Compton Family Wines
Garden Series
Pinot Gris 2023
$20

92 Rating

“Catches the hint of blush that characterizes this grape. It’s in a fine drinking window, with citrus and pear and table grapefruit flavors. Almost fleshy, nicely balanced and textural, it is especially pleasing at this price. 2500 cases; 13%. “

Varietal purity is on display here, offering classic Pinot Gris flavors with hints of citrus. pear, peach, and a touch of almond. Elegant texture on a broad mid-palate is set off by crisp natural acids. A lovely hint of lemon oil accents both the scent and the flavor. Creamy toasted lees and soft honey notes lead to lingering flavors, mouth filling – this one is something special.

The 2023 growing season had a late start with a cool April that prevented bud break, which we welcomed after last year’s spring frost. Vines across the state started bud break with the abrupt warm temperatures in late April to May. The warm May led to some of the most rapid grapevine growth that I have seen in my 16 years in Oregon. As a result, most of the state’s growing regions started bloom by early June, as sufficient heat units were reached. The warm summer rewarded us with great fruit quality and higher-than-expected yields at harvest time and an early harvest in mid-September. The quality of the fruit in 2023 was outstanding.