Damn it, I’m almost sure Jeff Aubry (owner) instructs Dave Sheppard (winemaker) to make a Pinot Gris to prove me wrong. I am always saying that Pinot Gris is one of the most boring and bland grape varieites, but Aubry and Sheppard are on some kind of mission to prove that maybe there is something special about this grape. Fifty percent of this Pinot Gris saw five months of neutral oak, which has helped to really round out the mouthfeel. Aromas are grapefruit, peach pit and lime zest while the palate has a certain richness yet with balancing acidity along with some spice notes that do spark some interest … and yes there’s a hint of sweetness in the middle, but that white pepper finish really brings this Gris into the realm of BANG! Instead of BLAH. Price: $19.95 – Rating: ****