This Saturday we’ll be doing a little compare and contrast of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir pitting the home team up against a couple of European stalwarts.  Come discover the beauty and strengths of both worlds.

2013 Lorelle Pinot Grigio  $10
Lorelle is the second label for J. Albin Winery of Hillsboro, Orogon. John Albin has been growing pinot noir from his estate Laurel Vineyard since 1981 and is the former winemaker/vineyard manager for King Estate.  The Grigio is an outstanding value at $10.  The new vintage has just been released.  Come and see what it’s like.

2010 Diehl, Grauer Burgunder 1 ltr.  $12
Weingut Diehl sits at the foot of the Württemberge Mountains amid the picturesque countryside, surrounded by vineyards and a fascinating view of the Stuttgart basin.  The Diehls started making their own wine rather than selling their grapes in 1972.  They use selective hand picking and a gentle winemaking, which blends tradition and modern enology.  The Grauer Burgunder is all Pinot Gris and a world apart.

2012 Mas de Boislauzon, Chaussynette Rosé  $9
Grenache, Syrah 
Every match off needs an intermission.  This Rosé from a 5th generation Chateau Neuf du Papes winemaking family should prove a great diversion. With the 2013 vintage of Rosés rolling into the market we are finding some 2012 wines left at a great prices.  Was $15 now $9 

2012 Lorelle Pinot Noir  $15
It is hard to beat the Lorelle Pinot Noir for value.  This solid, fresh and clean Pinot is from the exceptional 2012 vintage in the Willamette drinks amazingly well without being overly simple.  

2011 Domaine Camus-Bruchon, Savigny-Pimentiers Vieilles Vignes $40
Lucien Camus-Bruchon, his wife Bernadette and their son Guillaume farm some 9.2 hectares of vines, mostly Pinot Noir.  Lucien took over from his father in 1971 and he’s the sixth generation, son Bill is the 7th.  This Vieilles Vignes bottling comes from a single vineyard of 89 year old vines.  It is a beautiful Pinot with sweet cherry aromas, dry, firm fruit and elegance and minerality with an impressive length and depth on the finish.  It is a classic Burgundy.