When you put a wine to your nose it has to invite you into the glass and make you want to take a sip – unfortunately with Norm’s new Pinot Gris that was not the case. The aromas, if you can call them that, were sulpher-like with a strange leesy-yeasty-ness. In fact, it would seem that Norman had to convince the group I was with that it was not something to be afraid of: “It’s all about the palate for me,” he said, “if the nose comes out good it’s a bonus. In the end, you’re gonna smell it twice, but put it in your mouth 20 times.” And with that sips were taken and by Jove if he wasn’t right. Suddenly, rich fruit flavours of lemon and lime filled the mouth followed up by a brilliant tingle on the tongue. Wonderful balance between fruit and acid, which screamed, “Don’t I taste delicious!” And you just had to agree. The nose detracts from the initial impression, but don’t let that fool you, because it is the palate that’s the big surprise, as it enhances your overall impression, and that’s the strange dichotomy of this wine. Price: $25.00 – Rating: ****