Sineann Pinot Gris 2015, Columbia Gorge, Oregon

2015 vintage – All of the fruit came from the Wy’east Vineyard. (Wy’east is the native American name for Mt. Hood). The Wy’east vineyard, high up in the Hood River Valley, was planted in 1989 with 10 acres of Pinot Gris and in 1990, 8 acres of Pinot Noir. The south and southwest facing slopes are covered with deep red volcanic soil, and like many vineyards today, are dry farmed allowing the vintage and weather to really show through. The high elevation vineyard ranges from 1600 feet at the base to 1800 feet at the top of the vineyard and allows form some nice acids to form in support of the terrific structure and dense lush flavors that come out of this vineyard. Wy’east is one of three vineyards in the Columbia Gorge that Sineann receives Pinot Noir from and also provides some of their best Pinot Gris as well. In addition to good natural acidity and appealing aromatics of pear and melon, the Pinot Gris has a wonderful spicy quality and great “mouthfeel”. The finish is remarkably persistent – the aftertaste lingers and lingers.