There aren’t too many Oregon Pinot Gris that are in Australia. If there are more than this wine, it could only be a handful. This is not an output of quality, but economics. There are a number of fine pinot gris styles made locally, although few with true cool climate characters. The better ones are from the Mornington Peninsula, however these can tend to resemble chardonnay particularly if they have seen a portion of new oak. I think Alsace pinot gris styles are of more academic rather than practical interest for many or even most Australian consumers who would expect pinot gris in a fully dry format and are more familiar with innocuous Italian Veneto pinot grigio renditions if an offshore version has been sourced. So this wine, from an Australian perspective, is a wine for the wine engaged consumer only. At 10 years of age, it forges into positively novel territory, perhaps attracting the interest only of the wine engaged who have an eye for adventure. But here we are. In the glass, the wine has aromas of pear and strawberry. Its colour has a touch of blush, not uncommon for pinot gris. The palate is dry. Its body is quite interestingly viscous with medium acidity and a savoury apple and pear quality. The acidity is medium rather than high. For a 10 year old pinot gris, this wine willl reward your interest and is as dinking very well now. Rating: Good (★★★☆, 88 points). Website: Union Wine Co. Tasted: February 2024.
