2005 Lynmar Russian River Valley Vin Gris

14.1% alc., 474 cases, $24. This is the third vintage of Vin Gris sourced from several vineyards in the Russian River AVA including the Quail Hill Vineyard. It is composed of 92% Pinot Noir and 8% Syrah. The winemaking employed two methods: (1) the saignée method was used to bleed some Pinot Noir and Syrah juice soon after destemming and processed like Chardonnay (except fermented in neutral oak barrels) and (2) 40% of the wine came from fruit grown specifically for the rosé program, processed as usual for Pinot Noir and aged in stainless and neutral barrels. · The wine is the finest example of Vin Gris I have ever drunk. Bright, fresh and crisp, but with plenty of aromas and flavors to keep your attention, it is the perfect aperitif wine. Watermelon and spice and everything nice. The winery is currently offering their Vin Gris for $18 as a promotion for the holidays. A steal. Reviewed November 26, 2006

Winery: Lynmar
From article: Memoirs of a Wine Trip Well-Taken