soup.
Other Harry & David Pinot Gris Reviews
Want to Try Harry & David Pinot Gris Yourself?
Try it yourself: links to purchase! Enjoy!
- From the Producer – Unfortunately, you have to purchase this as a collection of various white wines, or along with one of their wonderful fruit or food offerings! So, if you are just here for the wine, keep looking! And perhaps, get yourself some help.
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