Had some single friends over for dinner last night. With a homemade gardineria of carrot, celery and green olives:
2023 King Estate Pinot Gris Artisan Series Willamette Valley
Pinot Gris, at least in America, doesn't usually present as 'tangy', but this does, wonderfully so, in spades. Bright notes of lemon, white nectarine and green apple make this a seriously perfect summer wine. I'll buy again.
With ricotta and artichoke bruschetta:
2022 Gramercy Olsen Vineyard Rose, Washington
Drier than previous vintages I've had, with some savory tonality among the rose petals. Excellent.
With a salad of escarole, frisee, radicchio and almonds:
2023 La Crema Chardonnay Monterey
Brought by a guest. What this is seems less important than what it isn't--at least to someone who remembers this brand from 20 years ago. There's obvious oak but it's not butterscotch-y, there's smoothing malo but it doesn't taste like a marshmallow, it's not too sweet nor is it overtly tropical. Just a pleasantly nondescript CalChard made for mass appeal.
With Italian Wedding Risotto:
2020 Domaine Anita Fleurie Poncié Gamay
A charming blend of dark red fruit with mild oak and a pleasantly sweet finish. Drinks beautifully now.