LET ME DOWN SLOWLY

MARY-THERESE BLAIR finds only a few of this year’s pinot gris live up to their promise.

WHEN I TELL PEOPLE that I judge wine, it’s usually met with some sort of envious response. While there is no doubt it’s a fascinating and educational part of the job, it’s not always the dream people assume it to be. Especially when you’re presented with wines about which you don’t have anything good to say. Alas, this was the case with this year’s pinot gris tasting.

As is the way in the judging room, tastes led to debate as to why this lineup was so… disappointing. With two incredible growing seasons back to back, shouldn’t pinot gris be getting better and better? Our judges felt that perhaps gris’ inherent popularity has led it to become a victim of its own success. Why work harder to perfect a product that sells itself?

However, our talented judges found some gorgeous shiny needles within the proverbial haystack of disappointment, which have been beautifully made for you to enjoy.

TASTING PANEL

The judges who tasted the riesling also tasted the pinot gris.