MacMurray Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Gris

Tonight’s wine is from MacMurray Ranch, where they love Pinot.  They only produce Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.  In case you don’t already know, Pinot Gris is a) another name for Pinot Grigio and b) is related to Pinot Noir.  Both grapes, being relatives, are cool-climate varieties.  But of course, Pinot Gris is lighter skinned than Pinot Noir.

Pinot Grigio is, at it’s roots, the Italian name for the variety, but a number of producers from other regions have started using the Pinot Grigio name.  Whether it’s called Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio, wines made from this grape can vary stylistically and the Pinot Grigio name is often used to denote wines that are much lighter and less fruity—stylistically consistent with the Italian Pinot Grigio.  The style of this Pinot Gris from MacMurray is much more fruity and exciting, deserving of the Pinot Gris nomenclature.

Straw colored, this is a little darker than most Pinot Grigio/Gris in the tasting lineup where I took these notes.  The nose has a nice spicy and floral characteristic.  It’s almost herbal, like arugula and lemon, with a hint of pear and apple.  The palate brings intense fruit flavors (well, intense for a Pinot Gris) and strong acidity.  Apple, pear, lemon and honeydew melon flavors make this quite enjoyable.  Melon, lemon and a hint of peach linger on the finish.

At $20, this is at the upper-end of our price range, but I found this to be a good wine.

Wine: MacMurray Ranch
Variety: Pinot Gris
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 13.9%
Rating: 88
Price: $20.00

Find MacMurray Sonoma Coast Pinot Gris with Snooth