I'm pretty much having a love affair with Washington wines these days. That's a really good thing, since I'll have the chance to drink quite a bit of Washington state wine when I attend the 2010 Wine Bloggers Conference this June in Walla Walla. The wine that I'm reviewing today, the 2008 Barnard Griffin Pinot Gris, is the second wine that I've reviewed from Barnard Griffin, a winery located in Richland, Washington.
This wine has 12.8% alcohol and costs $12 a bottle on the Barnard Griffin online store.
On the nose of this wine, I am immediately hit by the aroma of honeydew melons, as well as some tropical aromas of pineapple and coconut. I also get a touch of peach and some floral action. On the palate, this wine has some nice honey flavors, with more coconut and a little bit of citrus. This wine is dry, but tricks you into thinking that it's sweet. It really isn't a sweet wine at all, but the light honey flavors give it a sweet feel.
This wine would make a really great summer wine. The crisp flavors of this wine go really well with food. I am drinking this wine with some light fish, and it is delicious. At $12, I would definitely buy more of this wine.
Legend – Skip it
Meh
Worth a Try
Give it a Go
Run Get Some
Barnard Griffin…a good standby for a lot of varietals. Very affordable and almost always trustworthy.
I like a wine that tricks you. Sounds like the finish was more tart than sweet.
Josh
Yeah, my experience with Barnard Griffin so far has turned me into a fan. Still got two more of their wines left to try.
Still, the fact that it’s a question does make it a really fun wine to drink.
My wife still insists that this wine was a little bit sweet, but I’m just as sure that it’s not.
Sounds good. I may have to try and find this one. Pinot Gris is one of the few whites that i found that i really enjoy.
Definitely give it a try if you can. At $12 it’s really a great deal.
Ben, first-timer reading your insights — keep on pouring! BG has it covered for many palates. When you come our way in June, stop by Bergevin Lane and Airfield Estates, both clients of CKA and fine, fine wine producers. Tell Trey he needs to drink more red wine.
http://www.winedesign.ckacreative.com
Hey Mark, thanks for reading and for the comment! I was just talking to Trey and he told me that you had some cool wine stories. Love to hear them one of these days.
I have been impressed with the BG wines that I have had thus far. Still have a bottle of the reserve Malbec and Petit Verdot on the shelf to try.
I will definitely try to stop by Bergevin Lane and Airfield Estates in June if I can. I didn’t realize you guys did so much wine work. Super cool!
Funny, I worked in Bergevin Lane’s tasting room last year – good syrahs. I’ll probably see you at the conference in June – a couple friends and I started a blog mostly with the goal of attending since it will be practically in our back yard. Good review!
Sweet, I’m make note to try the Syrah if I make it out to Bergevin Lane. I will definitely see you in June. I doubt that they will ever have the Wine Bloggers Conference in my backyard, as Texas is probably pretty far down their list of venues.
Everyone is having a love affair with Washington wines these days. I guess i is a brilliant marketing plan for them. I just wish the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council was half as proactive!
In all seriousness, I love your blog and your reviews. Keep them coming!
I hope to start my love affair with Michigan wines soon. I am an effin’ Don Juan when it comes to wine. I love wines from all over the place.
Glad you are enjoying the reviews.
Barnard Griffin makes good table wines that you can enjoy everyday. We love that we can grab their rose of Sangiovese for under $10 on sale and that it regularly goes on sale! I have not tried their Pinot Gris
In my small sampling of BG wine, I have been pretty impressed. I’m looking forward to tracking down more in June.