Wine Description & Statistics
click image to close window Thompson Vineyards, Santa Barbara County
2007 Pinot Gris

Winemaker Bruce McGuire has made another first for 43 year old Santa Barbara Winery, Pinot Gris. This grape is grown throughout the world, with Northern Italy perhaps getting the most recognition in recent times.

A fairly hearty variety, Pinot Gris is ideally grown in a climate just cool enough to develop the acidity needed to provide structure for the near full-bodied mouth feel. Bruce is very impressed with the Thompson Vineyard in Alisos Canyon, a site he feels is well suited for grapes to make big, rich wines.

This vineyard seems to be in the climate mid-range as it is in neither the coolest or warmest area in Santa Barbara County. The varietals planted here have been thoughtfully chosen and are starting to show the full potential of this vineyard and its microclimate.

Citrus to pear flavors dominate, and while this wine is a very pleasant aperitif, it has ample weight for pairing with young goat cheeses, roasted pork dishes, crab, or Thai sea bass. Enjoy this wine through 2009.


Suggested retail: 16.00

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Harvest
Dates: September 12-13, 2007
Various days
Vineyards:
100% Thompson
Sugar: 22.7 Brix

Wine
Barrels:
20% Barrel Fermentation
neutral Oak
Total Acid: .64
pH: 3.24
Alcohol: 14.1%
Sugar: Dry
Bottling: March 18, 2008
Production: 544 cases