2017 Cameron Winery, Pinot Bianco “Giovanni” Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon.
Oregon is without question the newest hot spot for Pinot Blanc (Pinot Bianco), yes you heard correctly, not Pinot Gris, which can be a nice wine here obviously, it’s Pinot Blanc, which in recent vintages has proven to rival top offerings from Alto Adige and the great wines of Alsace, that stands out and this Carmeron 2017 Dundee Hills Giovanni (Pinot Blanc) is a piercing example of this varietal. Absolutely vibrant and electric on the palate with zingy lemon/lime, white peach, loads of Asian pear and green melon notes it adds wet stone, a fine mineral streak and light garden herb and spices. Made by John Paul, the Oregon legend who has some affection for Italian wines, crafts this light white that is wonderfully expressive, unlike the grape’s reputation of serene dullness this stuff is magic and vivid from start to finish, with air it adds a touch of texture, but stays refined, vibrant and virtually weightless, even though it clear has extract, in fact it feeling like a dry Resling in it’s energy, which to me is proof of awesomeness. According to Paul, the briskly dry Pinot Bianco (given the nomer “Giovanni”) is fermented in stainless steel, typically in three different lots with appropriate aromatic yeasts, and bottled in its exuberant youth in the early Spring, it’s also very low alcohol, coming in at just 11.7%.. It’s perfect for Summer with it’s refreshing juicy acidity adding a cool and crisp sensation, drink up.
($18 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
